Systems, devices, and techniques for managing data sessions in a wireless network using a native blockchain platform

A network function (NF) device, comprising:

• one or more network interfaces to communicate within a communication network;
• a processor coupled to the network interfaces;
• and
• a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to:
• receive session request data associated with a User Equipment (UE), the session request data including blockchain authentication data;
• select a Blockchain Authentication Function (BAF) entity based on the session request data;
• exchange at least a portion of the blockchain authentication data with the BAF entity over a blockchain network interface;
• receive authentication confirmation data from the BAF entity over the blockchain network interface;
• and
• establish a data session associated with the UE based on the authentication confirmation data.

A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media having instructions encoded thereon, the instructions, when executed by a processor, are operable to perform operations comprising:

• receive, by a Network Function (NF) entity, session request data associated with a User Equipment (UE), the session request data including blockchain authentication data;
• select, by the NF entity, a Blockchain Authentication Function (BAF) entity based on the session request data;
• exchange, by the NF entity, at least a portion of the blockchain authentication data with the BAF entity over a blockchain network interface;
• receive, by the NF entity, authentication confirmation data from the BAF entity over the blockchain network interface;
• and
• establish a data session associated with the UE based on the authentication confirmation data.