2 OCNRF Overview
OCNRF Overview
This section includes information about the role of Oracle Communications Network Repository Function (OCNRF) in 5G Service Based Architecture.
The OCNRF is one of the main components of the 5G Service Based Architecture. The OCNRF maintains an updated repository of all the Network Functions (NFs) available in the operator's network along with the services provided by each of the NFs in the 5G core that are expected to be instantiated, scaled and terminated with minimal or no manual intervention.
The OCNRF supports discovery mechanisms that allow NFs to discover each other and get updated status of the desired NFs.
The OCNRF supports the following functions:
- Maintains the profiles of the available NF instances and their supported services in the 5G core network.
- Allows consumer NF instances to discover other provider's NF instances in the 5G core network.
- Allows NF instances to track the status of other NF instances.
- Provides Oauth2 based Access Token service for consumer NF authorization.
- Provides specific NF Type selection based on subscriber identity.
- Supports forwarding of messages from one NRF to another NRF.
The OCNRF interacts with every other Network Function in the 5G core network and it supports the above functions through the following services:
- Management Services
- Discovery Services
- AccessToken Service
OCNRF Supported Services
OCNRF supports the following services:
OCNRF Management Services
The OCNRF Management service is identified by the service operation
name
Nnrf_NFManagement.
OCNRF supports the following management services:
Note:
The respective service operation name is mentioned next to each service.- Register NF instance
(
NFRegister): Allows an NF instance to register its NF profile in the OCNRF along with the list of services provided by the NF instance. - Update NF instance (
NFUpdate): Enables an NF instance to partially update or replace the parameters of its NF profile in the OCNRF. It also allows to add or delete services provided by the NF instance.This operation supports the following:- Complete Replacement of NF profile
- Add, Remove, or Update attributes of NF Profile
- Heart beat & Load info of NF
- De-register NF instance
(
NFDeregister): Enables an NF instance to de-register its NF profile and the services provided by the NF instance from the 5G network. - Subscribe to Status (
NFStatusSubscribe): Enables an NF instance to subscribe the status changes of other NF instances registered in the OCNRF. - Unsubscribe to Status
(
NFStatusUnsubscribe): Enables an NF instance to unsubscribe the status changes of other NF instances. - Notifications of Status
(
NFStatusNotify): Sends notifications to subscribed NFs. - Retrival of NF list (
NfListRetrival): Allows the retrieval of a list of NF Instances that are currently registered in OCNRF. This service operation is not allowed to be invoked from the OCNRF in a different PLMN. - Retrival of NF Profile (
NfProfileRetrival): Allows the retrieval of the NF profile of a given NF instance currently registered in OCNRF. This service operation is not allowed to be invoked from the OCNRF in a different PLMN.
OCNRF Discovery Services
The OCNRF Discovery service is identified by the service operation
name
Nnrf_NFDiscovery
Service.
Note:
The respective service operation name is mentioned next to the supported Discovery service.Discover NF
instance (NFDiscover): OCNRF
supports discovery of the NF profiles, or NF Services that match certain input
criteria.
OCNRF Access Token Services
The OCNRF Access Token service handles 3GPP defined AccessToken service operations. Oauth2.0 based token is provided by OCNRF according to inputs provided by consumer network function in access token request.
- Access Token (
Nnrf_AccessToken): OCNRF supports issuing OAuth2 token to consumer NFs for accessing specific Producer Services.
For more information on OCNRF features, refer to OCNRF User's Guide.
Acronyms and Terminology
The following table provides information about the acronyms and the terminology used in the document.
Table 2-1 Acronyms and Terminology
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| 5G System | 3GPP system consisting of 5G Access Network (AN), 5G Core Network and UE |
| 5G-AN | 5G Access Network |
| 5GC | 5G Core Network |
| 5G-NF | 5G Network Function |
| AMF | Access and Mobility Management Function |
| API-Gateway | Application Program Interface Gateway |
| CNE | Cloud Native Environment |
| FQDN | Fully Qualified Domain Name |
| K8s | Kubernetes |
| MMI | Machine Machine Interface |
| MPS | Messages Per Second |
| NDB | Network Database |
| NF | Network Function |
| Network Function | A functional building block within a network infrastructure, which has well defined external interfaces and well defined functional behavior. In practical terms, a network function is often a network node or physical appliance. |
| Network Slice | A logical network that provides specific network capabilities and network characteristics. |
| Network Slice instance | A set of Network Function instances and the required resources (e.g. compute, storage and networking resources) which form a deployed Network Slice. |
| NF Consumer | A generic way to refer to an NF which consumes services provided by another NF. Ex: An AMF is referred to as a Consumer when it consumes AMPolicy services provided by the PCF. |
| NF Instance | A specific instance of a network function type. |
| NF Producer or NF Provider | A generic way to refer to an NF which provides services that can be consumed by another NF. Ex: A PCF is a provider NF and provides AMPolicy Services |
| NRF | Network Repository Function |
| OCNRF | Oracle Communications Network Repository Function |
| OHC | Oracle Help Center |
| OSDC | Oracle Software Download Center |
| PLMN | Public Land Mobile Network |
| Resiliency | The ability of the NFV framework to limit disruption and return to normal or at a minimum acceptable service delivery level in the fame of a fault, failure, or an event that disrupts normal operation. |
| Scaling | Ability to dynamically extend/reduce resources granted to the Virtual Network Function (VNF) as needed. This includes scaling out/in or scaling up/down. |
| Scaling Out/In/ Horizontally | The ability to scale by add/remove resource instances (e.g. VMs). Also called scaling Horizontally. |
| Scaling Up/Down/ Vertically | The ability to scale by changing allocated resources, e.g. increase/decrease memory, CPU capacity or storage size. |
| PCF | Policy Control Function |
| SEPP | Security Edge Protection Proxy |
| SCP | Service Communication Proxy |
| SLF | Subscriber Location Function |
| URI | Universal Resource Identifier |
Documentation Admonishments
Admonishments are icons and text throughout this manual that alert the reader to assure personal safety, to minimize possible service interruptions, and to warn of the potential for equipment damage.
Table 2-2 Admonishments
| Icon | Description |
|---|---|
|
Danger: (This icon and text indicate the possibility of personal injury.) |
|
Warning: (This icon and text indicate the possibility of equipment damage.) |
|
Caution: (This icon and text indicate the possibility of service interruption.) |
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