Edge Service Location Mapping for Lower-Latency Server Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack a defined manner for providing edge services to terminal devices, specifically in terms of the specific participating functions and steps involved in determining the location of terminal devices for efficient edge service delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving network functions to receive a terminal device's IP address, obtain a global identifier, determine its location, and provide information associated with that location, enabling the selection of appropriate edge servers based on this information for efficient edge service delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized data center architecture is used, then service management is simplified, but transmission distance increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data center into distributed edge computing nodes deployed at network edges (base stations, access points). This segmentation reduces transmission distance and latency while maintaining service management through hierarchical coordination between edge nodes and central cloud.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to service deployment by placing computing resources at multiple geographic locations (edge nodes) rather than a single centralized location. This multi-dimensional deployment reduces transmission distance while central management systems maintain coordination across all nodes.
2Loss of time
If edge computing nodes are deployed at network edges, then transmission latency is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal edge computing node templates that can be deployed across multiple locations with standardized functions. Each edge node performs similar tasks (local service provisioning, traffic routing), reducing system complexity through repetition of proven designs while maintaining low latency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary management systems that coordinate between centralized cloud and distributed edge nodes. These intermediaries handle complex coordination tasks (service orchestration, resource allocation), isolating complexity from individual edge nodes and presenting simplified interfaces to both central and edge systems.
3Productivity
If location-based server selection is implemented, then edge service delivery efficiency is improved, but additional network functions and steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-calculating and caching location-to-server mapping relationships. When a user device requests service, the system retrieves pre-computed routing information based on device location, avoiding complex real-time calculations and reducing the apparent complexity of location-based server selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where edge nodes report their status, capacity, and location information to central management systems. This feedback enables dynamic optimization of location-based routing while automating complex decisions, reducing manual configuration complexity and improving service delivery efficiency through adaptive routing.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for providing edge service. A method performed at a first network function comprises: receiving, a request for querying information associated to a location of a terminal device; wherein the request includes an internet protocol, IP, address of the terminal device; obtaining, from a second network function, a global identifier of the terminal device, based on the IP address of the terminal device; obtaining a location of the terminal device, based on the global identifier or the IP address of the terminal device; and transmitting, information associated to the location of the terminal device.