Methods and apparatuses for network function selection in 5g for a user
AssigneeTelefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
InventorsDavid CASTELLANOS ZAMORA, Jesus-Angel DE-GREGORIO-RODRIGUEZ
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present specification faces the issues of selecting a right 5G Network Function, NF, instance in scenarios wherein NF instances are considered NF segments that manage different sets of users and wherein NF segmentation is not based on SUPI ranges. To solve these issues, there is provided a new procedure for accessing an NF segment, wherein registration and discovery of the right NF segment is based on a Routing Indicator, and wherein the Routing Indicator, which is received with a Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) identifying a UE, is included in any interaction between 5GC NFs.
Claims23
A method of accessing a Network Function, NF, segment by an NF consumer, the NF segment corresponds corresponding to an NF producer instance in charge of a set of user equipment, UE, for subscribers of a core network, the method executed at a first network node that implements an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, and the method comprising:
- receiving at the first network node a UE registration message originated from a UE, the UE registration message comprising a Subscription Concealed Identifier, SUCI, which includes a Routing Indicator assigned to a subscription for the UE in the core network;
- selecting, at the first network node, an NF segment assigned for the UE based on the Routing Indicator;
- accessing, from the first network node to the NF segment assigned for the UE, to obtain UE related information;
- receiving, at the first network node from the NF segment assigned for the UE, a Subscription Permanent Identifier, SUPI, for the UE;
- and
- transmitting, from the first network node toward a second network node of the core network, an operation request with the SUPI and the Routing Indicator for the UE, to facilitate discovery by the second network node of the NF segment assigned for the UE.
(canceled)
A method of accessing a Network Function, NF, segment by an NF consumer, the NF segment corresponding to an NF producer instance in charge of a set of user equipment, UE, for subscribers of a core network, the method executed at a second network node of the core network, and the method comprising:
- receiving, at the second network node, an operation request with a Subscription Permanent Identifier, SUPI, and a Routing Indicator for a UE, the SUPI and the Routing Indicator provided from a first network node, which implements an Access and Mobility Management Function (3), AMF, to facilitate discovery by the second network node of an NF segment assigned for the UE;
- selecting, at the second network node, an NF segment assigned for the UE based on the Routing Indicator;
- and
- accessing, from the second network node to the NF segment assigned for the UE, to perform a UE related procedure.
(canceled)
A first network node, which implements an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, for facilitating access to a Network Function, NF, segment by an NF consumer, the NF segment corresponding to an NF producer instance in charge of a set of user equipment, UE, for subscribers of a core network, the first network node configured to:
- receive, via a receiver, a UE registration message originated from a UE (1), the UE registration message comprising a Subscription Concealed Identifier, SUCI, which includes a Routing Indicator assigned to a subscription for the UE in the core network;
- select an NF segment assigned for the UE based on the Routing Indicator;
- access, via a transmitter to the NF segment assigned for the UE, to obtain UE related information;
- receive, via the receiver from the NF segment assigned for the UE, a Subscription Permanent Identifier, SUPI, for the UE;
- and
- transmit, via the transmitter toward a second network node of the core network, an operation request with the SUPI and the Routing Indicator for the UE, to facilitate discovery by the second network node of the NF segment assigned for the UE.
A second network node of a core network for accessing a Network Function, NF, segment as an NF consumer, the NF segment corresponding to an NF producer instance in charge of a set of user equipment, UE, for subscribers of the core network, the second network node configured to:
- receive, via a receiver, an operation request with a Subscription Permanent Identifier, SUPI, and a Routing Indicator for a UE, the SUPI and the Routing Indicator provided from a first network node, which implements an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, to facilitate discovery by the second network node of an NF segment assigned for the UE;
- select an NF segment assigned for the UE based on the Routing Indicator;
- and
- access, via a transmitter to the NF segment assigned for the UE, to perform a UE related procedure.
-26. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.