Dedicated Relocation Information for Consistent Multiplayer Server Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to ensure that a collection of UEs accessing a stateful online multiplayer game are served by the same server within the same local part of the data network to optimize server efficiency and reduce costs, as players may be connected to different servers associated with different data network access identifiers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dedicated relocation information, such as target data network access identifiers, is used to route traffic and handle DNS decisions for a collection of UEs, ensuring they access the same server within the same local part of the data network by transmitting this information to policy and session management functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional server discovery mechanisms are used, then each UE can independently discover servers, but different UEs may be served by different servers in different local parts of the data network
Solution Approach 1:
The application function performs preliminary action by discovering the target application server and its associated DNAI before the UEs actually need to connect. This preliminary discovery allows the system to pre-determine the correct server and prepare relocation information, ensuring that all UEs in the collection are directed to the same server without requiring complex real-time coordination during connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dedicated relocation information as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the application function and the UEs. This relocation information (containing target DNAI and server details) acts as a mediator that guides UEs to the correct server, eliminating the need for UEs to independently discover servers and ensuring consistent server assignment across all UEs in the collection.
2Productivity
If UEs are served by different servers in different local parts of the data network, then server discovery is flexible, but server efficiency and cost optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific UEs to specific local parts of the data network based on their geographic location or network conditions. The application function determines the appropriate local part and associates it with a specific DNAI, ensuring that UEs in the same local part are served by the same server. This creates localized server assignments that optimize efficiency while maintaining flexibility through location-based routing.
3Reliability
If dedicated relocation information is implemented, then server consistency for UEs is improved, but information transmission and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the relocation information structure universal by designing it to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The dedicated relocation information contains both the target DNAI and server identification, and can be transmitted through existing network protocols without requiring separate dedicated communication channels. This multi-functional approach reduces overall information overhead while maintaining reliable server assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for improvement of relocation with dedicated relocation information are disclosed. A Session Management Function (SMF) comprises a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, dedicated relocation information for a specific application and targeting a collection of UEs from AF or dedicated relocation information for a specific application and targeting a specific UE belonging to the collection of UEs from PCF, wherein, the dedicated relocation information is used for routing decision for traffic and/or DNS handling decision for the specific application for each UE within the collection of UEs.