MEC Control Server Service Recommendation for 5G Local Area Data Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demands for advanced communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, require efficient methods to provide local services that meet the needs of enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication environments, which existing technologies struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mobile edge computing (MEC) control server that determines and recommends services to user equipment (UE) based on location and behavior patterns, utilizing a local area data network (LADN) to reduce latency and congestion by providing services closer to the UE, such as food ordering, ticket buying, and video caching, through MEC servers located within the LADN.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If services are provided through the core network in traditional mobile networks, then network coverage and service availability are maintained, but latency increases and network congestion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service delivery function by separating it from the core network and deploying MEC servers at the network edge. This segmentation allows local services to be provided without routing traffic through the core network, thereby reducing latency while maintaining service availability through distributed service delivery points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (MEC control server and MEC servers) between the user equipment and the core network. This intermediary enables local service provisioning at the network edge, reducing the need for core network traversal and thereby reducing latency while maintaining reliable service delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If services are provided through the core network, then centralized service management is achieved, but network congestion increases and response time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice managementVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments service management into two parts: centralized control through the MEC control server and distributed service delivery through MEC servers. This segmentation maintains ease of operation through centralized management while improving network efficiency by localizing service delivery and reducing core network traffic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to service delivery by deploying MEC servers at multiple edge locations throughout the network. This dimensional change allows services to be delivered locally without compromising centralized management capabilities, thereby improving network efficiency while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of time

If MEC servers are deployed at the network edge, then latency is reduced and local services are improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs MEC servers with multi-functionality, enabling them to provide various local services (content delivery, computing, storage, etc.) from a single deployment. This universality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple service functions into standardized MEC server units rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each service type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3857922B1Method and apparatus for providing services in local area data network
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3857922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3857922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3857922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for recommending a service provided by a local area data network (LADN) are provided. The operation method of a mobile edge computing (MEC) control server includes receiving, from at least one of a user equipment (UE), an access and mobility management function (AMF) device, or a session management function (SMF) device, location information including a cell identity (ID) of a cell to which the UE is connected or a tracking area identity (TAI) of a tracking area in which the UE is located, determining at least one LADN accessible by the UE, based on the location information, determining a first service to be recommended to the UE from among services providable to the UE through the at least one LADN, and transmitting, to the UE, information associated with the recommended first service and a LADN capable of providing the recommended first service.