Machine learning (ML) model management in 5G core network

A method for a second network node or function (NNF) configured for machine learning (ML) model management in a communication network, the method comprising:

• sending, to a first NNF of the communication network, a first message including one but not both of the following:
• one or more ML model identifiers corresponding to one or more ML models maintained by the first NNF, and
• an identifier of an analytic based on the one or more ML models;
• and
• receiving, from the first NNF in response to the first message, a second message including one of the following:
• a plurality of tuples corresponding to a plurality of ML models on which the analytic is based, wherein each tuple includes a different one of the ML model identifiers and one or more information elements associated with the corresponding ML model;
• or
• a single tuple including the analytic identifier and one or more information elements associated with a single ML model on which the analytic is based.

Network equipment arranged to implement a first network node or function (NNF) configured for machine learning (ML) model management in a communication network, wherein the network equipment comprises:

• communication interface circuitry configured to communicate with a second NNF of the communication network;
• and
• processing circuitry operably coupled to the communication interface circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry and the communication interface circuitry are configured to:
• receive, from the second NNF, a first message including one but not both of the following:
• one or more ML model identifiers corresponding to one or more ML models maintained by the first NNF, and
• an identifier of an analytic based on the one or more ML models;
• and
• send, to the second NNF in response to the first message, a second message including one of the following:
• a plurality of tuples corresponding to a plurality of ML models on which the analytic is based, wherein each tuple includes a different one of the ML model identifiers and one or more information elements associated with the corresponding ML model;
• or
• a single tuple including the analytic identifier and one or more information elements associated with a single ML model on which the analytic is based.

Network equipment arranged to implement a second network node or function (NNF) configured for machine learning (ML) model management in a communication network, wherein the network equipment comprises:

• communication interface circuitry configured to communicate with a first NNF of the communication network;
• and
• processing circuitry operably coupled to the communication interface circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry and the communication interface circuitry are configured to:
• send, to the first NNF, a first message including one but not both of the following:
• one or more ML model identifiers corresponding to one or more ML models maintained by the first NNF, and
• an identifier of an analytic based on the one or more ML models;
• and
• receive, from the first NNF in response to the first message, a second message including one of the following:
• a plurality of tuples corresponding to a plurality of ML models on which the analytic is based, wherein each tuple includes a different one of the ML model identifiers and one or more information elements associated with the corresponding ML model;
• or
• a single tuple including the analytic identifier and one or more information elements associated with a single ML model on which the analytic is based.