Edge Enabler Server Caching for 5G Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, the repeated on/off operations of edge computing services for user equipment (UE) result in increased signaling overhead and significant delays due to the need for repeated retrieval of edge computing configuration information and application server address information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable continuous edge computing service provision by using an edge enabler server to receive update information from a source edge application server, retrieve target edge enabler server information, transmit UE and EAS information, and cache dynamic information to minimize repeated service provisioning and discovery requests, thereby reducing signaling overhead and start-up delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE performs repeated on/off operations of edge computing service, then the service can be stopped and restarted as needed, but signaling overhead increases and service start delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The edge enabler server performs preliminary actions by caching edge application server address information and configuration information before the UE needs to restart the service. When the UE requests service resumption, the pre-cached information is immediately available, eliminating the need for repeated retrieval operations and reducing service start delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge enabler server acts as an intermediary between the UE and the edge application server. It maintains cached information about edge application servers and provides this information to the UE when needed, thereby reducing the signaling overhead that would otherwise occur between the UE and edge application servers during service restarts.
2Reliability
If the UE retrieves edge computing configuration information and edge application server address information repeatedly, then the service can be re-established after on/off operations, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge enabler server creates and maintains a cached copy of edge application server address information and configuration information. This cached copy serves as a substitute for repeatedly retrieving the original information from the edge application servers, thereby reducing signaling overhead while ensuring the UE can reliably re-establish service connections.
3Reliability
If the edge computing service information is frequently updated, then the service remains current and accurate, but the frequency of updates increases signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The edge enabler server serves as an intermediary that maintains cached service information. Instead of the UE frequently requesting updates from edge application servers, the edge enabler server can update its cached information and notify the UE of changes, thereby maintaining information accuracy while reducing the frequency and overhead of update operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuously providing an edge computing service to user equipment (UE) by an edge enabler server (EES) of a mobile edge computing (MEC) system is provided, which includes receiving, from a source edge application server (EAS), update information including UE information and source EAS information, wherein the source EAS provides the edge computing service to the UE; retrieving, from an edge configuration server (ECS), target EES information based on the update information; transmitting, to a target EES, the UE information and the EAS information based on the target EES information; receiving, from the target EES, target EAS information; and transferring, to the source EAS, the target EAS information.