Edge NEF-Lite Communication for Low-Latency Wireless Information Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In edge computing scenarios, the deployment of Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) platforms far from core network components leads to significant delays in network information exposure, affecting subsequent application layer processing such as video resolution adjustment and automatic driving adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Deploying a Network Exposure Function-lite (NEF-lite) closer to the MEC platform, which reduces delays by interacting with the OAM system or base stations to expose wireless network information directly, bypassing direct connections to the core network control plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the MEC platform is deployed far from the core network control plane, then the edge computing service coverage is expanded, but the network information exposure delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Network Exposure Function is segmented into two parts: NEF-central remains in the core network control plane, while NEF-lite is deployed at the edge computing platform. This segmentation allows the edge-side NEF-lite to handle local network information exposure requests immediately, reducing delay, while NEF-central maintains overall control and management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
NEF-lite acts as an intermediary between the AF at the edge computing platform and the access network side. It receives capability invocation requests from AF, converts them into subscription requests, and interacts with the access network side to obtain network information, thereby eliminating the need for long-distance communication with the core network control plane.
2Device complexity
If the NEF is deployed in the core network control plane, then the network architecture is simplified, but the application function acquisition delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Network Exposure Function is segmented into two parts: NEF-central remains in the core network control plane, while NEF-lite is deployed at the edge computing platform. This segmentation allows the edge-side NEF-lite to handle local network information exposure requests immediately, reducing delay, while NEF-central maintains overall control and management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a new deployment dimension by introducing NEF-lite at the edge computing platform, creating a multi-dimensional architecture where both core network and edge network have exposure capabilities. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous optimization of both architecture simplicity and response speed.
3Loss of energy
If the AF invokes network information with long delay, then the system resource consumption is reduced, but the information becomes invalid and processing is affected
Solution Approach 1:
NEF-lite proactively subscribes to network information events at the edge computing platform before the AF needs them. When network events occur (such as cell changes or quality variations), NEF-lite immediately obtains and notifies the AF, ensuring information is available when needed without requiring frequent AF-initiated requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements an event-driven feedback mechanism where NEF-lite continuously monitors network conditions and automatically notifies the AF when relevant events occur. This feedback loop ensures the AF receives timely, valid network information without needing to continuously poll or invoke requests, optimizing both resource usage and information reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a communication method and apparatus, a computer-readable medium, and an electronic device. An edge computing platform is deployed in an edge computing scenario, an application function entity is deployed on the edge computing platform, the edge computing platform is connected to a lightweight network exposure function (NEF-lite), and the NEF-lite is connected to a network exposure function-central deployed in a core network. The communication method is executed by the NEF-lite, and comprises: receiving a capability calling request sent by an application function entity; when the capability calling request is used for requesting the acquisition of wireless network information, sending a subscription request for the wireless network information to an access network side on the basis of the capability calling request; receiving wireless network information fed back by the access network side for the subscription request; and notifying the application function entity of the wireless network information.