Abstract: The invention relates to methods of providing requested network information from a first core Network Function (NF) to a second NF, and devices performing the methods. In an aspect, a method performed by a first core NF entity of providing requested network information to a second NF entity is provided. The method comprises receiving a request to obtain the network information originating from the second NF entity, determining an expiry time stipulating how long the requested network information is valid, and transmitting, towards the second NF entity, the requested network information and the expiry time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) Fifth Generation Core (5GC) interaction for analytics are provided. According to one aspect, a method, performed by a Front End node for receiving patterns extracted from events and current network status data in a telecommunications network, comprises: receiving, from a Session Management Function (SMF) a request for a User Plane Function (UPF) selection recommendation for a user; determining a list of applications associated with the user; sending, to a Data Collection, Analytics, and Events (DCAE) function of an ONAP, a request for a list of Application Server (AS) locations; receiving, from the DCAE function, the list of AS locations; selecting a UPF based on the user's mobility and application usage patterns; and sending, to the SMF, a recommendation identifying the selected UPF.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of providing requested network information from a first core Network Function (NF) to a second NF, and devices performing the methods. In an aspect, a method performed by a first core NF entity of providing requested network information to a second NF entity is provided. The method comprises receiving a request to obtain the network information originating from the second NF entity, determining an expiry time stipulating how long the requested network information is valid, and transmitting, towards the second NF entity, the requested network information and the expiry time.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of providing requested network information from a first core Network Function (NF) to a second NF, and devices performing the methods. In an aspect, a method performed by a first core NF entity of providing requested network information to a second NF entity is provided. The method comprises receiving a request to obtain the network information originating from the second NF entity, determining an expiry time stipulating how long the requested network information is valid, and transmitting, towards the second NF entity, the requested network information and the expiry time.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a method performed by a SMF (110) for handling a UEs (101) access to a DN (130) in a 5G communications system. The SMF (110) obtains at least one anycast address supported at a DN/I (130/I) which is accessible by the UE (101) from its location. The SMF (110) sends instructions to a UPF/c (105/c) to report usage of the at least one anycast address. The SMF (110) receives, from the UPF/c (105/c), information that usage of the anycast address has been detected. When usage of the anycast address has been detected, the SMF (110) determines that future usage of the anycast address should be routed to the DN/I (130/I) via the UPF/I (105/I).

Abstract: Methods and systems for Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) Fifth Generation Core (5GC) interaction for analytics are provided. According to one aspect, a method, performed by a Front End node for receiving patterns extracted from events and current network status data in a telecommunications network, comprises: receiving, from a Session Management Function (SMF) a request for a User Plane Function (UPF) selection recommendation for a user; determining a list of applications associated with the user; sending, to a Data Collection, Analytics, and Events (DCAE) function of an ONAP, a request for a list of Application Server (AS) locations; receiving, from the DCAE function, the list of AS locations; selecting a UPF based on the user's mobility and application usage patterns; and sending, to the SMF, a recommendation identifying the selected UPF.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of providing requested network information from a first core Network Function (NF) to a second NF, and devices performing the methods. In an aspect, a method performed by a first core NF entity of providing requested network information to a second NF entity is provided. The method comprises receiving a request to obtain the network information originating from the second NF entity, determining an expiry time stipulating how long the requested network information is valid, and transmitting, towards the second NF entity, the requested network information and the expiry time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method performed by a network node of managing online charging, and a network node performing the method. In an aspect of the invention, a method performed by a network node of managing online charging of sponsored data connectivity is provided. The method comprises receiving (S101) a user request for service related to the sponsored data connectivity, estimating (S102) a number of users that are expected to use said service, and acquiring (S103), from an Online Charging System authorizing access to the sponsored data connectivity, authorisation for the estimated number of users that are expected to use said service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method performed by a network node of managing online charging, and a network node performing the method. In an aspect of the invention, a method performed by a network node of managing online charging of sponsored data connectivity is provided. The method comprises receiving (S101) a user request for service related to the sponsored data connectivity, estimating (S102) a number of users that are expected to use said service, and acquiring (S103), from an Online Charging System authorizing access to the sponsored data connectivity, authorisation for the estimated number of users that are expected to use said service.