Edge CDN Node Scheduling via 5G UPF Location Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing CDN technologies, the centralized deployment of LocalDNS servers makes it difficult for the CDN scheduling center to accurately locate user terminals, leading to inaccurate scheduling of edge CDN nodes, especially in 5G networks where time delays need to be minimized.

Innovation Solution

The method involves the central layer UPF and AMF network elements cooperating to provide accurate location information to the CDN scheduling center, either through HTTPDNS requests carrying terminal location information or conventional DNS requests using source IP addresses, allowing for precise assignment of edge CDN nodes under 5G edge computing scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If LocalDNS server is used for CDN scheduling, then the scheduling process is simple, but the location accuracy is poor leading to inaccurate edge CDN node assignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling process simplicityVSAvoidterminal location accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the UPF network element as an intermediary between the terminal and CDN scheduling center. The UPF receives terminal requests, obtains accurate location information from the AMF network element, and forwards this precise location data to the CDN scheduling center, thereby resolving the location accuracy problem while maintaining scheduling simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from using IP address-based location estimation (two-dimensional network layer) to utilizing GPS or cellular tower triangulation data (three-dimensional spatial coordinates) provided by the AMF network element through the UPF, achieving more precise terminal location determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If CDN system sinks to 5G edge computing node, then the time delay is reduced, but the terminal location determination becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCDN acceleration time delayVSAvoidterminal location determination difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The UPF network element performs multiple functions: it acts as a gateway for terminal requests, a location information collector from AMF, a data processor that matches terminal location with edge CDN nodes, and a request router. This multi-functionality enables the system to achieve both time delay reduction and location determination in the 5G edge computing scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If centralized LocalDNS deployment is used, then the system structure is simple, but DNS hijack occurs easily and location accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure complexityVSAvoidDNS scheduling reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized LocalDNS function into distributed UPF network elements deployed at multiple 5G edge locations. Each UPF handles local terminal requests independently, eliminating the single point of failure and DNS hijack vulnerability of centralized deployment while maintaining system simplicity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3813338B1Method and system for scheduling edge CDN node
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 CHINANETCENT TECH
  • EP3813338B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3813338B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3813338B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a method and system for scheduling an edge CDN node, belonging to the content delivery technology. The method is applicable to a CDN scheduling center under a 5G network architecture and includes: receiving a terminal request for a target domain name sent by a central layer UPF network element (201); assigning a target edge CDN node to a terminal according to location information of the terminal carried in the terminal request if the terminal request is an HTTPDNS request (202); and assigning the target edge CDN node to the terminal according to a source IP address of the terminal request if the terminal request is a conventional DNS request (203). By adopting the present disclosure, the CDN scheduling center may determine the location information of the terminal under the 5G network architecture, thereby accurately assigning the edge CDN node to the terminal.