Edge Application Server Switching for UE Service Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In edge computing environments, there is a need to determine when and to which edge application server (EAS) a user equipment (UE) should switch due to factors such as congestion, outages, or changes in application execution, ensuring seamless service continuity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining when a first EAS is no longer suitable for a UE and selecting a second EAS, involving network components like the Application Function (AF), Session Management Function (SMF), and User Plane Function (UPF) to manage PDU sessions and update UE configuration to switch to the new EAS, with UE feedback on link quality triggering relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE remains connected to the first EAS, then the connection is maintained with existing EAS, but the service quality deteriorates when EAS becomes congested or experiences outage
Solution Approach 1:
The network component proactively monitors EAS status parameters (congestion level, outage condition, link quality) and initiates EAS selection and switching procedures before the UE experiences service degradation. This preliminary detection and action prevents service quality deterioration rather than reacting after problems occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors EAS status parameters and uses this feedback to dynamically determine when EAS switching is needed. The monitoring of congestion levels, outage conditions, and link quality provides real-time feedback that triggers appropriate switching actions to maintain service reliability.
2Reliability
If the UE switches to a different EAS, then service continuity is maintained, but the complexity of determining when and where to switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
A network component acts as an intermediary between the UE and multiple EASs, centralizing the complex EAS selection logic and status monitoring in the network rather than requiring the UE to independently evaluate multiple EAS options. This mediator handles the complexity of determining when and where to switch based on monitored parameters.
3Reliability
If the network monitors EAS status continuously, then timely switching can be detected, but the monitoring overhead and network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the network component performs periodic status checks of EAS parameters (congestion level, outage condition, link quality). This periodic action provides sufficient timing information for switching decisions while significantly reducing the overhead and resource consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for selecting an edge application server (EAS) to service a user equipment (UE). One exemplary method incudes determining that a current protocol data unit (PDU) session of an application being executed by a UE is being serviced by a first EAS, determining that the first EAS is no longer suitable to service the application, selecting a second EAS to service the application and instructing the UE to use the second EAS for future PDU sessions for the application.