Edge Application Discovery for 5G WWC MEC Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The implementation of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology is not effectively supported in 5G Wireless Wireline Convergence (5G WWC) scenarios, particularly in fixed access networks, lacking complete technical specifications.

Innovation Solution

An edge application discovery method and apparatus that enables the discovery of target edge application servers (EAS) by sending application discovery request messages through 5G-RG or FN-RG gateways, utilizing specific interfaces and proxies to interact with the core network for matching and receiving target EAS information, supporting edge computing in 5G WWC scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MEC technology is implemented in 5G WWC scenarios without complete technical specifications, then service sinking to network edge can be attempted, but the implementation cannot be effectively supported and network latency requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMEC technology implementation supportVSAvoidtechnical specification completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes preliminary technical specifications and standards for MEC implementation in 5G WWC scenarios before actual deployment. The core network pre-configures edge application server information, network parameter requirements, and discovery mechanisms, ensuring that when services are sunk to the edge, all necessary technical frameworks are already in place to support reliable operation and meet latency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If application discovery requests are sent through multiple gateway types (5G-RG or FN-RG), then adaptability to different network configurations is improved, but the interface complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegateway compatibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal application discovery mechanism that can operate through multiple gateway types (5G-RG and FN-RG) using a common interface standard. The EAC sends discovery requests through a standardized procedure that adapts to different gateway implementations, while the core network provides unified edge application server information. This multi-functional approach allows the same discovery mechanism to work across diverse network configurations without requiring separate specialized procedures for each gateway type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4210297B1Edge application discovery method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP4210297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4210297B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4210297B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

Provided are an edge application discovery method and apparatus, and an edge application service support method and apparatus. The edge application discovery method includes: sending an application discovery request message to a core network, so that the core network matches a target edge application server (EAS) according to application content information carried in the application discovery request message, wherein the application content information at least includes network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used for instructing the EAC to match the information of the corresponding EAS; and receiving target EAS information replied by the core network, wherein the target EAS information is used for indicating the target EAS.