WO2019162862A1 - Dead network function (nf) service producer detection - Google Patents

Dead network function (nf) service producer detection Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019162862A1
WO2019162862A1 PCT/IB2019/051393 IB2019051393W WO2019162862A1 WO 2019162862 A1 WO2019162862 A1 WO 2019162862A1 IB 2019051393 W IB2019051393 W IB 2019051393W WO 2019162862 A1 WO2019162862 A1 WO 2019162862A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
service
producer
service producer
dead
consumer
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PCT/IB2019/051393
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jari Vikberg
Ralf Keller
Original Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
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Publication of WO2019162862A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019162862A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H04W24/04—Arrangements for maintaining operational condition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/50—Network service management, e.g. ensuring proper service fulfilment according to agreements
    • H04L41/5003—Managing SLA; Interaction between SLA and QoS
    • H04L41/5009—Determining service level performance parameters or violations of service level contracts, e.g. violations of agreed response time or mean time between failures [MTBF]
    • H04L41/5012—Determining service level performance parameters or violations of service level contracts, e.g. violations of agreed response time or mean time between failures [MTBF] determining service availability, e.g. which services are available at a certain point in time
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • H04L43/10—Active monitoring, e.g. heartbeat, ping or trace-route
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/30—Network data restoration; Network data reliability; Network data fault tolerance

Definitions

  • NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network
  • 5G Fifth Generation Core Network
  • TS Technical Specification
  • FIG. 1 shows a 5G system architecture (see TS 23.501 V15.0.0).
  • a new function called Network Repository Function (NRF) has been introduced.
  • the NRF supports Network Function (NF) / service discovery. It receives a NF Discovery Request from NF instances (e.g., if the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) needs a Policy Control Function (PCF)) and provides the information of the discovered NF instances to the querying NF instance.
  • the NRF also maintains the NF profile of available NF instances and their supported services. More information about NRF is available in TS 23.501 V15.0.0, TS 23.502 V15.0.0, and TS 29.510 V0.4.0.
  • a method of operation of a network node to detect a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system comprises communicating with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer.
  • the method further comprises detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, and thereafter notifying another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • dead NF Service Producer detection is provided without adding much load to the cellular communications system.
  • the dead NF Service Producer detection also takes place fast, as it is based on normal actions in the cellular
  • UE User Equipment device
  • the network node is a NF Service Consumer
  • the method further comprises, prior to communicating with the first NF Service Producer, sending, to a Network Repository Function (NRF), a NF Discovery Request for the NF Service and receiving, from the NRF, a NF Discovery Response that identifies the first NF Service Producer as a NF that provides the NF Service.
  • NRF Network Repository Function
  • the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is capable of performing dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • notifying another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying the NRF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • the network node is a second NF Service Producer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating with the first NF Service
  • notifying another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying the NF Service Consumer that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • the first NF Service Producer provides more than one NF service and detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer comprises detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died with respect to any one of the more than one NF services provided by the first NF Service Producer.
  • the first NF Service Producer provides more than one NF service comprising the consumed NF service and detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer comprises detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died with respect to a particular one of the more than one NF service provided by the first NF Service Producer.
  • Embodiments of a network node for detecting a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed.
  • a network node for detecting a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system is adapted to communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • Embodiments of a physical network node implementing a network node for detecting a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed.
  • the physical network node comprises one or more network interfaces, one or more processors, and memory comprising instructions executable by the one or more processors whereby the physical network node is operable to implement the network node.
  • the network node is operable to communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • Embodiments of a method of operation of a NRF to enable detection of a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed.
  • the method comprises receiving, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability.
  • the method further comprises sending, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer.
  • the method further comprises receiving, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead and processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
  • processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
  • the NRF adapted to receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability.
  • the NRF is further adapted to send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer.
  • the NRF is further adapted to receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead and process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
  • processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
  • Embodiments of a physical network node implementing a NRF for enabling detection of a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed.
  • the physical network node comprises one or more network interfaces, one or more processors, and memory comprising instructions executable by the one or more processors whereby the physical network node is operable to implement the NRF.
  • the NRF is operable to receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability.
  • the NRF is further operable to send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer.
  • the NRF is further adapted to receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead, and process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a Fifth Generation (5G) architecture
  • Figure 2 illustrates one example of a cellular communications network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented
  • Figure 3 shows an exemplary signaling flow for one embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 5 through 7 illustrate example embodiments of a network node.
  • NF Service Producer is a Network Function (NF) in a core network of a cellular communications network (e.g., in a core network of a Fifth Generation (5G) cellular communications network) that produces, or provides, a NF Service.
  • NF Network Function
  • a single NF Service Producer produces a single NF Service.
  • a single NF Service Producer produces one or more NF Services.
  • the NF Service Producer may perform a single registration with a Network Repository Function (NRF) for all of the two or more NF Services or the NF Service Producer may perform a separate registration with a NRF for each of the two or more NF Services, depending on the particular embodiment.
  • NRF Network Repository Function
  • the terms“NF Service Producer” and“NF Service Consumer” are used; however, if that service which is produced or consumed is not coupled to a particular NF, then this can be denoted by referring to the producer and consumer as“Network Service Producer” and “Network Service Consumer.” In other words, the present disclosure is equally applicable if the produced/consumed network service is not coupled to a particular NF.
  • Dead NF Service Producer is a NF Service Producer that is unavailable with respect to one or more NF Services produced by the NF Service Producer (i.e., with respect to one or more NF Services for which the NF Service Producer is registered with a NRF as a producer).
  • a single NF Service Producer produces a single NF Service, and the NF Service Producer is“dead” when the NF Service
  • a single NF Service Producer produces one or more NF Services.
  • NF Services • In some other embodiments, a single NF Service Producer produces one or more NF Services. In this case:
  • the NF Service Producer is“dead” when the NF Service Producer is unavailable with respect to producing any one or more of the NF Services. For example, if the NF Service Producer is detected as being unavailable for any one of the NF Services, the NF Service Producer is determined to be unavailable, or dead, with respect to all of the NF Services for which it is registered
  • the NF Service Producer is“dead” with
  • NF Service A is considered as being“dead” with respect to NF Service A but still available for NF Service B.
  • NF Service Consumer is a NF that consumes, or uses, a NF Service provided by a NF Service Producer.
  • NF Service is any service provided by a NF (i.e. , as a NF Service Producer). Some examples include, but are not limited to: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) Services (e.g., Namf_Communication,
  • AMF Access and Mobility Management Function
  • the concepts disclosed herein are not limited to network services in the core network but can also be applied to other network elements such as, e.g., network elements in the Radio Access Network (RAN).
  • RAN Radio Access Network
  • the NF Service Producer also deregisters itself from the NRF when it is gracefully terminated. Solutions are also needed for the case when a NF Service Producer is terminated (or simply crashes) without having the possibility to perform deregistration to the NRF to avoid the NRF providing false information about NF Service Producer availability to NF Service
  • the second solution is based on a management system detecting a NF Service Producer becoming unavailable and reporting the unavailable status of the detected NF Service Producer to the NRF.
  • Both the above solutions may result in late detection of a dead NF Service Producer.
  • Both the heartbeat functionality between the NRF and the NF Service Producer and the management system detecting the dead NF Service Producers could be set to very low time intervals to detect dead NF Service Producers. Such low time intervals would however trigger additional load to the 5G system.
  • Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to the aforementioned or other challenges.
  • the current disclosure provides new solutions for how dead NF Service Producers are detected.
  • the solution is based on a NF Service Consumer supporting the new dead NF Service
  • the NF Service Consumer provides an indication of dead NF Service Producer functionality to the NRF when discovering NF Service Producers.
  • the NRF may then authorize the NF Service Consumer to provide information about dead NF Service Producers, typically about NF Service Producers that the NRF returns to the NF Service Consumer.
  • the NF Service Consumer communicates with the NF Service Producer when using the services provided by the NF Service Producer, and can detect if the NF Service Producer is terminated. Once this detection takes place, the NF Service Consumer reports dead NF Service Producers to the NRF.
  • the dead NF Service Producer detection is provided in a timely fashion and without unnecessary additional load in the 5G system either by the NRF supporting dead NF Service Producer detection or by a NF Service Consumer supporting dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s).
  • the present disclosure provides a solution for a dead NF Service Producer solution without adding much load to the load of the 5G system.
  • the dead NF Service Producer detection also takes place fast as it is based on normal actions in the 5G system, for example related to User Equipment device (UE) signaling.
  • UE User Equipment device
  • Figure 2 illustrates one example of a cellular communications network 200 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.
  • the cellular communications network 200 is a 5G network.
  • the cellular communications network 200 includes base stations 202-1 and 202-2, which in 5G NR are referred to as NR base stations (gNBs), controlling
  • the base stations 202-1 and 202-2 are generally referred to herein collectively as base stations 202 and individually as base station 202.
  • the macro cells 204-1 and 204-2 are generally referred to herein collectively as macro cells 204 and individually as macro cell 204.
  • the communications network 200 may also include a number of low power nodes 206-1 through 206-4 controlling corresponding small cells 208-1 through 208-4.
  • the low power nodes 206-1 through 206-4 can be small base stations (such as pico or femto base stations) or Remote Radio Pleads (RRFIs), or the like.
  • RRFIs Remote Radio Pleads
  • one or more of the small cells 208-1 through 208-4 may alternatively be provided by the base stations 202.
  • the low power nodes 206-1 through 206-4 are generally referred to herein collectively as low power nodes 206 and individually as low power node 206.
  • the small cells 208-1 through 208-4 are generally referred to herein collectively as small cells 208 and individually as small cell 208.
  • the base stations 202 (and optionally the low power nodes 206) are connected to a core network 210. [0040] The base stations 202 and the low power nodes 206 provide service to wireless devices 212-1 through 212-5 in the corresponding cells 204 and 208.
  • the wireless devices 212-1 through 212-5 are generally referred to herein collectively as wireless devices 212 and individually as wireless device 212.
  • the wireless devices 212 are also sometimes referred to herein as UEs.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of cellular communications network 200 of Figure 2 and, in particular, illustrates the details of the core network 210 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the UE e.g., the wireless device 212 is connected to the (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN) (e.g., the RAN including the base stations 202 and the low power nodes 206).
  • the UE is also connected to the core network 210 via the (R)AN.
  • the core network 210 includes a number of NFs, which include a User Plane Function(s) (UPF(s)), SMF(s), Access and Mobility Management Function(s) (AMF(s)), Authentication Server Function(s) (AUSF(s)), Network Slice Selection Function(s)
  • the UE is able to communicate with a Data Network (DN) via the (R)AN and the UPF.
  • DN Data Network
  • the NRF function provides the Nnrf service based interface towards other NFs.
  • the shown other NFs may be either NF Service Producers or NF Service Consumers, or both.
  • the present disclosure provides solutions for detecting dead NF Service
  • an AMF can detect a SMF via the NRF and start consuming a Network Service of the SMF.
  • the AMF can perform dead NF Service Producer detection toward the SMF and report to the NRF when the AMF detects that the SMF has died.
  • Figure 3 shows an exemplary signaling flow for one embodiment of the present disclosure. It is also worth highlighting that Figure 3 is a high-level description and the textual description contains the description of multiple different embodiments.
  • a NF Service Producer is activated (step 300).
  • the NF Service Producer registers its address and supported services to the NRF using the NF Register Request primitive (step 302).
  • the NRF stores the information (step 304).
  • the NRF replies with the NF Register Response primitive (step 306).
  • a NF Service Consumer supports dead NF Service Producer detection functionality. In other words, the NF Service Consumer is able to perform dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • the NF Service Consumer desires to discover a NF Service Producer for a desired NF Service (step 308). As such, the NF Service Consumer queries the NRF to retrieve information about a NF Service Producer that produces the desired NF Service using a NF Discovery Request primitive towards the NRF (step 310).
  • the NF Service Consumer includes an indication in the NF Discovery Request that indicates that the NF Service Consumer supports (i.e., is capable of performing) dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • the NRF identifies one or more NF Service Producers that produce the NF Service desired by the NF Service Consumer (step 312).
  • the NRF may also authorize the NF Service Consumer to report information about detected dead NF Service Producers (step 314). In other words, the NRF may also decide whether the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection. The NRF returns information about the identified NF Service Producer(s) and an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection (step 316). In some
  • the NRF also returns a list of NF Service Producers for which the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • this list includes the NF Service Producer(s) identified by the NRF as producing the queried NF Service.
  • Communication takes place between the NF Service Consumer and the NF Service Producer (step 318). This step is repeated for all NF Service Producers to be observed. This communication is preferably the normal communication between the NF Service Consumer and the NF Service Producer by which the NF Service Producer produces the NF Service and the NF Service Consumer consumes the NF Service.
  • the NF Service Producer fails such that the NF Service Producer is no longer able to perform the NF Service and is unable to perform deregistration towards the NRF (step 320). This failure occurs while the NF Service Consumer is consuming the NF Service produced by the NF Service Producer.
  • the NF Service Consumer detects that the NF Service Producer has died (i.e., that the NF Service Producer is a dead NF Service Producer) (step 322). This detection can be based on, e.g., the NF Service Producer being not reachable, the NF Service Producer not responding (even after retry), lower layer transport lost and retry of establishment not possible, and/or heartbeat signaling over long- lasting transport connection fails.
  • the NF Service Consumer informs the NRF about the detected dead NF Service Producer by, in this example, using the NF Status Notification primitive (step 324).
  • the NRF then removes information about the detected dead NF Service Producer (step 326).
  • the NRF may perform additional or alternative actions in response to the notification such as, e.g., notifying another node (e.g., another NF Service Consumer(s)), flagging the NF Service Producer as being dead rather than removing its information, or the like.
  • the same NF Service Producer may provide more than one NF Service.
  • the NF Service Producer is assumed to be dead with respect to all of its provided NF Services and the NRF may, e.g., remove the information about the dead NF Service Producer for all of its provided NF Services.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • dead NF Service Producer detection is functionality that is registered to the NRF, i.e. it is a separate NF Service.
  • the NF Service Producer supporting dead NF Service Producer detection functionality registers itself to the NRF as a NF Service Producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service. NF Service Consumers can then discover the NF Service Producer as a producer of that service using the NRF.
  • NF Service Consumers are therefore NF Service Consumers for the dead NF Service Producer detection service.
  • NF Service Consumers for the dead NF Service Producer detection functionality can simultaneously act as either NF Service Producers or NF Service Consumers, or both, for any other NF Services.
  • a NF Service Producer supports dead NF Service Producer detection (i.e., supports the dead NF Service Producer service).
  • the NF Service Producer registers with the NRF as a NF Service Producer of the dead NF Service Producer service (step 400).
  • the registration request includes information such as, for example, information that indicates the dead NF Service Producer detection service capability of the NF Service Producer and an address of the NF Service Producer.
  • the NRF stores information that indicates that the NF Service Producer is a producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 402) and sends a NF Register Response to the NF Service
  • a NF Service Consumer desires to discover a producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 406). As such, the NF Service Consumer sends a NF Discovery Request to the NRF for the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 408).
  • the NRF identities the NF Service Producer as a producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 410) and sends a response to the NF Service Consumer that includes information about the identified NF Service Producer (step 412). This information includes, for example, an address or other information that enables the NF Service Consumer to communicate with the NF Service Producer for purposes of consuming the dead NF Service Producer detection service.
  • the NF Service Consumer for the dead NF Service Producer detection service directly contacts the NF Service Producer supporting the dead NF Service Producer detection service and provides information about a set of NF Service Producers (i.e., a set of NF Service Producers 1 to N) for which the dead NF Service Producer detection service is requested (step 414).
  • Producer detection service activates the detection directed to the set of NF Service Producers for which the detection is requested (step 416).
  • the NF Service Producer performs dead NF Service Producer detection towards the requested NF Service Producer(s).
  • the NF Service Producer provides information about detected dead NF Service Producers to the NF Service Consumer (step 418).
  • the detection of dead NF Services is based on similar mechanisms as in the embodiment described above in relation to step 322 of Figure 3. In this example, when a dead NF Service Producer is detected, the NF Service Producer sends a status notification to the NF Service
  • Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a physical network node 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • any one of the NFs described above e.g., the NF Service Producer, the NF Service Consumer, or the NRF
  • any one of the NFs described above is implemented as a virtual network node (e.g., a virtual machine hosting the NF), where this virtual network node deployed on a physical network node(s) such as the physical network node 500.
  • a virtual network node e.g., a virtual machine hosting the NF
  • the physical network node 500 includes one or more processors 502 (e.g., Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits).
  • processors 502 e.g., Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • the one or more processors 502 operate to provide one or more functions of a NF as described herein.
  • the functionality of the NF is implemented in software that is stored, e.g., in the memory 504 and executed by the one or more processors 502.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a virtualized embodiment of a network node 600 implementing a NF (e.g., a NF Service Producer, a NF Service
  • a NF e.g., a NF Service Producer, a NF Service
  • a“virtualized” network node is an implementation of a network node that implements a NF as a virtual component(s) (e.g., via a virtual machine(s) executing on a physical processing node(s) in a network(s)).
  • functions 610 of the network node 600 i.e. , functions of the NF implemented by the network node 600
  • the processing nodes 600 include one or more processor(s) 604, memory 606, and a network interface 608.
  • a computer program including instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to carry out the functionality of network node 500 or 600 according to any of the embodiments described herein is provided.
  • a carrier comprising the aforementioned computer program product is provided.
  • the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium such as memory).
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a network node 700 that implements a NF (e.g., a NF Service Producer, a NF Service Consumer, or a NRF) according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the network node 700 includes one or more modules 702, each of which is implemented in software.
  • the module(s) 702 provide the functionality of the network node 700 and in particular the NF as described herein.
  • any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed through one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual apparatuses.
  • Each virtual apparatus may comprise a number of these functional units.
  • These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include Digital Signal Processor (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like.
  • the processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc.
  • Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein.
  • the processing circuitry may be used to cause the respective functional unit to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Embodiment 1 A method of operation of a network node to detect a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular
  • communications system (200) comprising: communicating (318, 416) with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; detecting (322, 416) that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating (318) with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and notifying (324, 418) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • Embodiment 2 The method of embodiment 1 wherein the network node is a NF Service Consumer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating (318) with the first NF Service Producer: sending (310), to a Network Repository Function, NRF, a NF Discovery Request for the NF Service; and receiving (316), from the NRF, a NF Discovery Response that identifies the first NF Service Producer as a NF that provides the NF Service.
  • NRF Network Repository Function
  • 316 a NF Discovery Response that identifies the first NF Service Producer as a NF that provides the NF Service.
  • Embodiment 3 The method of embodiment 2 wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is capable of performing dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • Embodiment 4 The method of embodiment 2 or 3 wherein the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection.
  • Embodiment 6 The method of embodiment 1 wherein the network node is a second NF Service Producer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating (416) with the first NF Service Producer: registering (400) with a NRF such that the NRF is informed that the second NF Service Producer supports dead NF Service Producer detection as a NF Service; and receiving (414), from a NF Service Consumer, a request for the second NF Service Producer to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to one or more NF Service Producers identified in the request, the one or more NF Service Producers comprising the first NF Service Producer.
  • Embodiment 7 The method of embodiment 6 wherein notifying (418) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying (418) the NF Service Consumer that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • Embodiment 8 A network node for detecting a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the network node adapted to: communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • NF Network Function
  • Embodiment 9 The network node of embodiment 8 wherein the network node is further adapted to perform the method of any one of embodiments 2 to 7.
  • Embodiment 10 A physical network node (500) implementing a network node for detecting a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the physical network node (500) comprising: a network interface(s) (506); a processor(s) (502); and memory (504) comprising instructions executable by the processor(s) (502) whereby the physical network node (500) is operable to implement the network node and the network node is operable to: communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
  • Embodiment 1 1 The physical network node (500) of embodiment 10 wherein the network node is further adapted to perform the method of any one of embodiments 2 to 7.
  • Embodiment 12 A method of operation of a Network Repository Function, NRF, to enable detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), comprising: receiving (310), from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability; sending (316), to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer; receiving (324), from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and processing (326) the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
  • NRF Network Repository Function
  • Embodiment 13 The method of embodiment 12 wherein processing (326) the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
  • Embodiment 14 A Network Repository Function, NRF, for enabling detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the NRF adapted to: receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability; send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer; receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
  • NRF Network Repository Function
  • Embodiment 15 The NRF of embodiment 14 wherein processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
  • Embodiment 16 A physical network node (500) implementing a Network Repository Function, NRF, for enabling detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the physical network node (500) comprising: a network interface(s) (506); a processor(s) (502); and memory (504) comprising instructions executable by the processor(s) (502) whereby the physical network node (500) is operable to implement the NRF and the NRF is operable to: receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability; send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer; receive, from the physical network node (

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Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for dead Network Function (NF) Service Producer detection in a cellular communications system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operation of a network node to detect a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system comprises communicating with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer. The method further comprises detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, and notifying another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died. In this manner, dead NF Service Producer detection is provided quickly without adding much load to the cellular communications system.

Description

DEAD NETWORK FUNCTION (NF) SERVICE PRODUCER DETECTION
Related Applications
[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application serial number 62/633,295, filed February 21 , 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system and, in particular, to detection of an unavailable network function in a core network of a Fifth Generation (5G) core network.
Background
[0003] Standardization work is ongoing on Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG- RAN) and Fifth Generation (5G) Core Network (5GC) as new packet core network. See Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) 23.501 and 23.502 for stage 2.
[0004] Figure 1 shows a 5G system architecture (see TS 23.501 V15.0.0). A new function called Network Repository Function (NRF) has been introduced. The NRF supports Network Function (NF) / service discovery. It receives a NF Discovery Request from NF instances (e.g., if the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) needs a Policy Control Function (PCF)) and provides the information of the discovered NF instances to the querying NF instance. The NRF also maintains the NF profile of available NF instances and their supported services. More information about NRF is available in TS 23.501 V15.0.0, TS 23.502 V15.0.0, and TS 29.510 V0.4.0.
Figure imgf000003_0001
[0005] Systems and methods are disclosed herein for dead Network Function (NF) Service Producer detection in a cellular communications system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operation of a network node to detect a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system comprises communicating with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer. The method further comprises detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, and thereafter notifying another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died. In this manner, dead NF Service Producer detection is provided without adding much load to the cellular communications system. The dead NF Service Producer detection also takes place fast, as it is based on normal actions in the cellular
communications system such as, e.g., normal actions related to User Equipment device (UE) signaling.
[0006] In some embodiments, the network node is a NF Service Consumer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating with the first NF Service Producer, sending, to a Network Repository Function (NRF), a NF Discovery Request for the NF Service and receiving, from the NRF, a NF Discovery Response that identifies the first NF Service Producer as a NF that provides the NF Service. Further, in some embodiments, the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is capable of performing dead NF Service Producer detection. In some embodiments, the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection. In some embodiments, notifying another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying the NRF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0007] In some other embodiments, the network node is a second NF Service Producer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating with the first NF Service
Producer, registering with a NRF such that the NRF is informed that the second NF Service Producer supports dead NF Service Producer detection as a NF Service and receiving, from a NF Service Consumer, a request for the second NF Service Producer to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to one or more NF Service Producers identified in the request, the one or more NF Service Producers comprising the first NF Service Producer. Further, in some embodiments, notifying another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying the NF Service Consumer that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0008] In some embodiments, the first NF Service Producer provides more than one NF service and detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer comprises detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died with respect to any one of the more than one NF services provided by the first NF Service Producer.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first NF Service Producer provides more than one NF service comprising the consumed NF service and detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer comprises detecting that the first NF Service Producer has died with respect to a particular one of the more than one NF service provided by the first NF Service Producer.
[0010] Embodiments of a network node for detecting a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed. In some
embodiments, a network node for detecting a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system is adapted to communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0011 ] Embodiments of a physical network node implementing a network node for detecting a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the physical network node comprises one or more network interfaces, one or more processors, and memory comprising instructions executable by the one or more processors whereby the physical network node is operable to implement the network node. The network node is operable to communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer, and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0012] Embodiments of a method of operation of a NRF to enable detection of a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability. The method further comprises sending, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer. The method further comprises receiving, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead and processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
[0013] In some embodiments, processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
[0014] Embodiments of a NRF for enabling detection of a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed. In some
embodiments, the NRF adapted to receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability. The NRF is further adapted to send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer. In some embodiments, the NRF is further adapted to receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead and process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
[0015] In some embodiments, processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
[0016] Embodiments of a physical network node implementing a NRF for enabling detection of a dead NF Service Producer in a core network of a cellular communications system are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the physical network node comprises one or more network interfaces, one or more processors, and memory comprising instructions executable by the one or more processors whereby the physical network node is operable to implement the NRF. The NRF is operable to receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability. The NRF is further operable to send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, wherein the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer. The NRF is further adapted to receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead, and process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0017] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a Fifth Generation (5G) architecture;
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates one example of a cellular communications network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;
[0020] Figure 3 shows an exemplary signaling flow for one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021 ] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0022] Figures 5 through 7 illustrate example embodiments of a network node.
Detailed Description
[0023] The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure.
[0024] NF Service Producer: As used herein, a“NF Service Producer” is a Network Function (NF) in a core network of a cellular communications network (e.g., in a core network of a Fifth Generation (5G) cellular communications network) that produces, or provides, a NF Service. In some embodiments, a single NF Service Producer produces a single NF Service. In some other embodiments, a single NF Service Producer produces one or more NF Services. In this case, if a single NF Service Producer produces two or more NF Services, the NF Service Producer may perform a single registration with a Network Repository Function (NRF) for all of the two or more NF Services or the NF Service Producer may perform a separate registration with a NRF for each of the two or more NF Services, depending on the particular embodiment. Note that, in this document, the terms“NF Service Producer” and“NF Service Consumer” are used; however, if that service which is produced or consumed is not coupled to a particular NF, then this can be denoted by referring to the producer and consumer as“Network Service Producer” and “Network Service Consumer.” In other words, the present disclosure is equally applicable if the produced/consumed network service is not coupled to a particular NF.
[0025] Dead NF Service Producer: As used herein, a“dead NF Service Producer” is a NF Service Producer that is unavailable with respect to one or more NF Services produced by the NF Service Producer (i.e., with respect to one or more NF Services for which the NF Service Producer is registered with a NRF as a producer).
• In some embodiments, a single NF Service Producer produces a single NF Service, and the NF Service Producer is“dead” when the NF Service
Producer is unavailable with respect to producing the NF Service.
• In some other embodiments, a single NF Service Producer produces one or more NF Services. In this case:
o In some embodiments, the NF Service Producer is“dead” when the NF Service Producer is unavailable with respect to producing any one or more of the NF Services. For example, if the NF Service Producer is detected as being unavailable for any one of the NF Services, the NF Service Producer is determined to be unavailable, or dead, with respect to all of the NF Services for which it is registered
o In some other embodiments, the NF Service Producer is“dead” with
respect to a particular NF Service when the NF Service Producer is unavailable with respect to producing that particular NF Service. For example, if the NF Service Producer is registered as producing a NF Service A and a NF Service B and the NF Service Producer is detected as being“dead,” or unavailable, with respect to NF Service A, then NF Service A is considered as being“dead” with respect to NF Service A but still available for NF Service B.
[0026] NF Service Consumer: As used herein, a“NF Service Consumer” is a NF that consumes, or uses, a NF Service provided by a NF Service Producer.
[0027] NF Service: As used herein, a“NF Service” is any service provided by a NF (i.e. , as a NF Service Producer). Some examples include, but are not limited to: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) Services (e.g., Namf_Communication,
Namf_EventExposure, Namf_MT), Session Management Function (SMF) Services (e.g., Nsmf_PDUSession, Nsmf_EventExposure), and the like. Many other examples can be found in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) 23.501 V15.0.0 and 23.502 V15.0.0.
[0028] Network Node: As used herein, a“network node” is a physical (infrastructure) network node (e.g., a physical network node implementing a NF(s) as a virtual machine(s) or a physical network node operating to provide the functionality of a NF(s)) or a virtual network node (e.g., a virtual machine that provides the functionality of NF(s) and operates on a physical network node).
[0029] Note that the description given herein focuses on a 3GPP communications system and, as such, 3GPP terminology or terminology similar to 3GPP terminology is oftentimes used. Flowever, the concepts disclosed herein are not limited to a 3GPP system.
[0030] Note that, in the description herein, reference may be made to the term“cell;” however, particularly with respect to 5G New Radio (NR) concepts, beams may be used instead of cells and, as such, it is important to note that the concepts described herein are equally applicable to both cells and beams.
[0031 ] Also note that the concepts disclosed herein are not limited to network services in the core network but can also be applied to other network elements such as, e.g., network elements in the Radio Access Network (RAN).
[0032] There currently exist certain challenge(s). As discussed above, a new function called NRF has been introduced in the 5G Core Network (5GC). The NRF supports service (and NF) discovery towards NFs. A NF is also called a NF Service Producer indicating that the NF supports and produces one or more different services towards another NF (called a NF Service Consumer). It is important that the NRF has up-to-date information about NF Service Producer availability; otherwise, the NF Service Consumer may try to interact with a non-available NF Service Producer. A NF Service Producer registers the services it supports to the NRF, for example, when the NF Service Producer is activated for the first time or when a new instance of the NF Service Producer is activated. The NF Service Producer also deregisters itself from the NRF when it is gracefully terminated. Solutions are also needed for the case when a NF Service Producer is terminated (or simply crashes) without having the possibility to perform deregistration to the NRF to avoid the NRF providing false information about NF Service Producer availability to NF Service
Consumers.
[0033] 3GPP TS 29.501 V15.0.0 describes two different solutions for dead NF detection. The first solution is based on either heartbeat functionality between the NF Service
Producer and the NRF or a periodic update of the NF Service Producer status towards the NRF. The second solution is based on a management system detecting a NF Service Producer becoming unavailable and reporting the unavailable status of the detected NF Service Producer to the NRF.
[0034] Both the above solutions may result in late detection of a dead NF Service Producer. Both the heartbeat functionality between the NRF and the NF Service Producer and the management system detecting the dead NF Service Producers could be set to very low time intervals to detect dead NF Service Producers. Such low time intervals would however trigger additional load to the 5G system.
[0035] It would be beneficial to have a dead NF Service Producer solution that doesn’t add to the load of the 5G system and that would also provide timely detection of dead NF Service Producers.
[0036] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to the aforementioned or other challenges. The current disclosure provides new solutions for how dead NF Service Producers are detected. In some embodiments, the solution is based on a NF Service Consumer supporting the new dead NF Service
Producer functionality. The NF Service Consumer provides an indication of dead NF Service Producer functionality to the NRF when discovering NF Service Producers. The NRF may then authorize the NF Service Consumer to provide information about dead NF Service Producers, typically about NF Service Producers that the NRF returns to the NF Service Consumer. The NF Service Consumer communicates with the NF Service Producer when using the services provided by the NF Service Producer, and can detect if the NF Service Producer is terminated. Once this detection takes place, the NF Service Consumer reports dead NF Service Producers to the NRF.
[0037] The dead NF Service Producer detection is provided in a timely fashion and without unnecessary additional load in the 5G system either by the NRF supporting dead NF Service Producer detection or by a NF Service Consumer supporting dead NF Service Producer detection.
[0038] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). The present disclosure provides a solution for a dead NF Service Producer solution without adding much load to the load of the 5G system. The dead NF Service Producer detection also takes place fast as it is based on normal actions in the 5G system, for example related to User Equipment device (UE) signaling.
[0039] In this regard, Figure 2 illustrates one example of a cellular communications network 200 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the embodiments described herein, the cellular communications network 200 is a 5G network. In this example, the cellular communications network 200 includes base stations 202-1 and 202-2, which in 5G NR are referred to as NR base stations (gNBs), controlling
corresponding macro cells 204-1 and 204-2. The base stations 202-1 and 202-2 are generally referred to herein collectively as base stations 202 and individually as base station 202. Likewise, the macro cells 204-1 and 204-2 are generally referred to herein collectively as macro cells 204 and individually as macro cell 204. The cellular
communications network 200 may also include a number of low power nodes 206-1 through 206-4 controlling corresponding small cells 208-1 through 208-4. The low power nodes 206-1 through 206-4 can be small base stations (such as pico or femto base stations) or Remote Radio Pleads (RRFIs), or the like. Notably, while not illustrated, one or more of the small cells 208-1 through 208-4 may alternatively be provided by the base stations 202. The low power nodes 206-1 through 206-4 are generally referred to herein collectively as low power nodes 206 and individually as low power node 206. Likewise, the small cells 208-1 through 208-4 are generally referred to herein collectively as small cells 208 and individually as small cell 208. The base stations 202 (and optionally the low power nodes 206) are connected to a core network 210. [0040] The base stations 202 and the low power nodes 206 provide service to wireless devices 212-1 through 212-5 in the corresponding cells 204 and 208. The wireless devices 212-1 through 212-5 are generally referred to herein collectively as wireless devices 212 and individually as wireless device 212. The wireless devices 212 are also sometimes referred to herein as UEs.
[0041 ] Referring back to Figure 1 , Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of cellular communications network 200 of Figure 2 and, in particular, illustrates the details of the core network 210 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0042] As illustrated, the UE (e.g., the wireless device 212) is connected to the (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN) (e.g., the RAN including the base stations 202 and the low power nodes 206). The UE is also connected to the core network 210 via the (R)AN. As illustrated, the core network 210 includes a number of NFs, which include a User Plane Function(s) (UPF(s)), SMF(s), Access and Mobility Management Function(s) (AMF(s)), Authentication Server Function(s) (AUSF(s)), Network Slice Selection Function(s)
(NSSF(s)), Network Exposure Function(s) (NEF(s)), NRF(s), Policy Control Function(s) (PCF(s)), Unified Data Management(s) (UDM(s)), and Application Function(s) (AF(s)). The UE is able to communicate with a Data Network (DN) via the (R)AN and the UPF.
[0043] The NRF function provides the Nnrf service based interface towards other NFs. The shown other NFs may be either NF Service Producers or NF Service Consumers, or both.
[0044] The present disclosure provides solutions for detecting dead NF Service
Producers. In some embodiments, the solution is based on a NF Service Consumer supporting dead NF Service Producer detection functionality. The NF Service Consumer provides an indication of dead NF Service Producer detection functionality to the NRF when discovering NF Service Producers. The NRF may then authorize the NF Service Consumer to provide information about dead NF Service Producers, i.e. about NF Service Producers that the NRF returns to the NF Service Consumer and for which such a dead NF Service Producer detection functionality is required. The NF Service Consumer communicates with the NF Service Producer when using the services provided by the NF Service Producer, and can detect if the NF Service Producer is dead (i.e., unavailable). Once this detection takes place, the NF Service Consumer reports the dead NF Service Producer(s) to the NRF. [0045] As an example, an AMF can detect a SMF via the NRF and start consuming a Network Service of the SMF. The AMF can perform dead NF Service Producer detection toward the SMF and report to the NRF when the AMF detects that the SMF has died.
[0046] Figure 3 shows an exemplary signaling flow for one embodiment of the present disclosure. It is also worth highlighting that Figure 3 is a high-level description and the textual description contains the description of multiple different embodiments.
[0047] As illustrated, a NF Service Producer is activated (step 300). The NF Service Producer registers its address and supported services to the NRF using the NF Register Request primitive (step 302). The NRF stores the information (step 304). The NRF replies with the NF Register Response primitive (step 306).
[0048] A NF Service Consumer supports dead NF Service Producer detection functionality. In other words, the NF Service Consumer is able to perform dead NF Service Producer detection. In this embodiment, the NF Service Consumer desires to discover a NF Service Producer for a desired NF Service (step 308). As such, the NF Service Consumer queries the NRF to retrieve information about a NF Service Producer that produces the desired NF Service using a NF Discovery Request primitive towards the NRF (step 310). In some embodiments, the NF Service Consumer includes an indication in the NF Discovery Request that indicates that the NF Service Consumer supports (i.e., is capable of performing) dead NF Service Producer detection. The NRF identifies one or more NF Service Producers that produce the NF Service desired by the NF Service Consumer (step 312). In some embodiments, the NRF may also authorize the NF Service Consumer to report information about detected dead NF Service Producers (step 314). In other words, the NRF may also decide whether the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection. The NRF returns information about the identified NF Service Producer(s) and an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection (step 316). In some
embodiments, the NRF also returns a list of NF Service Producers for which the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection. In this example, this list includes the NF Service Producer(s) identified by the NRF as producing the queried NF Service.
[0049] Communication takes place between the NF Service Consumer and the NF Service Producer (step 318). This step is repeated for all NF Service Producers to be observed. This communication is preferably the normal communication between the NF Service Consumer and the NF Service Producer by which the NF Service Producer produces the NF Service and the NF Service Consumer consumes the NF Service.
[0050] The NF Service Producer fails such that the NF Service Producer is no longer able to perform the NF Service and is unable to perform deregistration towards the NRF (step 320). This failure occurs while the NF Service Consumer is consuming the NF Service produced by the NF Service Producer. The NF Service Consumer detects that the NF Service Producer has died (i.e., that the NF Service Producer is a dead NF Service Producer) (step 322). This detection can be based on, e.g., the NF Service Producer being not reachable, the NF Service Producer not responding (even after retry), lower layer transport lost and retry of establishment not possible, and/or heartbeat signaling over long- lasting transport connection fails.
[0051 ] The NF Service Consumer informs the NRF about the detected dead NF Service Producer by, in this example, using the NF Status Notification primitive (step 324). In this example, the NRF then removes information about the detected dead NF Service Producer (step 326). The NRF may perform additional or alternative actions in response to the notification such as, e.g., notifying another node (e.g., another NF Service Consumer(s)), flagging the NF Service Producer as being dead rather than removing its information, or the like.
[0052] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the same NF Service Producer may provide more than one NF Service. As such, in some embodiments, once the NF Service Producer is detected as being dead with respect to any one of the provided NF Services, the NF Service Producer is assumed to be dead with respect to all of its provided NF Services and the NRF may, e.g., remove the information about the dead NF Service Producer for all of its provided NF Services. However, in some other embodiments, once the NF Service Producer is detected as being dead with respect to a particular one of the NF Services that it provides, the NF Service Producer is considered dead with respect to only that NF Service and the NRF may, e.g., remove the information about the dead NF Service Producer for only that particular NF Service. For example, the NRF may maintain separate registrations for the NF Service Producer for each of its provided NF Services and remove only the registration of the NF Service Producer for that particular NF Service. [0053] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, dead NF Service Producer detection is functionality that is registered to the NRF, i.e. it is a separate NF Service. The NF Service Producer supporting dead NF Service Producer detection functionality registers itself to the NRF as a NF Service Producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service. NF Service Consumers can then discover the NF Service Producer as a producer of that service using the NRF.
These NF Service Consumers are therefore NF Service Consumers for the dead NF Service Producer detection service.
[0054] It is also worth highlighting that the NF Service Consumers for the dead NF Service Producer detection functionality can simultaneously act as either NF Service Producers or NF Service Consumers, or both, for any other NF Services.
[0055] As illustrated, a NF Service Producer supports dead NF Service Producer detection (i.e., supports the dead NF Service Producer service). The NF Service Producer registers with the NRF as a NF Service Producer of the dead NF Service Producer service (step 400). The registration request includes information such as, for example, information that indicates the dead NF Service Producer detection service capability of the NF Service Producer and an address of the NF Service Producer. The NRF stores information that indicates that the NF Service Producer is a producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 402) and sends a NF Register Response to the NF Service
Producer (step 404).
[0056] A NF Service Consumer desires to discover a producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 406). As such, the NF Service Consumer sends a NF Discovery Request to the NRF for the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 408). The NRF identities the NF Service Producer as a producer of the dead NF Service Producer detection service (step 410) and sends a response to the NF Service Consumer that includes information about the identified NF Service Producer (step 412). This information includes, for example, an address or other information that enables the NF Service Consumer to communicate with the NF Service Producer for purposes of consuming the dead NF Service Producer detection service.
[0057] The NF Service Consumer for the dead NF Service Producer detection service directly contacts the NF Service Producer supporting the dead NF Service Producer detection service and provides information about a set of NF Service Producers (i.e., a set of NF Service Producers 1 to N) for which the dead NF Service Producer detection service is requested (step 414). The NF Service Producer for the dead NF Service
Producer detection service activates the detection directed to the set of NF Service Producers for which the detection is requested (step 416). In other words, the NF Service Producer performs dead NF Service Producer detection towards the requested NF Service Producer(s). The NF Service Producer provides information about detected dead NF Service Producers to the NF Service Consumer (step 418). The detection of dead NF Services is based on similar mechanisms as in the embodiment described above in relation to step 322 of Figure 3. In this example, when a dead NF Service Producer is detected, the NF Service Producer sends a status notification to the NF Service
Consumer that informs the NF Service Consumer of the dead NF Service Producer.
When the NF Service Consumer for the dead NF Service Producer detection service is informed of a dead NF Service Producer, it will attempt to use another NF Service Producer for the same NF Service as the detected dead NF Service Producer.
[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a physical network node 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, any one of the NFs described above (e.g., the NF Service Producer, the NF Service Consumer, or the NRF) is implemented as a physical network node such as the physical network node 500.
In some other embodiments, any one of the NFs described above (e.g., the NF Service Producer, the NF Service Consumer, or the NRF) is implemented as a virtual network node (e.g., a virtual machine hosting the NF), where this virtual network node deployed on a physical network node(s) such as the physical network node 500.
[0059] As illustrated, the physical network node 500 includes one or more processors 502 (e.g., Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits
(ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and/or the like), memory 504, and a network interface 506. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 502 operate to provide one or more functions of a NF as described herein. In some embodiments, the functionality of the NF is implemented in software that is stored, e.g., in the memory 504 and executed by the one or more processors 502.
[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a virtualized embodiment of a network node 600 implementing a NF (e.g., a NF Service Producer, a NF Service
Consumer, or a NRF) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, a“virtualized” network node (also referred to as a virtual network node) is an implementation of a network node that implements a NF as a virtual component(s) (e.g., via a virtual machine(s) executing on a physical processing node(s) in a network(s)). As illustrated, in this example, functions 610 of the network node 600 (i.e. , functions of the NF implemented by the network node 600) described herein are implemented at one or more (physical) processing nodes 600. The processing nodes 600 include one or more processor(s) 604, memory 606, and a network interface 608.
[0061 ] In some embodiments, a computer program including instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to carry out the functionality of network node 500 or 600 according to any of the embodiments described herein is provided. In some embodiments, a carrier comprising the aforementioned computer program product is provided. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium such as memory).
[0062] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a network node 700 that implements a NF (e.g., a NF Service Producer, a NF Service Consumer, or a NRF) according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The network node 700 includes one or more modules 702, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s) 702 provide the functionality of the network node 700 and in particular the NF as described herein.
[0063] Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed through one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual apparatuses. Each virtual apparatus may comprise a number of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include Digital Signal Processor (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the respective functional unit to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0064] While processes in the figures may show a particular order of operations performed by certain embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that such order is exemplary (e.g., alternative embodiments may perform the operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, etc.).
[0065] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure are as follows:
[0066] Embodiment 1 : A method of operation of a network node to detect a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular
communications system (200), comprising: communicating (318, 416) with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; detecting (322, 416) that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating (318) with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and notifying (324, 418) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0067] Embodiment 2: The method of embodiment 1 wherein the network node is a NF Service Consumer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating (318) with the first NF Service Producer: sending (310), to a Network Repository Function, NRF, a NF Discovery Request for the NF Service; and receiving (316), from the NRF, a NF Discovery Response that identifies the first NF Service Producer as a NF that provides the NF Service.
[0068] Embodiment 3: The method of embodiment 2 wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is capable of performing dead NF Service Producer detection.
[0069] Embodiment 4: The method of embodiment 2 or 3 wherein the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection.
[0070] Embodiment 5: The method of any one of embodiments 2 to 4 wherein notifying (324) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying (324) the NRF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0071 ] Embodiment 6: The method of embodiment 1 wherein the network node is a second NF Service Producer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating (416) with the first NF Service Producer: registering (400) with a NRF such that the NRF is informed that the second NF Service Producer supports dead NF Service Producer detection as a NF Service; and receiving (414), from a NF Service Consumer, a request for the second NF Service Producer to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to one or more NF Service Producers identified in the request, the one or more NF Service Producers comprising the first NF Service Producer.
[0072] Embodiment 7: The method of embodiment 6 wherein notifying (418) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying (418) the NF Service Consumer that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0073] Embodiment 8: A network node for detecting a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the network node adapted to: communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0074] Embodiment 9: The network node of embodiment 8 wherein the network node is further adapted to perform the method of any one of embodiments 2 to 7.
[0075] Embodiment 10: A physical network node (500) implementing a network node for detecting a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the physical network node (500) comprising: a network interface(s) (506); a processor(s) (502); and memory (504) comprising instructions executable by the processor(s) (502) whereby the physical network node (500) is operable to implement the network node and the network node is operable to: communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
[0076] Embodiment 1 1 : The physical network node (500) of embodiment 10 wherein the network node is further adapted to perform the method of any one of embodiments 2 to 7.
[0077] Embodiment 12: A method of operation of a Network Repository Function, NRF, to enable detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), comprising: receiving (310), from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability; sending (316), to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer; receiving (324), from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and processing (326) the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
[0078] Embodiment 13: The method of embodiment 12 wherein processing (326) the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
[0079] Embodiment 14: A Network Repository Function, NRF, for enabling detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the NRF adapted to: receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability; send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer; receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
[0080] Embodiment 15: The NRF of embodiment 14 wherein processing the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
[0081 ] Embodiment 16: A physical network node (500) implementing a Network Repository Function, NRF, for enabling detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the physical network node (500) comprising: a network interface(s) (506); a processor(s) (502); and memory (504) comprising instructions executable by the processor(s) (502) whereby the physical network node (500) is operable to implement the NRF and the NRF is operable to: receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability; send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer; receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
[0082] At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in this disclosure. If there is an inconsistency between abbreviations, preference should be given to how it is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should be preferred over any subsequent listing(s).
• 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project
• 5G Fifth Generation
• 5GC Fifth Generation Core Network
• AF Application Function
• AMF Access and Mobility Management Function
• AN Access Network
• ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
• AUSF Authentication Server Function
• CPU Central Processing Unit
• DN Data Network
• DSP Digital Signal Processor
• FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
• gNB New Radio Base Station
• NEF Network Exposure Function
• NF Network Function
• NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network
• NR New Radio
• NRF Network Repository Function
• NSSF Network Slice Selection Function
• PCF Policy Control Function • RAM Random Access Memory
• RAN Radio Access Network
• ROM Read Only Memory
• RRH Remote Radio Head
• SMF Session Management Function
• TS Technical Specification
• UDM Unified Data Management
• UE User Equipment
• UPF User Plane Function
[0083] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:
1 . A method of operation of a network node to detect a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), comprising:
communicating (318, 416) with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer;
detecting (322, 416) that the first NF Service Producer has died while
communicating (318, 416) with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and
notifying (324, 418) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the network node is a NF Service Consumer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating (318) with the first NF Service Producer: sending (310), to a Network Repository Function, NRF, a NF Discovery Request for the NF Service; and
receiving (316), from the NRF, a NF Discovery Response that identifies the first NF Service Producer as a NF that provides the NF Service.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the NF Discovery Request comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is capable of performing dead NF Service Producer detection.
4. The method of claim 2 or 3 wherein the NF Discovery Response comprises an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service
Producer detection.
5. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein notifying (324) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying (324) the NRF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the network node is a second NF Service Producer, and the method further comprises, prior to communicating (416) with the first NF Service Producer:
registering (400) with a Network Repository Function, NRF, such that the NRF is informed that the second NF Service Producer supports dead NF Service Producer detection as a NF Service; and
receiving (414), from a NF Service Consumer, a request for the second NF Service Producer to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to one or more NF Service Producers identified in the request, the one or more NF Service Producers comprising the first NF Service Producer.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein notifying (418) another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died comprises notifying (418) the NF Service Consumer that the first NF Service Producer has died.
8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein:
the first NF Service Producer provides more than one NF service; and
detecting (322, 416) that the first NF Service Producer has died while
communicating (318, 416) with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer comprises detecting (322, 416) that the first NF Service Producer has died with respect to any one of the more than one NF service provided by the first NF Service Producer.
9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein:
the first NF Service Producer provides more than one NF service comprising the consumed NF Service; and
detecting (322, 416) that the first NF Service Producer has died while
communicating (318, 416) with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer comprises detecting (322, 416) that the first NF Service Producer has died with respect to a particular one of the more than one NF service provided by the first NF Service Producer.
10. A network node for detecting a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the network node adapted to:
communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer;
detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
1 1 . The network node of claim 10 wherein the network node is further adapted to perform the method of any one of claims 2 to 9.
12. A physical network node (500) implementing a network node for detecting a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular
communications system (200), the physical network node (500) comprising:
a network interface(s) (506);
a processor(s) (502); and
memory (504) comprising instructions executable by the processor(s) (502) whereby the physical network node (500) is operable to implement the network node and the network node is operable to:
communicate with a first NF Service Producer to consume a NF Service of the first NF Service Producer;
detect that the first NF Service Producer has died while communicating with the first NF Service Producer to consume the NF Service of the first NF Service Producer; and
notify another NF that the first NF Service Producer has died.
13. The physical network node (500) of claim 12 wherein the network node is further adapted to perform the method of any one of claims 2 to 9.
14. A method of operation of a Network Repository Function, NRF, to enable detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), comprising:
receiving (310), from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability;
sending (316), to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer;
receiving (324), from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and
processing (326) the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein processing (326) the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
16. A Network Repository Function, NRF, for enabling detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the NRF adapted to:
receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability;
send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer;
receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and
process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
17. The NRF of claim 16 wherein processing the notification that the NF Service
Producer is dead comprises removing information regarding the NF Service Producer from storage at the NRF.
18. A physical network node (500) implementing a Network Repository Function, NRF, for enabling detection of a dead Network Function, NF, Service Producer in a core network (210) of a cellular communications system (200), the physical network node (500) comprising:
a network interface(s) (506);
a processor(s) (502); and
memory (504) comprising instructions executable by the processor(s) (502) whereby the physical network node (500) is operable to implement the NRF and the NRF is operable to:
receive, from a NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Request for a NF Service, the NF Discovery Request comprising an indication that the NF Service
Consumer has dead NF Service detection capability;
send, to the NF Service Consumer, a NF Discovery Response that identifies a NF Service Producer for the NF Service, the NF Discovery Response comprising an indication that the NF Service Consumer is authorized to perform dead NF Service Producer detection with respect to the NF Service Producer;
receive, from the NF Service Consumer, a notification that the NF Service Producer is dead; and
process the notification that the NF Service Producer is dead.
PCT/IB2019/051393 2018-02-21 2019-02-20 Dead network function (nf) service producer detection WO2019162862A1 (en)

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