Multi-Access Edge Computing Device IP Persistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

In enterprise private networks, user devices experience service connection interruptions when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks due to different IP address assignments, leading to potential data packet loss.

Innovation Solution

A multi-access edge computing device with a persistent IP dispatcher manages unified IP address assignment, temporarily storing data packets and releasing original IP addresses to maintain continuity by assigning the same IP address across network switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different IP addresses are assigned for Wi-Fi and mobile networks to avoid IP conflicts, then IP address conflict avoidance is improved, but service connection continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address conflict avoidanceVSAvoidservice connection continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network interface layer from the IP address management layer. Different network interfaces (Wi-Fi, mobile) can coexist with different local IP addresses, while a unified IP address is maintained at the edge computing layer through interface mapping and packet rewriting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge computing device acts as an intermediary between the user device and the network. It performs IP address translation and packet rewriting, mapping traffic from different network interfaces to a unified IP address, thereby maintaining service continuity during network switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If unified IP address assignment is implemented across different networks, then service connection continuity is improved, but network configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice connection continuityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge computing device serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of multi-network IP management. It automatically performs IP address mapping, packet rewriting, and interface management, eliminating the need for complex user-side configuration while maintaining unified IP addressing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual representation of network interfaces at the edge computing layer. Packet rewriting copies and modifies packet headers to map different interface IP addresses to a unified IP address, simplifying the network configuration from the user perspective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If IP address is changed during network switching, then IP address conflict avoidance is improved, but data packet loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address conflict avoidanceVSAvoiddata packet loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The edge computing device performs preliminary IP address mapping and packet rewriting before network switching occurs. It maintains a mapping table of interface IP addresses to unified IP addresses, ensuring that packets are correctly routed during transitions and preventing packet loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous service by keeping the unified IP address active throughout network switching. The edge computing device continuously performs packet rewriting and interface mapping, ensuring uninterrupted data flow despite changes in underlying network interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3996347B1Multi-access edge computing device and network access control method
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 IND TECH RES INST
  • EP3996347B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3996347B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3996347B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-access edge computing device configured to be connected to first and second networks with different radio access technologies comprises a routing module, a comparison module and a control module. The control module performs steps when determining a user device connected to the first network intends to switch to the second network, wherein the steps comprise: according to identity information of the user device, looking up a target address in a comparison table in the comparison module, notifying the routing module to temporarily store a data packet corresponding to the user device and the first network, notifying the user device to release an original used address on the first network interface and then assigning the target address identical to the original used address to the second network interface of the user device, and transmitting the temporarily stored data packet to the second network interface of the user device.