Edge Computing Tunnel Handover for Application Context Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In edge computing deployments, when user equipment moves, the existing data path is not optimized, and there is no clear method to transfer the application layer context from one edge application server to another without a direct connection between them, affecting service continuity.
Innovation Solution
Establish a tunnel between local user plane functions for different application servers using a new Nx tunnel, allowing the transfer of application layer traffic and context through intermediate user plane functions when direct connections are absent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing data path is used when UE moves, then the network structure remains simple, but the service continuity and data path optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the session management function acts as a mediator to establish a tunnel between the first and second local user plane functions. This tunnel serves as an intermediate data path that enables seamless context transfer during EAS relocation, resolving the contradiction by providing a structured solution that maintains service continuity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing the tunnel between user plane functions before the actual context transfer is needed. The tunnel is set up in advance during the relocation preparation phase, allowing the application layer context to be transferred smoothly when the UE moves, thus ensuring service continuity without disrupting the data path
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct connection between edge application servers is established, then context transfer is simple, but network flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the session management function as an intermediary that manages the tunnel between different local user plane functions. This intermediary approach allows the network to maintain flexibility in establishing connections between edge application servers without requiring direct peer-to-peer connections, thereby improving network adaptability while managing connection structure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel mechanism established by the session management function serves multiple purposes: it enables context transfer, provides data path optimization, and maintains network flexibility. This multi-functional approach increases network versatility by allowing a single tunnel structure to handle various scenarios including EAS relocation and data path optimization
3Productivity
If EAS is relocated based on UE location, then data path optimization is improved, but context transfer complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the tunnel between user plane functions before the EAS relocation is completed. The tunnel is set up in advance during the relocation preparation phase, which simplifies the subsequent context transfer process and improves data path optimization efficiency without increasing transfer complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The session management function acts as an intermediary that manages the tunnel establishment and context transfer during EAS relocation. This intermediary role allows the network to optimize data paths efficiently while the tunnel handles the complexity of context transfer between different edge application servers
Data Source
AI summary
Method, device and computer program product for wireless communication are provided. A method includes: transmitting, by an application function to a first application server, a tunnel ready notification to allow the first application server to transfer an application layer traffic to a second application server via a tunnel between a first local user plane function for the first application server and a second local user plane function for the second application server.