Edge Application Relocation Using Pre-Established PDU Sessions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The interdependence between network and computer in edge computing poses challenges in maintaining application availability and resource allocation for edge-native use cases, particularly due to user mobility and poor key performance indicators, necessitating robust coordination mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method for relocating application functions between Edge Data Network components, involving an indication, determination based on user mobility, resource optimization, and key performance indicators, and performing a Protocol Data Unit session establishment procedure to facilitate seamless relocation of User Plane Functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If edge application functions are relocated to optimize resource allocation or respond to user mobility, then resource efficiency and adaptability improve, but application availability and reliability deteriorate due to relocation downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a target PDU session before the actual application function relocation occurs. The network node proactively creates the target PDU session with the target UPF, so when relocation is needed, the application function can be quickly switched to the pre-prepared target session, minimizing disruption and maintaining application availability during the relocation process.
2Productivity
If application functions are relocated to follow user mobility, then network resource efficiency improves, but application instantiation delay increases due to relocation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The network node establishes the target PDU session in advance before relocation is actually needed. This pre-establishment includes configuring the target UPF and creating the necessary session parameters, so when relocation triggers occur, the application function can be rapidly migrated without waiting for session setup, thereby reducing instantiation delay while maintaining resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a intermediary mechanism where the network node coordinates between the application function, the target UPF, and the PDU session management. The network node acts as a mediator that manages the relocation process by first establishing the target session, then coordinating the switch, thereby reducing the time required for application instantiation while achieving efficient resource utilization.
3Reliability
If robust coordination mechanisms are implemented between network and computer, then application availability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by having the network node perform multiple functions through a single mechanism. The same PDU session establishment procedure serves both as a coordination mechanism for relocation and as a standard network procedure for session management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex coordination mechanisms while maintaining application availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for reducing application instantiation delay and downtime are described herein. A method may comprise relocating an application function from a source Edge Data Network (EDN) component to a target EDN component. The method may comprise receiving an indication, and/or determining, based on at least one of a user mobility, resource optimization requirement, key performance indicator (KPI), or a failed relocation attempt, to relocate the application function. The method may further comprise performing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment procedure toward the target EDN component. The method may further comprise determining, based on one or more received parameters for edge usage and capabilities, to relocate the application function. The method may further comprise sending, to a European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) orchestrator, an indication that the application function will be relocated. The application function may be a User Plane Function (UPF).