Cross-PLMN Edge Application Server Relocation for Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to guarantee service continuity when relocating edge application servers (EAS) between different public land mobile networks (PLMNs).
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first session management function (SMF) in a first PLMN receiving indication information to relocate a source EAS to a target EAS in a second PLMN, transmitting second indication information to a second SMF, and configuring a routing rule to a first UPF to route uplink data to a second UPF, ensuring seamless relocation across PLMNs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EAS relocation is implemented between different PLMNs, then service coverage and flexibility are improved, but service continuity cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a session management function (SMF) as an intermediary to coordinate EAS relocation between different PLMNs. The SMF establishes routing rules and manages user plane functions (UPF) to ensure seamless service continuity during cross-PLMN relocation, acting as a mediator between the source and target networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of routing rules and UPF selection before the actual EAS relocation occurs. The SMF pre-establishes the data path and routing configuration in the target PLMN, ensuring that service continuity is maintained from the moment of relocation without interruption.
2Reliability
If routing rules are configured for cross-PLMN data transmission, then service continuity is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the session management function (SMF) universal by enabling it to handle both intra-PLMN and inter-PLMN EAS relocation scenarios. The same SMF and routing rule configuration mechanisms are used across different PLMNs, reducing the need for PLMN-specific complex routing logic and simplifying overall network configuration.
3Measurement precision
If UPF insertion or reselection is performed, then data path accuracy is improved, but relocation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs UPF selection and routing rule configuration in advance before the EAS relocation is triggered. The SMF pre-identifies the appropriate UPF in the target PLMN and establishes the data path configuration, so that when relocation occurs, the data path is already optimized and ready, minimizing both time loss and ensuring accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and device for relocating an edge application server (EAS), and a network element and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used for indicating relocation of a source EAS of a first PLMN to a target EAS of a second PLMN; sending second indication information to a second SMF in the second PLMN; and after acknowledgement information sent by the second SMF is received, configuring a first routing rule for a first UPF in the first PLMN. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first indication information is received, a first SMF sends the second indication information to the second SMF, then the first routing rule can be configured for the first UPF after the acknowledgement information is received, then uplink data can be forwarded to a second UPF, and the uplink data is routed to the target EAS by means of the second UPF.