Computing-aware Traffic Steering in Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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 based on computing and networking metrics.
Innovation Solution
A computing-aware traffic steering method and system for mobile networks that uses segment routing to dynamically reconfigure user plane paths for accessing optimal service contact instances, based on base station location and computing and networking metrics in conjunction with a CATS controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the CATS framework is applied to general Internet infrastructure, then computing-aware traffic steering decisions can be made, but the framework cannot be directly applied to mobile network architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the CATS framework to mobile networks by modifying key parameters: replacing general Internet service instances with mobile network service contact instances, integrating with 5G core network functions (SMF, UPF, AMF), and incorporating mobile-specific metrics such as base station location and user equipment mobility status into the traffic steering decision process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile network adapter as an intermediary component that bridges the CATS framework and mobile network architecture. This adapter translates between the general CATS interface and mobile network-specific protocols, enabling seamless integration without requiring complete redesign of either system
2Reliability
If service instances are deployed in multiple geographically distributed edge sites, then service availability is improved, but traffic steering to the optimal site becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the CATS controller continuously receives computing metrics (service instance status, resource availability) and networking metrics (base station location, network conditions) from multiple edge sites, processes this information, and dynamically adjusts traffic steering decisions to route user traffic to the optimal service contact instance, thereby maintaining service availability while managing steering complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traffic steering function into modular components: metric collection modules at each edge site, a central CATS controller for decision-making, and local adapters for execution. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall system architecture
3Productivity
If dynamic traffic steering is implemented, then user experience and computing resource optimization are improved, but the signaling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing service contact instance mappings and maintaining cached metric data at the CATS controller. When traffic steering is needed, the system leverages this pre-computed information and cached data to make rapid decisions, reducing the time required for dynamic routing while still achieving optimal resource utilization
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 equipment (UE) is made, transmitting the service ID and user plane path information to a CATS controller in a computing-aware traffic steering (CATS) network environment using segment routing, and reconfiguring a user plane path for accessing an optimal service contact instance IP address determined as one of a plurality of service contact instances based on a base station connected by the UE and computing and networking metrics in conjunction with the CATS controller.