Data Analytics for Multi-access Edge Computation

Abstract

Computer systems and methods are described for operating a network data and analytics function (NWDAF) in a cellular core network. The NWDAF receives user equipment (UE) mobility information from a first network function of the cellular network system and receives edge application server (EAS) information from a second network function of the cellular network system. The NWDAF derives data analytics based at least in part on the UE mobility information and the edge application server information. The NWDAF receives a request for the data analytics from a third network function in the cellular network system, and provides the data analytics to the third network function.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method, comprising:
 receiving user equipment (UE) mobility information from a first network function of a cellular network system;   receiving edge application server (EAS) information from a second network function of the cellular network system;   deriving data analytics based at least in part on the UE mobility information and the edge application server information, wherein the data analytics comprise a prediction of one or both of an application load and an application state for one or more applications served by an EAS;   receiving a request for the data analytics; and   providing the data analytics responsive to the request.   
     
     
         22 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the UE mobility information comprises frequent mobility reregistration information. 
     
     
         23 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the first network function comprises an access and mobility function (AMF). 
     
     
         24 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the EAS information comprises one or more of:
 a UE group application identifier of a UE group application served by a first EAS;   one or more round-trip-time measurements for an EAS session; and   computational capability information of one or more EASs.   
     
     
         25 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the second network function comprises an application function. 
     
     
         26 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the second network function comprises a user plane function (UPF). 
     
     
         27 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the request comprises a subscription request, and wherein the method further comprises:
 receiving updated UE mobility information or updated EAS information;   deriving updated data analytics based on the updated UE mobility information or the updated EAS information; and   providing the updated data analytics to a third network function.   
     
     
         28 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the request comprises an on-demand request, and wherein the method further comprises:
 in response to receiving the on-demand request:
 transmitting a first request to the first network function for the UE mobility information, wherein the UE mobility information is received responsive to the first request; 
 transmitting a second request to the second network function for the EAS information, wherein the EAS information is received responsive to the second request. 
   
     
     
         29 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the data analytics comprise one or more of:
 suggested relocations of EAS resources to respective UE groups;   computational load information for one or more applications served by an EAS;   mapping of an EAS area to a mobility area for one or more UEs; and   state information for the one or more applications served by the EAS.   
     
     
         30 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the data analytics comprise a prediction of UE group mobility. 
     
     
         31 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the cellular network system comprises a network data and analytics function (NWDAF). 
     
     
         32 . The method of claim  1 , wherein a third network function of the cellular network system comprises:
 a policy control function;   a session management function; or   an application function.   
     
     
         33 . An apparatus for use in a cellular network system, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one port for coupling to network functions in the cellular network system;   a memory;   a processor coupled to the memory;   wherein the apparatus is configured to:
 provide a request for data analytics to a first network function of the cellular network system; 
 receive the data analytics from the first network function, wherein the data analytics are derived based at least in part on user equipment (UE) mobility information and edge application server (EAS) information, wherein the data analytics comprise a prediction of one or both of an application load and an application state for one or more applications served by an EAS; and 
 control allocation of EAS resources to one or more edge applications based at least in part on the data analytics. 
   
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the request comprises a subscription request, wherein the apparatus is further configured to:
 receive updated data analytics to the first network function in a periodic manner.   
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the request comprises a subscription request, wherein the apparatus is further configured to:
 receive updated data analytics to the first network function in an aperiodic manner when the UE mobility information or the EAS information is updated.   
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of claim  13 , wherein the request comprises an on-demand request. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of claim  13 , wherein the data analytics comprise one or more of:
 suggested relocations of EAS resources to respective UE groups;   computational load information for one or more applications served by an EAS;   mapping of an EAS area to a mobility area for one or more UEs; and   state information for the one or more applications served by the EAS.   
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of claim  13 , wherein the first network function comprises a network data and analytics function (NWDAF). 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of claim  13 , wherein the apparatus comprises:
 a policy control function;   a session management function; or   an application function.   
     
     
         40 . A non-transitory computer-readable memory medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a network data and analytics function (NWDAF) to:
 receive user equipment (UE) mobility information from a first network function of the cellular network system;   receive edge application server (EAS) information from a second network function of the cellular network system;   derive data analytics based at least in part on the UE mobility information and the edge application server information, wherein the data analytics comprise a prediction of one or both of an application load and an application state for one or more applications served by an EAS;   receive a request for the data analytics; and   provide the data analytics responsive to the request.