Access Network Application Server for Service Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communications, the extended service delay and low quality of service (QoS) due to the remote location of remote servers relative to user equipment (UE) result in a suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
An application server is introduced at the access network side, independent from or integrated within the access network device, to process service packets directly, reducing the need for packets to be sent to the core network and improving service interaction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service packets are routed through the core network to remote servers, then network coverage and connectivity are ensured, but service delay increases and QoS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An application server is introduced as an intermediary component deployed at the access network side. This intermediary receives service packets from user equipment, performs local processing or caching, and forwards packets to the core network only when necessary. This mediator approach maintains network connectivity through the core network while reducing service delay by handling requests locally when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture is segmented into access network functions and core network functions. By deploying the application server at the access network side, the system separates local service processing from centralized core network management. This segmentation allows time-sensitive operations to occur locally while maintaining connectivity to the core network for non-time-critical functions.
2Loss of time
If application server is deployed at the access network side, then service delay is reduced and QoS is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application server at the access network side is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing packet routing, local caching, service processing, and policy enforcement. This universal component handles multiple network functions that would otherwise require separate devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving low-latency service delivery.
3Reliability
If all service packets are forwarded to the core network, then centralized control and security policies are maintained, but service interaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forwarding all service packets to the core network, the application server at the access side performs partial processing locally. It handles time-sensitive packets, cached content, and local service requests without core network involvement, while still maintaining centralized control for security policies and non-time-critical traffic. This partial local action significantly improves service interaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The application server performs preliminary processing of service packets at the access network side before they reach the core network. This includes local caching of frequently accessed content, preliminary authentication, and packet filtering. By performing these actions in advance, the system reduces the burden on the core network and improves overall service efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method and system, an access network device, and an application server. The communication method includes: receiving, by an access network device, a service packet; and sending, by the access network device, the received service packet to an application server according to a policy, where the application server is arranged at an access network side, and is independent from the access network device or in the access network device, and the application server supports operation of at least one service. It can be seen that, an application server that supports operation of third-party applications is introduced at an access network side, so that a UE can directly perform service interaction with the access network side, which significantly improves the response time of a user request, decreases service delay, and improves the QoS of a service, thereby improving user experience.