Local DNS Server Discovery in Mobile Edge Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DNS discovery mechanisms in 5G systems are inadequate for seamless application server discovery in edge computing environments, particularly due to mobility of user equipment (UE) and the complexity of deploying multiple application servers at the edge, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in traffic routing.

Innovation Solution

The Session Management Function (SMF) dynamically configures the user equipment (UE) with the address of a local DNS server (LDNS) within the edge computing platform, allowing it to query and discover application servers closer to the UE, while also supporting recursive or forwarding DNS queries to central servers when necessary, thereby maintaining standardized DNS procedures and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DNS server address is configured manually by user, then user can choose preferred DNS server, but all UEs cannot get localized DNS configuration for edge computing

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDNS server selection flexibilityVSAvoidAutomated DNS configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The UE autonomously determines whether to use a local DNS server or a central DNS server based on its own location and the availability of edge computing services, without requiring manual configuration or complex network control. The UE performs self-service by checking for the presence of a local DNS server address in PDU session establishment accept messages and automatically querying it when available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If all UEs use the same DNS configuration from network device, then configuration is simplified, but UEs cannot access local application servers at edge

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDNS configuration managementVSAvoidEdge application server access efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different UEs receive different DNS configuration based on their specific location and service requirements. When a UE is located at an edge computing platform, it receives a local DNS server address in its PDU session establishment accept message, enabling it to access local application servers. This localizes the DNS resolution service to match the UE's geographic and network context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If DNS query is redirected to local DNS server at edge, then application server discovery is improved, but DNS security and standardized procedures may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveApplication server discovery speedVSAvoidDNS security and protocol integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The DNS resolution path dynamically adapts based on the UE's location and the availability of edge computing services. The system maintains flexibility by allowing UEs to use local DNS servers when available (improving speed) while preserving the option to fall back to standardized central DNS procedures when needed (maintaining security and protocol integrity).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The local DNS server at the edge computing platform acts as an intermediary that can resolve DNS queries for local application servers while maintaining compatibility with standardized DNS procedures. It serves as a bridge between the UE and local resources without compromising the overall DNS security framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple application servers are deployed at edge, then service coverage is improved, but UE mobility and server selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveService coverageVSAvoidServer selection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complexity of selecting among multiple application servers is extracted from the UE and handled by the local DNS server. The UE simply queries the local DNS server with a domain name, and the DNS server autonomously determines which application server to return, based on the UE's location and current service requirements. This extracts the complex selection logic from the mobile UE.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20240259341A1Method and apparatus for local application server discovery in mobile edge computing

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method and apparatus for local application server discovery in edge computing. A method at a network node comprises determining whether one or more domain name system (DNS) servers in an edge computing of a network are available for a user equipment (UE) based on at least one of local configuration information, the UE's current location, the UE's capability or the UE's user subscription. The edge computing is close to the UE. The method further comprises in response to a positive determination, sending, to the UE, a first message including respective address of the one or more DNS servers in the edge computing of the network.