Edge Computing Containers in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional deployments of cloud computing resources in centralized data centers face limitations in achieving low latency due to network distance and number of hops between end-user devices and computing resources, hindering responsive cloud-based applications and next-generation applications like game streaming, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Deploying cloud provider network compute resources within communications service provider networks, known as edge locations, to reduce latency by placing computing resources closer to end-users, utilizing provider substrate extensions that integrate with existing communication infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cloud computing resources are deployed in centralized data centers, then resource pooling and management efficiency are improved, but network latency increases due to distance and number of hops between end-user devices and computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized cloud computing network into distributed edge locations integrated within communications service provider networks. This segmentation allows computing resources to be geographically distributed closer to end users while maintaining centralized management capabilities, thereby reducing network latency without sacrificing resource pooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by integrating cloud provider network edge locations within the infrastructure of communications service provider networks. This creates a multi-layered architecture where computing resources operate at the edge of the network, adding a spatial dimension that reduces distance and hops between users and resources
2Loss of time
If cloud computing resources are deployed closer to end users, then network latency is reduced, but infrastructure complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing communications service provider network infrastructure to host cloud computing edge locations. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical infrastructure to serve both communication and computing functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated facilities and thereby limiting infrastructure complexity despite geographic distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses communications service provider networks as an intermediary layer between centralized cloud data centers and end users. This intermediary infrastructure provides the physical hosting environment for edge locations, managing the complexity of distributed deployment while maintaining standardized interfaces and operations
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for reducing latency between resources of a cloud provider network and end user devices are described. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises: executing, in a first network, a control plane component to at least partially manage edge locations that are physically separate from the first network, wherein the edge locations are adapted to execute containers for one or more customers, and wherein a first edge location of the edge locations is embedded within a cellular communications service provider network; receiving, by the control plane component, a profile from a customer including one or more constraints for use in identifying edge locations where containers for an application of the customer are to be deployed, wherein the one or more constraints comprise a latency constraint; determining, by the control plane component, to launch a customer container at the first edge location based at least in part due to the first edge location satisfying the latency constraint; transmitting, by the control plane component to the first edge location, a message to launch the customer container; and launching the customer container on a computer system of the first edge location, wherein the computer system obtains a container image specified by the customer that is stored outside the first edge location and launches the customer container based on the container image, and wherein the customer container communicates with a mobile device of a subscriber to the cellular communications service provider via the cellular communications service provider network.