Dynamic Micro-Region Formation for Edge Computing Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cloud computing networks face challenges in providing low-latency computing resources to remote or underserved areas due to geographical constraints and network connectivity issues, limiting the deployment of high-performance computing services in areas with insufficient population or stable broadband connectivity.

Innovation Solution

Deploying a software-based control plane infrastructure within independent customer networks to form independent edge locations that can operate autonomously, allowing for the provision of cloud services with reduced reliance on constant network connectivity and enabling the formation of dynamic micro-regions for resource sharing and credit-based accounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cloud services are deployed in centralized data centers, then service management and provisioning become simplified, but latency and accessibility deteriorate for remote or underserved areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized cloud service into distributed edge locations that can operate independently. Each edge location is a self-contained unit with local control plane infrastructure, allowing services to be delivered closer to users in remote areas without requiring constant connectivity to the central cloud, thereby reducing latency while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of deployment by enabling edge locations to operate in an offline or partially connected mode. This dimensional shift allows services to be delivered from distributed edge locations rather than requiring all traffic to route through centralized data centers, reducing latency for remote users while maintaining management simplicity through autonomous edge operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If edge locations are deployed in remote areas, then latency is reduced and service accessibility is improved, but network connectivity and infrastructure stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidnetwork connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation modes for edge locations that can adapt to network conditions. Edge locations can switch between online and offline modes, allowing them to maintain low-latency local service delivery even when network connectivity is unstable or unavailable, while still enabling resource sharing and coordination when connectivity is available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables edge locations to be self-sufficient with local control plane infrastructure that operates autonomously without requiring constant connectivity to the central cloud. This self-service capability allows remote edge locations to maintain reliable service delivery despite poor network connectivity, while still participating in the broader cloud ecosystem when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If independent edge locations are deployed in customer networks, then service autonomy and availability are improved, but system complexity and resource management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidcontrol plane infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deploys copied instances of the control plane infrastructure at each edge location rather than requiring complex centralized management of distributed resources. This copying approach simplifies resource management by providing autonomous control capabilities at each edge location, improving service availability while avoiding the complexity of centralized coordination for distributed systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If computing resources are shared among multiple users at edge locations, then resource utilization and scalability are improved, but security and isolation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsecurity isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces virtualization technology as an intermediary layer between physical computing resources and users at edge locations. This virtualization intermediary enables secure multi-tenant resource sharing by providing logical isolation between users while maintaining efficient resource utilization, resolving the contradiction between sharing benefits and security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11363113B1Dynamic micro-region formation for service provider network independent edge locations
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US11363113B1 patent drawing
  • US11363113B1 patent drawing
  • US11363113B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for dynamic micro-region formation for service provider network independent edge locations are described. A set of services corresponding to services of the service provider network can be deployed to a separate, customer-managed datacenter. The services may be used privately by the customer or publicly by other users using the same or similar interfaces as are utilized for the services within the service provider network. These deployed independent edge locations can be grouped dynamically based on distance in terms of latency to result in micro-regions that users can use, e.g., to launch compute resources into.