Distributed Resource Unit Allocation for IoT Runtime Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications networks, managing resource units across multiple distributed runtime environments and actor instances is challenging, particularly in IoT scenarios where devices and services span across network operators, leading to difficulties in handling network subscriptions and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method and runtime environment that enable peer-to-peer resource unit distribution among instances of actors, allowing requesting runtime environments to request and obtain resource units from responding runtime environments, with mechanisms for determining and transferring individual amounts of resource units, potentially using blockchain and token-based accounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centrally controlled charging system is used to manage resource units, then resource allocation can be controlled and monitored, but the system complexity increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized charging system into multiple distributed charging entities (home charging entities, network charging entities). Each entity independently manages resource units for specific devices or service groups, eliminating the need for a single complex centralized system while maintaining resource allocation control through distributed decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices and charging entities to autonomously negotiate and transfer resource units without requiring centralized arbitration. Devices can directly request and receive resource units from appropriate charging entities based on their service requirements, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable resource management.
2Ease of operation
If resource units are centrally managed by a single entity, then accounting and control are simplified, but the system lacks flexibility for distributed IoT scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resource unit system that works across multiple charging entities and device types. Resource units serve as a common currency that can be held by devices, stored in home charging entities, and transferred through network charging entities, enabling the same mechanism to handle diverse IoT scenarios from simple home charging to complex multi-operator service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical nesting structure where home charging entities (local level) are nested within network charging entities (network level). Each nested level manages resource units autonomously but can interact with higher levels when needed, providing both local flexibility and network-wide coordination without requiring centralized control at any single level.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging entities are introduced to handle distributed devices, then service flexibility and adaptability improve, but the complexity of resource unit accounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network charging entities as intermediaries between home charging entities and service providers. These intermediaries handle the complexity of cross-entity resource unit transfers, accounting reconciliation, and coordination, allowing home charging entities to remain simple while enabling flexible distributed service delivery through standardized interaction protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for distributing resource units among instances of actors. A method is performed by a requesting runtime environment. The method comprises providing, to responding runtime environments, a request for resource units to be used by at least one of the instances when run by the requesting runtime environment. The method comprises obtaining, from the responding runtime environments, indications of amount of resource units made available from a respective one of the responding runtime environments to the requesting runtime environment. The method comprises determining, based on the obtained indications, individual amounts of resource units required by the requesting runtime environment from each of the responding runtime environments. The method comprises indicating, to the responding runtime environments, said individual amounts of resource units required by the requesting runtime environment.