Application Addressing via Address Segments to Cut SMF Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In edge computing scenarios with a large number of applications deployed, the Session Management Function (SMF) network element receives excessive signaling due to DNS response messages from the Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF) network element, leading to inefficiencies in path creation.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first network element obtains address segment information corresponding to a user plane network element managed by a first Session Management network element, and sends indication information to trigger the SMF to select the appropriate user plane network element for a terminal device, reducing unnecessary signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the EASDF network element sends all DNS response messages to the SMF network element, then the terminal device can access applications, but the SMF network element receives excessive signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application addressing process into two paths: local applications are resolved by the EASDF using cached address segment information, while non-local applications are forwarded to the SMF. This segmentation reduces the signaling burden on the SMF by handling local resolutions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The EASDF pre-obtains and caches address segment information corresponding to user plane network elements managed by the SMF. This preliminary action enables the EASDF to directly resolve local applications without consulting the SMF, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining accurate address resolution.
2Reliability
If the EASDF network element sends all DNS response messages to the SMF network element, then path creation can be triggered, but circumambulation occurs when local applications are requested
Solution Approach 1:
The EASDF pre-acquires address segment information and uses it for local application resolution, eliminating the need to forward requests to the SMF. This preliminary preparation prevents circumambulation and reduces addressing time for local applications while maintaining path creation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The address segment information acts as an intermediary cache between the EASDF and the SMF. It enables the EASDF to independently resolve local applications without directly involving the SMF, thereby preventing unnecessary signaling loops and reducing addressing time.
3Reliability
If the EASDF network element sends all DNS response messages to the SMF network element, then the SMF can create paths to applications, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides application resolution into local and non-local segments. The EASDF handles local applications using cached address segment information, while the SMF handles non-local applications. This segmentation reduces network element interaction complexity by eliminating unnecessary communications for local applications while ensuring complete path creation for non-local applications.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide an application addressing method and an apparatus, and relate to the field of communication technologies. The application addressing method includes: A first network element obtains address segment information corresponding to a user plane network element managed by a first session management network element. When address information of a first application is in the address segment information corresponding to the user plane network element managed by the first session management network element, the first network element sends first indication information to the first session management network element, so that signaling sent to the first session management network element can be reduced. The first indication information is used to trigger the first session management network element to select, for a terminal device, a user plane network element corresponding to the address information of the first application.