Dynamic Edge Server Instantiation for MEC Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile edge computing (MEC) systems face challenges in providing high-quality edge services due to the lack of dynamic instantiation of edge application servers based on user requirements, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and service experience.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically triggering the instantiation of edge application servers based on user requirements, where a control plane device receives information requests from terminals and requests the application instantiation management function entity to instantiate the edge application server in the appropriate edge data network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If edge application servers are pre-deployed in all edge data networks, then service availability is improved, but resource waste increases due to servers running idle without user demand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic instantiation of edge application servers based on real-time user demand. When a terminal requests an application, the system checks whether the application exists in the local edge data network. If not, the application is dynamically instantiated and downloaded. This dynamic approach replaces static pre-deployment, allowing servers to be created only when needed and terminated when no longer required, thus resolving the contradiction between service availability and resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If edge application servers are dynamically instantiated based on user requests, then resource utilization is improved, but service response time increases due to instantiation delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidservice response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs prediction mechanisms that analyze user behavior patterns, historical data, and application popularity to predict which applications will be requested next. Based on these predictions, the system proactively instantiates and pre-loads applications into edge data networks before actual user requests occur. This preliminary action reduces instantiation delay when users make requests, resolving the contradiction between resource utilization and service response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If applications are downloaded from remote cloud data centers, then storage requirements at edge are reduced, but network bandwidth consumption increases and service quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge storage requirementsVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a hierarchical storage architecture where frequently accessed applications and their data are cached in local edge data networks close to users, while less frequently accessed applications remain in remote cloud data centers. When users request applications, the system first checks local edge storage and only downloads from remote cloud when necessary. This local quality approach reduces network bandwidth consumption and improves service quality by prioritizing local access, while still maintaining reduced edge storage requirements through selective caching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12335333B2Method for dynamically triggering instantiation of edge application server, and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12335333B2 patent drawing
  • US12335333B2 patent drawing
  • US12335333B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This application discloses a method for dynamically triggering instantiation of an edge application server, and an apparatus. The method includes: A first device receives first information, where the first information is for requesting information about an edge application server of a first application, or is for requesting information about a first edge enabler server, where the first edge enabler server is configured to provide information about an edge application server of a first application; and the first device requests, based on the first information, an edge application server management function entity to instantiate the edge application server of the first application. In embodiments of this application, the edge application server is instantiated based on a user requirement, so that dynamic scheduling and flexible use of a resource are improved, and quality of service experience of an edge application is improved.