Edge Computing Service Zone ID DNS Query for 5G Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communication systems, there is a lack of methods to determine which edge server an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, should access based on its position for edge computing services, as edge servers are deployed in various regions and devices need to know which server to connect to for low latency and high reliability.

Innovation Solution

A method where a terminal receives a DNS server address and an Edge Computing Service Zone ID (ESZI) from the 5G system, allowing it to query the DNS server for the appropriate edge application server closest to its location, enabling the selection of the correct IP address for edge computing services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If edge servers are deployed in various regions to provide local services, then service reliability and speed are improved, but device complexity increases as terminals need to determine which server to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge computing service reliabilityVSAvoidterminal device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a DNS server as an intermediary that receives queries from terminals and automatically determines the appropriate edge server based on terminal location and server distribution information. This mediator handles the complex decision-making process, freeing the terminal from direct complexity while ensuring reliable connection to the nearest edge server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by providing the terminal with distribution information about edge servers and using standard DNS query mechanisms. The terminal autonomously queries the DNS server and receives the appropriate server address without requiring complex configuration or manual intervention, thus improving reliability while keeping the terminal simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If terminals autonomously determine edge server selection, then service speed is improved, but loss of information increases due to lack of location-based server mapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice access speedVSAvoidlocation-server mapping information
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-distributing edge server location information through the DNS server before terminals need to access services. The DNS server maintains an updated database of edge server locations and automatically provides the correct server address based on terminal location, eliminating the need for terminals to perform complex location-based determination while preventing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a centralized server selection method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to longer server distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal device complexityVSAvoidservice access time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling the DNS server to provide localized edge server information based on terminal location. Instead of a single centralized server selection, the system provides location-specific server addresses, ensuring terminals connect to the nearest edge server. This reduces access time while keeping terminal complexity low through automated DNS resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4044557B1Device and method for providing information of application server in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4044557B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4044557B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4044557B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for providing a terminal with information of a server in a communication system and, more specifically, to a device and method for providing a terminal with information of an application server in a mobile communication system. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal may receive, from a 5G system according to a location of the terminal, an address of a DNS server to access, and receive, from a 5GS, regional information or zone information (hereinafter, referred to as an edge computing service zone ID (ESZI)) which can be used when a query is transmitted to the DNS server. When transmitting a DNS query to the corresponding DNS server, the terminal may include the ESZI in the DNS query and transmit same, and the DNS server having received the DNS query may search for an edge application server operating in an edge computing environment suitable for (or close to) a current location of the terminal, determine an address of the edge application server, and respond to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal may access an edge application server that is closest to or most suitable for the current location of the terminal, and use an edge computing service.