Edge Network Function Distribution for Low-Latency 5G Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems face challenges in efficiently distributing network functions to edge data networks, leading to increased latency and suboptimal message delivery efficiency, particularly for point-to-point communications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an edge-assisted distributed network function solution that facilitates the distribution of network functions from the 5G Core to edge data networks, utilizing an Edge Network Repository Function (ENRF) for discovery and management, and an edge-assisted message service (MSGin5G) to enhance message delivery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If network functions are centralized in 5G Core, then system management is simplified, but access latency increases and message delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions by distributing them to multiple Edge Data Networks (EDNs) rather than centralizing them in a single 5G Core. This allows UEs to access network functions in their vicinity, reducing access latency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces and the ENRF for coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to network function deployment by utilizing multiple geographically distributed Edge Data Networks. Instead of a single centralized location, network functions are deployed across multiple edges, allowing UEs to access the nearest instance and thereby reducing latency without complicating overall system management.
2Loss of time
If network functions are distributed to edge data networks, then access latency is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Edge Network Repository Function (ENRF) acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of distributed network functions. It maintains information about available network functions across multiple EDNs, handles service discovery, and coordinates deployments, thereby reducing the management burden on individual operators and simplifying overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ENRF provides universal functionality across all Edge Data Networks by implementing a standardized interface and information model that works across multiple vendors and deployments. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to manage diverse distributed network functions, reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
3Device complexity
If traditional message delivery is used in 5G, then network control is simplified, but message delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing edge applications to directly communicate with UEs through the Edge Data Network when the UE is in proximity. This local message delivery path bypasses traditional centralized control, improving delivery efficiency for local communications while maintaining simplified network control for non-local messages through existing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods that improve the use of network functions on edge data networks are disclosed. A mechanism that supports edge-assisted UE context and trigger collection is described herein, where a UE can actively send its context information and/or any trigger (e.g. a request for a network function/service to be deployed in edge data networks, etc.) to an edge enabler server, which processes the received context and triggers from its UEs. The edge enabler server may also forward UE context and triggers to 5G core network (5GC) upon receiving a solicitation request from the 5GC, or if the 5GC has already made a subscription for getting notification on UE context and triggers. A network repository function is provided as a new network function collect, store, and manage edge data network information.