Analytics support in the 5G Core Network for data-driven management of a supplementary backhaul

The 5G service-based architecture brought a high degree of flexibility in the dynamic network management and configuration, enabling several Network Functions (NFs) cooperating to customize a communication service based on requirements of a specific vertical. Since rel. 15, the 3GPP introduced a Network Data Analytic Function (NWDAF) for the collection of data from other NFs and the delivery of data analytics services. This paper addresses a compelling use case with a hybrid satellite terrestrial backhaul, with the NWDAF that can be used to catch the slice statistics on the user plane and to drive the enabling of a supplementary satellite backhaul link for performance optimization in compliance with the service requirements. Thus, an optimized configuration of the 5GC is proposed highlighting the NFs involved in the analytics as well as the data sources and the data interfaces.