Edge Computing Application Context Relocation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
In edge computing, when a user equipment (UE) needs to switch from one edge application server (EAS) to another for service continuity, there is a lack of mechanisms to determine a common application context relocation (ACR) method supported by all entities involved, leading to potential service interruptions due to incompatible ACR methods.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of mechanisms that enable the UE and edge data network entities to indicate their supported ACR methods, allowing the determination of a common method for seamless service continuity, including the use of bitmaps and multiple bitmaps to indicate preferred methods, ensuring all entities involved in the ACR procedure support a compatible method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ACR methods are supported by different entities, then the system has higher flexibility and adaptability, but it becomes difficult to determine a common compatible method leading to service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE and EAS exchange capability information about supported ACR methods. The UE includes ACR method indications in messages to the EAS, and the EAS responds with its own supported methods. This feedback loop enables both parties to identify common compatible ACR methods, ensuring reliable service continuity while maintaining flexibility in method selection.
2Reliability
If the UE and EAS manually determine compatible ACR methods through complex signaling, then service continuity is ensured, but the process complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE and EAS exchange and store their ACR method capability information in advance during the service establishment phase. This pre-negotiation of supported methods allows for quick determination of compatible ACR methods during actual service continuity operations, reducing the complexity and time required for real-time negotiation while ensuring reliable service continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple ACR methods for different scenarios, then the system becomes more versatile, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring compatible methods increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses indicator fields (analogous to color changes as a detection mechanism) in signaling messages to clearly indicate which ACR methods are supported by the UE and EAS. These indicator fields provide unambiguous, easily detectable information about method compatibility, simplifying the detection process while maintaining support for multiple ACR methods across different scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is configured to operate as an edge enabler client (EEC) and is configured to determine one or more application context relocation (ACR) methods supported by an application client (AC) of the UE and transmit, to an edge data network (EDN), a message comprising a first indication that the AC requires service continuity support, a second indication of one or more ACR methods supported by the AC and a third indication of one or more ACR methods supported by the EEC.