Computing-Aware Traffic Steering in Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing-aware traffic steering frameworks are not adapted for mobile network architectures, lacking a method to dynamically steer user traffic to the optimal service instance in mobile networks.
Innovation Solution
A computing-aware traffic steering method and system for mobile networks that uses segment routing to dynamically steer user traffic to the optimal service instance by transmitting service ID and user plane path information to a CATS mobile user plane controller, and reconfiguring the user plane path to access an Anycast IP address corresponding to the service ID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PDU session establishment request is made without a target DNAI mapped to service ID in mobile network, then the session cannot be properly routed to the optimal service instance, but implementing CATS framework requires adapting mobile network architecture to support computing-aware traffic steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a CATS-MUP-C (Computing-Aware Traffic Steering Mobile User Plane Controller) as an intermediary component that bridges the mobile network architecture and CATS framework. This mediator translates mobile network elements (SMF, UPF, PCF) into CATS-compatible components, enabling computing-aware traffic steering without fundamentally redesigning the entire mobile network architecture. The CATS-MUP-C receives service ID and user plane path information from the mobile network control plane and translates it into routing decisions for steering traffic to optimal service instances.
2Reliability
If user traffic is steered to geographically distributed edge sites, then service availability is improved, but traffic routing complexity increases due to multiple service instances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the CATS-MUP-C continuously receives computing metrics (CPU utilization, memory availability, storage capacity) and networking metrics (traffic load, latency, bandwidth) from distributed edge sites. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts traffic routing decisions to steer user traffic to the optimal service instance that currently offers the best service quality. This feedback-driven approach enables automatic adaptation to changing conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic service instance selection where the optimal target DNAI is not fixed but changes based on real-time computing and networking conditions. The CATS-MUP-C continuously evaluates multiple service instances and dynamically updates routing rules to direct traffic to the currently optimal instance. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to workload changes, resource availability fluctuations, and network conditions, thereby improving service availability while managing routing complexity through automation.
3Measurement precision
If computing and networking metrics are combined for traffic steering decisions, then optimal service instance selection is achieved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively collecting and processing only the most critical computing and networking metrics needed for traffic steering decisions, rather than monitoring all possible parameters. The CATS-MUP-C prioritizes key metrics such as service quality indicators, resource availability, and traffic load, processing these with higher precision while using approximate or sampled data for less critical parameters. This approach achieves sufficiently accurate service instance selection while reducing the overall information processing burden and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a computing-aware traffic steering method, apparatus and system in a mobile network. According to the present disclosure, there is provided a computing-aware traffic steering method of mobile network control plane, the method including: in a case where it is confirmed that there is no target data network access identifier (DNAI) mapped to a service ID when a PDU session establishment request including the service ID of a user terminal (UE) is made, transmitting the service ID and user plane path information to a computing-aware traffic steering mobile user plane controller (CATS-MUP-C) using segment routing; reconfiguring a user plane path for accessing an Anycast IP address corresponding to the service ID in conjunction with the CATS-MUP-C; and completing the PDU session establishment using the Anycast IP address.