Patent Description:
To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of <NUM>th generation (<NUM>) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop an improved <NUM>th generation (<NUM>) or pre-<NUM> communication system. Therefore, the <NUM> or pre-<NUM> communication system is also called a "Beyond <NUM> Network" or a "Post long term evolution (LTE) System".

The <NUM> communication system is considered to be implemented in higher frequency millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, e.g., <NUM> bands, so as to accomplish higher data rates.

In the <NUM> system, hybrid frequency shifting keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as an advanced coding modulation (ACM), and filter bank multi carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as an advanced access technology have also been developed.

Meanwhile, a need for a method of automating management of a <NUM> mobile communication network has recently appeared.

<CIT>discloses a network data analytics (NWDA) function and method of policy optimization in a communication network. "<NPL>, provides technical specification group services and system aspects, and study of enablers for network automation for <NUM>.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and a method for network automation in a wireless communication system.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method for network automation in a wireless communication system.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described based on an approach of hardware. However, various embodiments of the disclosure include a technology that uses both hardware and software, and thus the various embodiments of the disclosure may not exclude the perspective of software.

Hereinafter, the disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for providing subscription data to a non-subscriber user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system.

Terms referring to a signal used in the following description, terms referring to a channel, terms referring to control information, terms referring to network entities, and terms referring to elements of a device are used only for convenience of description. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to those terms, and other terms having the same technical meanings may be used.

Further, the disclosure describes various embodiments using the terms used in some communication standards (for example, <NUM>rd-generation partnership project (3GPP)), but this is only an example.

<FIG> illustrates a <NUM> system architecture using a reference point expression in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the <NUM> system architecture may include various elements (that is, network functions (NFs), and <FIG> illustrates some of the functions corresponding to an authentication server function (AUSF), a (core) access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a policy control function (PCF), an application function (AF), unified data management (UDM), a data network (DN), a user plane function (UPF), a (radio) access network ((R)AN), and a terminal, that is, a user equipment (UE).

The respective NFs support the following functions.

Specifically, the AMF supports functions, such as signaling between code network (CN) nodes for movement between 3GPP access networks, termination of a Radio Access Network (RAN) communications processor (CP) interface (that is, an NG2 interface), termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (NG1), NAS signaling security (NAS ciphering and integrity protection), AS security control, registration management (registration area management), connection management, idle mode UE reachability (including control and performance of paging re-transmission), mobility management control (subscription and policy), supporting of intra-system mobility and inter-system mobility, supporting of network slicing, SMF selection, lawful intercept) (for an AMF event and interface to an LI system), provision of transmission of a session management (SM) message between the UE and the SMF, a transparent proxy for SM message routing, access authentication, access authorization including roaming authority check, provision of transmission of an SMS message between the UE and the SMS Function (SMSF), a security anchor function (SAF), and/or security context management (SCM).

Some or all of the functions of the AMF may be supported within a single instance of one AMF.

Specifically, the SMF supports functions of managing a session (for example, establishing, modifying, and releasing a session including maintenance of a tunnel between the UPF and the AN node), allocating and managing (including selective authentication of) a UE IP address, selecting and controlling a user plane (UP) function, configuring traffic steering for routing traffic from the UPF to a proper destination, termination of an interface for policy control functions, trying a control part of a policy and quality of service (QoS), lawful intercept (for an SM event and an interface for an LI system), termination of an SM part of a NAS message, downlink data notification, an initiator of AN-specific SM information (transmitting N2 to the AN via the AMF), determining a session and service continuity (SSC) mode of a session, and roaming.

Some or all of the functions of the SMF may be supported within a single instance of one SMF.

The FE includes a UDM FE that serves to process location management, subscription management, and credential and a PCF that serves to control a policy. The UDR stores data required for functions provided by the UDM-FE and a policy profile required by the PCF. Data stored in the UDR includes user subscription data and policy data including a subscription Identifier (ID), security credential, access-and mobility-related subscription data, and session-related subscription data. The UDM-FD supports functions of accessing subscription information stored in the UDR, processing authentication credential, handling user identification, authenticating, registering access/managing mobility, managing subscription, and managing an SMS.

Specifically, the UPF supports functions of an anchor point for intra/inter radio access technology (RAT) mobility, an external PDU session point of interconnect to a data network, packet routing and forwarding, a user plane part of trying packet inspection and policy rule, lawful intercept, reporting an amount of traffic usage, an uplink classifier for supporting routing to traffic flow to a data network, a branching point for supporting a multi-homed PDU session, handling QoS for a user plane ((for example, packet filtering, gating, uplink/downlink rate), uplink traffic verification (SDF mapping between service data flow (SDF) and QoS flow), marking a transport level packet within uplink and downlink, buffering a downlink packet, and triggering a downlink data notification. Some or all of the functions of the UPF may be supported within a single instance of one UPF.

The gNB supports functions for managing radio resources (that is, radio bearer control, radio admission control, connection mobility control, dynamic allocation of resources to the UE in uplink/downlink (that is, scheduling)), compressing an Internet protocol (IP) header, encrypting a user data stream and performing integrity protection, selecting the AMF in UE attachment when routing to the AMF is not determined based on information provided to the UE, user plane data routing to UPF(s), control plane information routing to the AMF, setting and releasing connection, scheduling and transmitting a paging message (generated from the AMF), scheduling and transmitting system broadcast information (generated from operating and maintenance (O&M)), performing measurement for mobility and scheduling and configuring a measurement report, transport level packet marking in uplink, managing session, supporting network slicing, managing QoS flow and performing mapping to a data radio bearer, supporting the UE in an inactive mode, distributing NAS messages, selecting a NAS node, sharing a radio access network, dual connectivity, and tight interworking between NR and E-UTRA.

<FIG> does not illustrate an unstructured data storage network function (UDSF), a structured data storage network function (SDSF), a network exposure function (NEF), and an NF repository function (NRF) for clarity of description, but all NFs illustrated in <FIG> may perform mutual operations with the UDSF, the NEF, and the NRF as necessary.

Meanwhile, <FIG> illustrates a reference model in the case in which the UE accesses one DN through one PDU session for convenience of description, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The UE may simultaneously access two (that is, local and central) data networks through multiple PDU sessions. At this time, two SMFs may be selected for different PDU sessions. However, each SMF may have a capability of controlling both the local UPF and the central UPF within the PDU session.

Further, the UE may simultaneously access two (that is, local and central) data networks within a single PDU session.

In the 3GPP system, a conceptual link connecting NFs within the <NUM> system is defined as a reference point. Reference points included in the <NUM> system architecture of <FIG> are described below.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration of a network entity in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The network entity according to the disclosure is a concept including a network function according to a system implementation. The term "~unit" or "~er" used hereinafter may refer to the unit for processing at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Referring to <FIG>, the network entity according to various embodiments may include a communication unit or transceiver <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> for controlling the overall operation of the network entity <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> transmits and receives signals to and from other network entities. Accordingly, all or part of the communication unit <NUM> may be referred to as a "transmitter <NUM>", a "receiver <NUM>", or a "transceiver <NUM>".

The storage unit <NUM> stores data, such as a basic program, an application, and configuration information for the operation of the network entity <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> may include volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The storage unit <NUM> provides stored data in response to a request from the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> controls the overall operation of the network entity <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> transmits and receives a signal through the communication unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> records data in the storage unit <NUM> and reads the same. The controller <NUM> may perform the functions of a protocol stack required by the communication standard. To this end, the controller <NUM> may include a circuit, an application-specific circuit, at least one processor, or a micro-processor, or may be a part of the processor. Further, the part of the communication unit <NUM> or the controller <NUM> may be referred to as a communications processor (CP). The controller <NUM> may control the network entity <NUM> to perform one operation according to various embodiments.

The communication unit <NUM> and the controller <NUM> should be necessarily implemented as separate modules but may be implemented as one element, such as a single chip or software block. The communication unit <NUM>, the storage unit <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may be electrically connected. The operations of the network entity <NUM> may be implemented by including the storage unit <NUM> for storing the corresponding program code within the network entity <NUM>.

The network entity <NUM> may include a network node and may be one of base station (RAN), AMF, SMF, UPF, NF, NEF, NRF, CF, NSSF, UDM, AF, AUSF, service control point (SCP), UDSF, context storage, operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM), EMS, configuration server, and Identifier (ID) management server.

Various embodiments provide a method and an apparatus for automating management of a mobile communication network.

Various embodiments provides a method and an apparatus for transferring a recommendation of the optimal operation between a network data analytics function and a network function in order to automate network management and providing a feedback thereof.

Further, various embodiments provide a method of determining an additional operation based on the received feedback, generating a recommendation, and transmitting the recommendation.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to improve the automation performance and reduce a time spent for optimization by allowing the network analytics function to directly control a system. Further, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to improve the accuracy of network function control and the performance of the entire system through improvement of the performance of learning using the feedback.

<FIG> illustrates a process in which a wireless communication system performs network automation of a wireless network according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a method of network automation in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Each element function <NUM> of the network, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM), and a radio access network (RAN) included in the wireless network may be a consumer network function (consumer NF) <NUM> making a request for an analytics result of a network data analytics function (NWDAF) <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the consumer network function <NUM> makes a request for analytics to the network data analytics function <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> may collect data from each network function <NUM> in order to generate the result of analytics requested from the consumer network function <NUM> and analyze the data collected to the consumer network function <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits the analytics result to the consumer network function <NUM> transmitting the request for the analytics. The consumer network function <NUM> receiving the analytics result uses the analytics result received from the network data analytics function <NUM> during a process of determining a control parameter and operation.

<FIG> illustrates a process of performing network automation in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Specifically, <FIG> schematically illustrates a network automation method in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the network automation method is a method of directly proposing an operation for each function to a consumer network function <NUM> through a network data analytics function <NUM> in order to remove a disadvantage of the network automation method using the network data analytics function <NUM> of <FIG> and receiving a feedback for the result of application of the proposed operation from the consumer network function <NUM> so as to improve the performance of the network automation.

Referring to <FIG>, the consumer network function <NUM> transmits a request message for the analytics result to the network data analytics function <NUM> in operation <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when transmitting the request message of operation <NUM>, the consumer network function <NUM> may designate and indicate the preferred analytics type among analytics forms supported by the consumer network function <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> may select provision of the operation recommendation instead of analyzed data as the analytics result. Further, the consumer network function <NUM> may include information indicating whether the consumer network function supports the feedback in the request message.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, it is possible to omit an indication parameter designating the analytics type by pre-configuring a default value of the analytics type. In this case, when the network data analytics function <NUM> receives the request of operation <NUM> from the consumer network function <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits the analytics result in the pre-designated analytics type to the consumer network function <NUM> in operation <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, indication information indicating whether the feedback is supported may not be included in the request message of operation <NUM> by pre-designating a corresponding default value.

The network data analytics function <NUM> may transmit the operation recommendation to the consumer network function <NUM> as the analyzed result in which case whether the consumer network function <NUM> needs to provide the feedback may be designated through an indication. The network data analytics function <NUM> may or may not configure a feedback request indication and transmit the feedback request indication to the consumer network function <NUM>, thereby reducing an additional signal load due to the feedback and controlling transmission of the feedback as necessary.

In operation <NUM>, the consumer network function <NUM> applies the received operation recommendation and transmit the result of the application including updated parameter values to the network data analytics function <NUM>. The network data analytics function <NUM> may update network state information stored as the application result received from the consumer network function <NUM>, analyze the received application result, and determine whether to transmit the operation recommendation to the additionally required consumer network function <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a process in which a consumer network function makes a request for an operation recommendation to a network analytics function in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Specifically, <FIG> illustrates an example of a process for applying a method according to various embodiments.

The type of analytics data required by the consumer network function <NUM> and information indicating whether the consumer network function <NUM> supports a feedback for the analytics result in operation <NUM> in which the consumer network function <NUM> makes a request for analytics data to the network data analytics function <NUM> are included in the embodiment of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the consumer network function <NUM> transmits a request message for the analytics data to the network data analytics function <NUM>. The request message for the analytics data includes analytics ID for designating the content of analytics data, a requested analytics type for designating the type of analytics data, and feedback support information indicating whether a function of applying the received analytics result and then providing a feedback for the result is supported. At this time, when the requested analytics type is preconfigured in system information according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a parameter of the requested analytics type may be omitted from the analytics request message of operation <NUM>. Similarly, when the information indicating whether the network function is supported is registered in the network analytics function or preconfigured through another method, a feedback support parameter may be omitted from the analytics request message of operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> identifies the content and type of analytics data designated by the analytics ID and the requested analytics type included in the analytics request message received from the consumer network function <NUM> and determines input data required to be collected to generate an appropriate analytics result.

In operations <NUM> to <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits a data collection request message that makes a request for transmitting data to the relevant network functions <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) to collect required input data and collect the relevant data from each network function <NUM> through a data collection response message. The illustrated example is only for generally expressing the process, and each collection process is performed with the required network function <NUM> but does not need to be necessarily performed with all network functions <NUM>. Further, the data collection request and response signal transmission/reception may be repeatedly performed several times as necessary.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits a data analytics response message to the consumer network function <NUM> in response to the data analytics request signal message. The data analytics response message of operation <NUM> does not need to be necessarily performed after operations <NUM> to <NUM>, and may be performed immediately after operation <NUM> according to selection in the process according to the embodiment. The data analytics response message of operation <NUM> may include an analytics ID requested by the consumer network function <NUM>, an accepted subscribed analytics type indicating a type of the analytics result, and a feedback-enabled parameter indicating whether it is required to provide a feedback for the analytics result provided by the network data analytics function <NUM>. When the feedback-enabled parameter is configured as "On(<NUM>)", the consumer network function <NUM> transmits a feedback for each analytics result received from the network analytics function <NUM> to the network analytics function <NUM>. When the feedback-enabled parameter is configured as "Off (<NUM>)", if there is no separate indication from the network analytics function <NUM>, the consumer network function <NUM> does not transmit a feedback for the received analytics result.

<FIG> illustrates a process in which a network analytics function transmits an operation recommendation to a consumer network function and receives feedback in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Specifically, <FIG> illustrates an example of a process in which a network data analytics function <NUM> transmits an operation recommendation and a feedback by applying a recommendation scheme and improves an optimization process therethrough according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> analyzes network data collected from network functions <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), determines operations (for example, control parameter update, state change, and control message transmission/reception) required by a consumer network function <NUM> based on the analytics result, and configures operation recommendation information corresponding thereto.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits the analytics result including recommendation information that is a parameter including an operation recommendation to the consumer network function <NUM>. At this time, the analytics result control message for transmitting the analytics result may include feedback-required indication information (information indicating whether a feedback is needed). The consumer network function <NUM> receiving the control message in which the feedback-required indication is configured performs a required function according to the received recommended operation information and then transmits a control message for feeding back the result to the network data analytics function <NUM>. According to embodiments of the disclosure, when the consumer network function <NUM> is reconfigured in a system to always provide a feedback or is configured to always provide a feedback through a feedback-enabled parameter by the network data analytics function <NUM> in a previous data request operation, the feedback-required indication information of the analytics result control message may be omitted. Further, according to another embodiment, the network data analytics function <NUM> may control a network load generated due to an additional message for transmitting a feedback through a method of configuring (or including) the feedback-required indication of the analytics result control message only in a situation in which the feedback is necessary.

In operation <NUM>, the consumer network function <NUM> determines and performs a relevant parameter and procedure based on the received operation recommendation information.

In operation <NUM>, the consumer network function <NUM> transmits an updated network parameter and state information to the network data analytics function <NUM> through an update report message as the execution result. The update report message of operation <NUM> may include operation control information received from the network data analytics function <NUM> and the corresponding updated control parameter and state information.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> stores the updated control parameter and network state information received from the consumer network function <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> determines whether a control operation for the consumer network function <NUM> is additionally required based on the received control parameter and network state information. At this time, the selected consumer network function <NUM> does not have to be necessarily the same as the previously selected consumer network function and may be selected as a required function from all consumer network functions <NUM> previously making a request for the analytics result to the network data analytics function <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> additionally transmits an analytics result control message including the operation recommendation to the consumer network function <NUM> selected through operation <NUM> as necessary. The consumer network function <NUM> receiving the analytics result message performs the process of operations <NUM> and <NUM> and additionally performs the process of operations <NUM> and <NUM>, and the network data analytics function <NUM> performs the process of operation <NUM> again and repeats the process of operations <NUM> to <NUM> as many times as necessary. Through such processes, when the control parameter and the state of the consumer network function <NUM> are changed, the network data analytics function <NUM> may control the performance of required optimization for all network functions <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) through an immediate feedback and provides overall performance improvement compared to the existing scheme of periodically collecting and applying the network state change.

<FIG> illustrates a process of optimizing a user plane function (UPF) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Specifically, <FIG> illustrates an example of a process in which a network analytics function <NUM> optimizes data plane functions <NUM> and <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> collects required network data from a required network function <NUM> through the process according to the embodiment of <FIG>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> analyzes the collected network data and detects whether the UPF <NUM> is in an overload state or an underload state.

When the overload or the underload of the UPF <NUM> is detected in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits an analytics result message including information making a request for re-allocating the UPF <NUM> to the SMF <NUM> in order to re-allocate the UPF <NUM> in operation <NUM>. The analytics result message of operation <NUM> may include an analytics ID and an analytics type. The analytics type may include operation recommendation and recommendation information. The recommendation information may include UPF rearrangement, candidate UEs, a candidate UPF, and a feedback-required indication.

Through the process of operations <NUM> to <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> may use information of a candidate UE <NUM> positioned near radio access network (<NUM>) and information of the candidate UPF <NUM> received from the network data analytics function <NUM> to perform a series of processes for re-allocating the UPF <NUM> for the candidate UE <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> transmits a UE state request message to the UPF <NUM>. The UE state request message may include UE IDs and PDU session IDs.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> receives a UE state response message from the UPF <NUM>. The UE state response message may include UE IDs, PDU session IDs, and UE IP addresses, and a buffer state.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> and the UE <NUM> transmit a message of a PDU session modification command.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> and the UE <NUM> transmit a UE-initiated PDU session establishment message for the new UPF <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> and the UE <NUM> transmit a UE-initiated PDU session release message for the previous UPF <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> transmits an update report message to the network data analytics function <NUM> and thus transmits information on the result of the UPF reallocation. Through the update report message of operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> immediately acquires information indicating the UPF <NUM> that is reallocated and UEs <NUM> to which the UPF <NUM> is reallocated and a PDU session of the corresponding UE <NUM> that is reconfigured. The update report message of operation <NUM> may include a report ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information. The updated parameter information may include UE IDs, PDU session IDs, and new UPF IDs.

In operation <NUM>, the network analytics function <NUM> stores the updated parameter information.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> determines whether there is an additionally required operation recommendation. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the network analytics function <NUM> may determine whether an additional update is required.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> may perform an additionally required control by transmitting an analytics result message. The analytics result message of operation <NUM> may include an analytics ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information.

<FIG> illustrates a process for optimizing a quality of service (QoS) profile for each UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a process in which a network analytics function <NUM> updates a QoS policy of a UE <NUM> positioned near RAN <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> collects network state data from a required network function <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> determines that a quality of experience of service for a series of UEs <NUM> through analytics of the network state data collected in operation <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> detects congestion and whether quality of experience (QoE) of the UEs <NUM> deteriorates through analytics of the network state data collected in operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits the analytics result message including the operation recommendation that proposes an update of a QoS profile for corresponding PDU sessions of the corresponding UEs <NUM> to a policy control function (PCF) <NUM> that is a policy server. The analytics result message of operation <NUM> may include an analytics ID and an analytics type. The analytics type may include the operation recommendation and recommendation information. The recommendation information may include UE IDs, recommended QoS profiles, PDU sessions, and QoS flow IDs.

In operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> selects the UE <NUM> to change a QoS profile based on the received operation recommendation. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> may generate a new QoS rule for PDU sessions of UEs based on the received operation recommendation.

In operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> may allow QoS control information for the corresponding PDU session of the corresponding UE <NUM> to be updated by transmitting the updated QoS profile to the SMF <NUM> positioned near AMF <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> and the SMF <NUM> transmit a policy update message. The policy update message may include UE IDs, PDU session IDs, and policy and charging control (PCC) rules.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> performs a required PDU session change process with the UE <NUM> and the UPF <NUM> by reflecting the QoS profile change information received from the PCF <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> and the UE <NUM> transmit an NW-initiated PDU session modification message.

In operation <NUM>, the SMF <NUM> reports the result of the PDU session modification to the PCF <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> and the UE <NUM> transmit a UE configuration update message, that is, a new UE policy message.

In operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> transmits the result of applying the QoS profile change for the corresponding PDU sessions of the corresponding UEs <NUM> to the network data analytics function <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the PCF <NUM> transmits an update report message to the network data analytics function <NUM>. The update report message of operation <NUM> may include a report ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information. The updated parameter information may include UE IDs, a new QoS rule, PDU session IDs, and QoS flow IDs.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> stores the updated parameter information received in operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> determines whether additional analysis is required based on the received result. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> may determine whether an additional update is required.

When the network data analytics function <NUM> determines that the additional analytics is required in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> additionally transmits an analytics report (analytics result) message including an additional operation recommendation to the PCF <NUM> in operation <NUM>. The analytics report message of operation <NUM> may include an analytics ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information.

<FIG> illustrates a process of optimizing a registration area for each UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Specifically, <FIG> illustrates an example of a process in which a network analytics function <NUM> updates a registration area of a UE <NUM> positioned near RAN <NUM> according to various embodiments.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> determines that there is a need to update the registration area for specific UEs <NUM> through analytics of the network state data collected in operation <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> detects a change in UE trajectory for the specific UEs <NUM> through analytics of the network state data collected in operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits operation recommendation information including a candidate UE <NUM> to update a registration area and a candidate registration area value to an AMF <NUM> through an analytics result message. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> transmits an analytics result message to the AMF <NUM>. The analytics result message may include an analytics ID, an analytics type, and an indication indicating whether a feedback is needed. The analytics type may include an operation recommendation and recommendation information. The recommendation information may include a new registration area (RA) and a UE ID.

In operation <NUM>, the AMF <NUM> selects the UE <NUM> to update the registration area based on the received operation recommendation. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the AMF <NUM> may configure the updated registration area for the UE.

When the AMF <NUM> receives a registration request message from the corresponding UEs <NUM> in operation <NUM>, the AMF <NUM> uses the received registration area information and updates registration area information of the UE <NUM> corresponding to the registration request message of operation <NUM> in operation <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the AMF <NUM> may transmit a registration acceptance message including information on a new registration area to the UE <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the AMF <NUM> transmits the result of applying the change in the registration area of the corresponding UEs <NUM> to the network data analytics function <NUM>. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the AMF <NUM> may transmit an update report message to the network data analytics function <NUM>. The update report message may include a report ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information. The updated parameter information may include UE IDs, a registration area, an update time.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> stores updated parameter information.

In operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> determines whether additional analytics is required based on the received result. Specifically, in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> may determine whether an update is additionally required.

When the network data analytics function <NUM> determines that the additional analytics is required in operation <NUM>, the network data analytics function <NUM> additionally transmits an analytics report (analytics result) message including an additional operation recommendation to the AMF <NUM> in operation <NUM>. The analytics report message of operation <NUM> may include an analytics ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information.

The programs (software modules or software) may be stored in nonvolatile memories including a random access memory and a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), or other type optical storage devices, or a magnetic cassette.

In addition, the programs may be stored in an attachable storage device which may access the electronic device through communication networks, such as the Internet, Intranet, local area network (LAN), wide LAN (WLAN), and storage area network (SAN) or a combination thereof.

Claim 1:
A method performed by a network node in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving, from a plurality of first network nodes, network data;
identifying whether a network is in a specific state based on the network data;
in case that the network is in the specific state, identifying an operation for a second network node which is different from the first network nodes based on the network data;
generating first recommendation operation information corresponding to the determined operation for the second network node;
transmitting, to the second network node, a first analysis result message including the first recommendation operation information and feedback requirement indicator information;
in response to transmitting the first analysis result message, receiving, from the second network node, an update report message including updated network parameters information and network state information; and
storing the updated network parameters information and the network state information based on the update report message.