DNS Service Selection via ALTO Network Path Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-access edge computing (MEC) environments, the geolocation-based DNS policy may not result in optimal service due to the discrepancy between geographic proximity and network path distance, leading to suboptimal selection of MEC resources for user devices dispersed across a wide geographic area, as the nearest physically situated MEC site may not provide the lowest latency or highest capacity connection.
Innovation Solution
The DNS system uses Application-Layer Traffic Optimization (ALTO) information to perform Hostname-to-IP address translations, considering network path criteria such as latency and bandwidth, and dynamically creates DNS policies to select the most suitable MEC site based on these criteria, ensuring optimal quality of service by correlating IP addresses with network path metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If geolocation-based DNS policy is used to select MEC sites, then user devices can be directed to physically closest MEC sites, but network latency and connection quality may not be optimized because geographic proximity does not guarantee optimal network path distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from geographic distance to network path distance by integrating ALTO information. The DNS system now uses network path metrics (latency, bandwidth, cost) obtained from ALTO to select MEC sites, rather than relying solely on geolocation data. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by optimizing for actual network performance rather than physical proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ALTO (Application-Layer Traffic Optimization) as an intermediary between the DNS system and MEC site selection. The ALTO information provides network path characteristics that mediate between geographic location and actual connection quality, enabling the DNS to make informed decisions about which MEC site will provide the best network performance for each user device.
2Reliability
If DNS system integrates ALTO information and dynamically creates DNS policies, then optimal MEC site selection based on network path criteria is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DNS system multi-functional by integrating it with ALTO information retrieval and dynamic policy creation capabilities. The DNS server now performs not only traditional domain name resolution but also network path optimization by incorporating ALTO cost functions and dynamically generating DNS policies based on current network conditions, thereby improving QoS without requiring separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-fetching and storing ALTO information about network path characteristics to MEC sites. The system proactively creates DNS policies based on anticipated network conditions rather than reacting to poor performance after connections are established. This allows the DNS to make informed selections before actual user connections are made.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and storage mediums select an edge network site over other candidate edge network sites, to resolve hostnames, from end devices, to Internet protocol addresses based on various network path information, over other factors, such as a proximity of the end device to the selected edge network site relative to the proximity to the other candidate edge network sites.