Edge Application Server Selection Using Composite Access Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for selecting an edge application server (EAS) closest to user equipment (UE) may result in suboptimal quality of service due to potential delays and processing inefficiencies, leading to unsatisfactory user experience.
Innovation Solution
A network element determines and selects a data network access identifier (DNAI) that minimizes the sum of transmission and processing delays, ensuring the UE quickly accesses an edge application server that supports the desired application, thereby improving service quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the SMF selects the LDN closest to the UE based on location, then the transmission delay is reduced, but the processing delay of the EAS may be excessive leading to suboptimal quality of service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from purely location-based to a composite metric that includes both transmission delay and EAS processing delay. The SMF now selects the DNAI that minimizes the sum of these delays, rather than simply choosing the geographically closest LDN. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by considering both transmission and processing delays in the selection criterion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the EASDF pre-obtain and store processing delay information for multiple EASs in different LDNs before the actual service request. This advance preparation allows the SMF to make an informed selection that considers both transmission and processing delays, rather than discovering suboptimal EAS performance after connection is established.
2Speed
If the SMF selects an EAS in the closest LDN, then the access speed is improved, but the overall service quality may be insufficient due to EAS processing inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The selection criterion is changed from purely distance-based to a composite performance metric that includes both access speed (transmission delay) and service quality (EAS processing delay). The SMF selects the DNAI that optimizes the sum of these parameters, ensuring both fast access and high service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using EAS processing delay information (obtained from network measurements or EAS reports) to inform the SMF's selection decision. This feedback loop ensures that EAS performance is continuously considered in the selection process, preventing selection of EASs that would provide poor service quality despite fast access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple EASs supporting the same application are distributed across different LDNs, then the system provides more options for selection, but the complexity of selecting the optimal EAS increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the EASDF as an intermediary that simplifies the selection process. Instead of the SMF directly evaluating multiple EAS options across different LDNs, the EASDF pre-obtains processing delay information for all candidate EASs and provides this data to the SMF. This intermediary role reduces the computational burden on the SMF while maintaining comprehensive evaluation of all options.
Solution Approach 2:
The EASDF performs preliminary actions by pre-gathering and storing processing delay information for multiple EASs before the SMF needs to make a selection. This advance preparation organizes the data in a ready-to-use format, significantly reducing the complexity of the actual selection process while preserving all available options for optimal decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method, an apparatus, and a system. A first network element determines that a terminal device requests to access a first application, and selects a first data network access identifier for the terminal device. A sum of a first delay and a second delay is less than or equal to an access delay threshold for the first application. The first delay is a transmission delay between the terminal device and a core network device corresponding to the first data network access identifier or a transmission delay between an access network device serving the terminal device and a core network device. The second delay is a processing delay of an edge application server in a first data network identified by the first data network access identifier, and the edge application server supports the first application.