MEC Address Update During Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) network elements lack a solution for handling handovers of terminals between access network devices, leading to potential data stream interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that adjusts the routing of data streams between MEC network elements and terminals by obtaining and sending address information of target access network devices to the MEC network elements, allowing them to modify stored address information and prevent data stream interruptions during handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If MEC network element maintains static address information of source access network device, then routing stability is improved, but handover capability deteriorates causing data stream interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the MEC network element to dynamically update its address information for access network devices. Instead of maintaining static routing information, the MEC element receives and processes address information of target access network devices during handover, allowing the routing configuration to adapt to changing network conditions and terminal movements, thus preventing data stream interruption while maintaining routing stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MEC network element updates address information during handover, then handover capability is improved, but routing stability deteriorates causing potential data stream interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the gateway device obtain and prepare the address information of the target access network device before the handover is fully executed. The gateway device sends this address information to the MEC network element in advance, allowing the MEC element to update its routing configuration proactively. This preliminary update ensures that when the handover occurs, the routing path is already established, preventing data stream interruption while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If gateway device sends address information to MEC network element, then data stream continuity is improved, but network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the address information transmission with existing handover signaling procedures. The gateway device sends the address information of the target access network device to the MEC network element using session modification request messages that are already part of the handover process. This integration avoids creating separate dedicated signaling messages, thereby ensuring data stream continuity while minimizing additional network signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method in a handover process and an apparatus. The method includes: when a terminal is handed over from a source access network device to a target access network device, obtaining, by a gateway device, address information of the target access network device; obtaining, by the gateway device, address information of a Mobile Edge Computing MEC network element; and sending, by the gateway device, the address information of the target access network device to the MEC network element based on the address information of the MEC network element, so that the MEC network element modifies stored address information of the source access network device to the address information of the target access network device.