Edge Application Server Selection for Shared Service Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge computing systems face challenges in determining a common edge application server for terminal devices within a specific geographic area that require access to the same service, such as in augmented reality scenarios or vehicle-to-everything networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining a same edge application server (EAS) by receiving service description information and location information to identify terminal devices belonging to a group, allowing for the determination of a unified EAS for devices accessing the same service within a specific area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DNS-based service discovery mechanism is used to obtain EAS IP address, then terminal devices can access edge services, but terminal devices in the same geographic area cannot be guaranteed to access the same EAS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing location information as a distinguishing factor in service description. The network element determines EAS based on both service description and location information, ensuring that terminal devices in the same geographic area access the same EAS. This makes the system adapt to local geographic requirements while maintaining reliable service access.
2Ease of operation
If traditional DNS-based service discovery is used, then service access is simplified, but network latency increases due to lack of geographic optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location information as an intermediary factor between the terminal device and the EAS selection process. The network element uses location information to determine the appropriate EAS, enabling geographic optimization of network transmission while maintaining simplified service discovery through automated determination.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a unified EAS is determined for terminal devices in the same area, then service consistency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network element determine the EAS in advance based on service description information and location information before the terminal device actually needs to access the service. This pre-determination ensures service consistency and eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a method and an apparatus for determining an application server. The method is performed by a first network element and includes: receiving first request information, where the first request information includes first service description information, the first service description information identifies a service accessed by a terminal device, and the first request information is for requesting to determine first information for the terminal device; and in a case that the terminal device belongs to a first terminal group, determining the first information, where the first information is for determining a first application server for a terminal device in the first terminal group. Based on the foregoing technical solution, a same edge application server can be determined for terminal devices that access a same (specific) service and that are located in a specific area location.