Far Edge Routing for Cellular Network Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software-based radio access networks (RANs) face inefficiencies due to underutilization of computing resources, as they are provisioned for peak capacity, leading to significant idleness during periods of low demand, and the existing traffic path from user equipment (UE) to edge compute workloads is inefficient, resulting in potential latency issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves provisioning near and far edge control units (CUs) and user plane functions (UPFs) closer to the user equipment, with the ability to dynamically route edge compute traffic directly to edge compute servers at the far edge, and dynamically relocate edge compute workloads based on load thresholds to optimize resource utilization and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computing resources are provisioned for peak capacity in software-based RANs, then the network can handle maximum demand, but resource utilization is low during periods of low demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by monitoring load conditions and automatically relocating edge compute workloads between far edge and near edge locations. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize resource utilization based on real-time demand while maintaining the capability to handle peak loads, thereby resolving the contradiction between provisioning for peak capacity and avoiding resource waste during low demand periods.
2Reliability
If edge compute traffic is routed through the core network to edge compute servers, then traffic can reach its destination, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into far edge, near edge, and core network components, allowing traffic to be routed through the optimal path. Edge compute traffic is segmented and routed directly through the far edge and near edge infrastructure, bypassing the core network when possible, thereby reducing latency while maintaining reliable traffic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The near edge acts as an intermediary between the far edge and the core network. It provides caching and routing capabilities that allow edge compute traffic to be delivered with reduced latency by handling requests locally when possible, while still maintaining connectivity to the core network for non-edge traffic.
3Ease of operation
If all UE traffic is routed to the near edge UPF, then traffic management is simplified, but edge compute traffic experiences increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing that automatically directs edge compute traffic to the far edge UPF when edge compute workloads are active at the far edge, while routing non-edge traffic to the near edge UPF. This dynamic traffic management maintains operational simplicity through automated decisions while optimizing latency for edge compute traffic by using the appropriate UPF location based on real-time workload conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving efficiency of routing edge compute traffic from a user equipment (UE) to an edge compute server at a far edge of a cellular network includes provisioning a near edge control unit (CU) and a near edge user plane function (UPF) at a near edge of the cellular network. The method also includes provisioning a far edge CU, a far edge UPF, and an edge compute workload at the far edge. The method also includes receiving UE traffic at one or more distributed units located at the far edge. The UE traffic includes the edge compute traffic and non-edge compute traffic. The method also includes identifying the edge compute traffic among the UE traffic, routing the edge compute traffic to the edge compute workload at the far edge, and routing the non-edge compute traffic to the near edge UPF at the near edge.