Cross-Network Edge Server Discovery via EASDF Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in discovering and accessing edge application servers (EAS) across different networks, which limits the sharing of edge computing resources and hinders low-latency communication.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing filtering information to a first edge application server discovery function (EASDF) to identify a set of network addresses, receiving an indication of a discovery message containing a network address, and transmitting part of the discovery message to a second EASDF, thereby facilitating the discovery of EAS across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If edge application servers are restricted to within a single network, then network security and management are simplified, but resource sharing across networks and low-latency communication are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF) as an intermediary entity that mediates between user equipment and edge application servers across different networks. The EASDF receives discovery requests, determines the appropriate target network and EAS, and facilitates the connection, thereby enabling cross-network resource sharing without requiring direct complex interactions between UEs and foreign EASs.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the EASDF in the home network, the target EASDF in the visited network, and the EAS itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling cross-network discovery and access.
2Area of stationary object
If cross-network discovery is enabled, then resource sharing and network coverage are improved, but information loss and communication delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the EASDF with filtering information that identifies target network addresses and EASDFs before discovery requests are made. This pre-configuration includes storing relationships between network addresses, EASDF identifiers, and target networks, allowing the system to quickly determine the appropriate forwarding destination without losing critical discovery information.
3Ease of operation
If discovery messages are forwarded across networks, then access to foreign EAS is enabled, but communication overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical routing and trial-and-error discovery processes with an information-based system. The EASDF uses pre-configured filtering information and network address mappings to directly determine the correct target EASDF and forward discovery messages appropriately, eliminating the need for exhaustive searching or repeated connection attempts across multiple networks.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for discovery, by a user connected to a first network, of an edge application server (EAS) associated with a second network. In some aspects, techniques described herein provide a shared EAS discovery function (EASDF), which allows users connected to different home networks to discover EASs across a plurality of networks. Some techniques described herein provide communication between EASDFs of different networks. Thus, a user connected to a first network can discover an EAS of a second network, which enables sharing of EASs across networks. Furthermore, techniques described herein provide communication between a UE connected to a first network and an edge data network (EDN) (such as an EAS hosted by the EDN) of a second network, such as by establishing a connection between a user plane function of the first network associated with the UE and a network entity of the second network.