Edge Configuration Server Discovery for Roaming Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining edge services fail when configuration information of an edge configuration server (ECS) changes, or in roaming scenarios, or when a terminal device moves out of its service range, leading to inability to access the required edge service.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a terminal device to query a federation control network element or ECS discovery proxy to obtain information about alternative ECSs or EESs that can provide edge services, using identifiers and location information to determine suitable providers, allowing dynamic discovery and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If preconfigured ECS address information is used in EEC or UDM, then initial service access is simplified, but the system cannot adapt when ECS address changes or in roaming scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a federation control network element as an intermediary between the terminal device and ECS/EES. This mediator stores federation relationships and provides query services, enabling dynamic service discovery without requiring complex local configuration management at terminal devices. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by centralizing the adaptation logic while keeping terminal devices simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic service discovery where the terminal device can query current ECS and EES address information through the federation control network element. This dynamic approach replaces static preconfiguration, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions (ECS address changes, roaming scenarios) while maintaining operational simplicity through on-demand information retrieval.
2Reliability
If a single ECS is preconfigured for a terminal device, then configuration management is simple, but service availability is reduced when the terminal moves out of ECS service range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes federation relationships between different ECSs and EESs in the federation control network element before actual service requests occur. When a terminal device needs service, the pre-configured federation relationships enable rapid resolution of alternative service providers, reducing discovery time while ensuring service availability across roaming scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a query-response mechanism where the terminal device queries the federation control network element for current service provider information. This feedback loop ensures the terminal always obtains up-to-date ECS and EES address information, maintaining service availability while minimizing discovery time through efficient information retrieval.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of alternative ECSs is implemented, then service continuity is maintained, but operational complexity and configuration maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the terminal device to autonomously query the federation control network element for alternative ECS and EES information when needed. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration of alternative service providers, maintaining service continuity through automated discovery while preserving operational simplicity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The federation control network element serves multiple functions: storing federation relationships, providing service discovery, and enabling roaming support. This universal component handles all adaptation logic centrally, allowing terminal devices to maintain simple operation while achieving service continuity across diverse networks through the multi-functional federation controller.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a method and an apparatus for obtaining an edge service. The method includes: If a first edge configuration server ECS determines that an EES managed by the first ECS cannot provide an edge service to a terminal device, the first ECS obtains information about a second ECS. The first ECS sends first information to a first device, where the first information includes information about a first EES or the information about the second ECS, and the first EES is an EES managed by the second ECS. According to the method and the apparatus provided in this application, an edge service can be obtained when configuration information of an ECS changes or a terminal device is in a roaming scenario.