Edge Server Selection for Drone Coverage in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G URLLC technologies face challenges in providing reliable and low-latency communication services in coverage shadow areas for drones and other high-mobility UEs, necessitating the use of edge computing to enhance service stability and speed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an edge computing service that utilizes both ground and aerial edge servers, with the type of edge server determined by the specific service request signal from the UE, allowing for the selection of either a ground edge server or an aerial edge server, including drones or satellites, based on the UE's location, movement path, and required quality levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only ground edge servers are used, then infrastructure complexity is reduced, but service reliability and latency performance deteriorate in coverage shadow areas for high-mobility UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The edge server infrastructure is segmented into two distinct types: ground edge servers and aerial edge servers. This segmentation allows the system to deploy different server types in different spatial zones - ground servers for coverage areas and aerial servers for coverage shadow areas, thereby improving service reliability without requiring a single complex unified infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the edge server deployment by utilizing aerial edge servers (drones, balloons, airships) in addition to traditional ground-based edge servers. This three-dimensional deployment strategy enables service provision in coverage shadow areas where ground servers cannot provide adequate coverage, improving reliability without overcomplicating the ground infrastructure
2Loss of time
If edge server type is dynamically determined based on service request signals, then service latency is reduced, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-establishes two types of edge servers (ground and aerial) in different locations before service requests arrive. When a service request signal is received, the network can immediately determine the appropriate server type and route the request, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations or server provisioning, thus reducing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic edge server selection mechanism where the network determines the appropriate edge server type (ground or aerial) based on real-time service request signals and UE conditions. This dynamic determination allows the system to adapt to different service scenarios without requiring a fixed, overly complex network architecture
3Stability of the object's composition
If aerial edge servers are deployed, then service stability is improved for high-mobility UEs, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Aerial edge servers are designed to serve multiple functions: providing edge computing services to high-mobility UEs in coverage shadow areas, acting as relay nodes for communication, and potentially serving multiple geographic regions. This multi-functionality justifies the deployment cost by delivering enhanced service stability and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing an edge computing service to a user equipment (UE) in a network of a mobile communication system and a network apparatus therefor are provided. The method includes: receiving a service request signal from the UE; determining an edge server type to support the UE, based on information included in the service request signal; determining an edge server to support the UE, based on the edge server type determined to support the UE; and providing the edge computing service to the UE through the edge server.