Edge Network Address Selection via Intermediary Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for terminal devices to obtain an application server instance address from an edge enabler server are inefficient, requiring support for new protocols and lacking in selecting an optimal network communication path.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first network device obtains registration information to determine an appropriate second network device that can provide the address of an application server instance, based on the registration information and the identifier of the application, and sends this address to a third network device for forwarding to the terminal device, optimizing the selection of the application server instance by considering the terminal's location and network communication path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal device subscribes to the address of the application server instance from the edge enabler server using a new protocol, then the address can be obtained, but the system complexity increases and terminal device compatibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress obtaining reliabilityVSAvoidprotocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a first network device as an intermediary between the terminal device and the edge enabler server. This intermediary translates and forwards address requests using existing protocols, eliminating the need for terminal devices to support new protocols while maintaining reliable address obtaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The first network device serves multiple functions: it acts as a translator between different protocols, a forwarder for address requests, and a selector for optimal application server instances. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by handling protocol complexity centrally rather than requiring it at the terminal device level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the terminal device directly obtains the address from the edge enabler server, then the address can be obtained, but the optimal network communication path cannot be selected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress obtaining capabilityVSAvoidlocation-based selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first network device performs preliminary actions by obtaining registration information about application server instances and their locations in advance. When a terminal device needs an address, the first network device can immediately match the terminal's location with the pre-stored registration information to select the optimal instance, rather than relying on direct terminal-to-server interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the first network device continuously maintains registration information about application server instances and their locations. This feedback loop enables dynamic selection of optimal instances based on current terminal locations, improving measurement precision for location-based selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple application server instances are deployed in edge data networks, then service availability is improved, but the difficulty of selecting the optimal instance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidinstance selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the instance selection complexity from the terminal device and concentrates it in the first network device. The first network device obtains and processes registration information about multiple application server instances, extracting the optimal instance based on terminal location while terminal devices simply request addresses without needing to evaluate multiple options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The first network device automatically performs instance selection by matching terminal locations with registration information, making the system self-service in terms of optimal instance selection. This eliminates the need for terminal devices to manually or complexly evaluate multiple instances, reducing detection and measurement difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11895083B2Address obtaining method and an address obtaining apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An address obtaining method includes obtaining, by a third network device, an identifier of a first application from a terminal device. The identifier of the first application indicates a request for obtaining an address of an instance of the first application. The address obtaining method further includes sending, by the third network device, a first message to a first network device, wherein the first message comprises the identifier of the first application, and the first message is useable to request the address of the instance of the first application. The address obtaining method further includes receiving, by the third network device, the address of the instance of the first application from the first network device, and sending the address of the instance of the first application to the terminal device.