Edge Enabler Layer Communication Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge network architectures face challenges in minimizing service interruption and optimizing communication path selection for seamless application context transfer between source and target edge application servers, particularly during user mobility, overload situations, and maintenance, due to limitations in dynamically assessing and selecting the best communication paths based on latency, cost, and data characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The edge enabler layer identifies and selects the optimal communication path between source and target edge application servers by assessing various options, including those within or outside the public land mobile network, using edge enabler servers, and considering factors like latency, cost, and data size, to ensure minimal service interruption and efficient application context transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed communication path is used between source and target edge application servers, then the system complexity is reduced, but the service interruption time increases during user mobility and overload situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication path selection where the system automatically identifies and switches between multiple possible communication paths (direct path, path via edge enabler server, path via cloud) based on real-time network conditions, user mobility status, and server overload conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain low service interruption time through automatic path reselection while keeping the base mechanism relatively simple through predefined path options.
2Reliability
If multiple communication paths are evaluated and selected based on latency, cost, and data characteristics, then the service continuity is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple possible communication paths (direct path between EASs, path via edge enabler server, path via cloud) before actual data transfer is needed. The system prepares path options and assessment criteria (latency, cost, data characteristics) in advance, so when service interruption needs to be avoided, the selection can be made quickly from pre-evaluated options rather than creating paths from scratch, thus improving service continuity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge enabler server acts as an intermediary that facilitates communication between source and target edge application servers. When direct communication is not optimal or available, the edge enabler server mediates the data transfer, providing an additional reliable path option. This intermediary approach improves service continuity by offering alternative routes while keeping the complexity managed through a standardized mediation interface.
3Loss of time
If application context is transferred quickly during user mobility, then the service interruption is minimized, but the data transfer cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically selecting different communication paths based on data characteristics, latency requirements, and cost considerations. For small, time-critical context data, the system may choose faster but more expensive paths (direct EAS-to-EAS communication), while for larger or less time-sensitive data, it may select cost-effective paths (via cloud or edge enabler server). This parameter-based selection resolves the contradiction by allowing quick transfers when necessary while controlling costs through intelligent path selection based on data parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a communication path between a source edge application server (sEAS) and a target edge application server (tEAS) are provided. The method includes identifying a plurality of possible communication paths between the sEAS and the tEAS, and selecting one of the plurality of possible communication paths between the sEAS and the tEAS according to one or more predefined criteria.