Edge Network Session Relocation via SMF Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-access edge computing (MEC) networks, ensuring seamless session continuity for mobile end devices as they move between different MEC sites is challenging, as traditional mobility solutions do not account for server changes and network resource optimization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an edge network-based session relocation service using a packet data unit (PDU) session anchor (PSA) device with a user plane function (UPF) and session management function (SMF), which manages IP scheme selection and network slice identifiers to maintain service continuity by coordinating with other application functions across MEC sites during device mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mobility solutions are used in MEC networks, then device mobility is supported, but session continuity cannot be maintained due to server changes and network resource optimization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a session management function (SMF) as an intermediary between the user plane function (UPF) and the core network. The SMF manages session relocation by coordinating with the UPF to maintain session continuity when end devices move between MEC sites, acting as a mediator that handles the complexity of server changes and network resource optimization without affecting the end device's session stability
2Loss of time
If MEC services are deployed at network edge to reduce latency, then application service layer latency is improved, but session management complexity increases during device mobility between MEC sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network functions into distinct components: user plane function (UPF) for data forwarding, session management function (SMF) for session control, and application functions (AF) for service delivery. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, reducing overall session management complexity while maintaining low latency through distributed edge computing architecture
3Loss of energy
If core network capabilities are situated at network edge to reduce data traffic at core network, then core network traffic is reduced, but mobility management between different edge locations becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends mobility management to a new dimension by introducing hierarchical session management. The SMF maintains session state at the core network level while UPFs at different edge locations handle local data forwarding. This dimensional approach allows devices to move between edge locations without tearing down sessions, as the SMF coordinates cross-edge mobility while UPFs handle local optimization
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium provide for provisioning network resources of multi-access edge computing (MEC) networks in support of an application service session for an end device; assigning an IP address to the end device for use in a first coverage area served by a first MEC network of the MEC networks; receiving, by a first application function (AF) device at the first MEC network, a session mobility notification for the end device with respect to the first coverage area and a second coverage area served by a second MEC network of the MEC networks; setting, responsive to the session mobility notification, an allotted time for relocating the application service session from the first MEC network to the second MEC network; and transferring, during the allotted time, application context corresponding to the relocated application service session to a second AF device at the second MEC network.