MEC Function Deployment Across RAN and Core Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Mobile-Edge Computing (MEC) implementations in 3GPP mobile communication networks face challenges in efficiently deploying and managing MEC functions across different nodes in the Radio Access Network (RAN), RAN aggregating nodes, and core network nodes, limiting the effectiveness of information collection and local service caching and shunting.

Innovation Solution

The method involves deploying MEC functions on RAN nodes, RAN aggregating nodes, or core network nodes, allowing for information collection and local service shunting through various interfaces such as the air interface, S1 interface, and HLR/HSS, enabling flexible deployment and processing of MEC services by these nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If MEC functions are deployed on multiple nodes (RAN, RAN aggregating, core network nodes), then service flexibility and local processing capability are improved, but system complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MEC system into multiple deployment options across different network nodes (RAN nodes, RAN aggregating nodes, core network nodes). Each node can independently host MEC functions, allowing the system to be divided into manageable units that can be deployed flexibly based on service requirements without overwhelming complexity at any single point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal MEC deployment framework that can operate across multiple types of network nodes. The same MEC function can be deployed on different node types depending on service needs, making the system multi-functional and adaptable while using a consistent management approach across all nodes.

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

2Loss of time

If MEC functions are deployed at the network edge, then access delay is reduced and real-time processing is improved, but information collection capability and service management become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess delayVSAvoidinformation collection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces standardized interfaces as intermediaries between the distributed MEC functions and the network core. These interfaces (including air interface, S1 interface, and HLR/HSS) mediate information collection and service management, making it easier to gather information from edge-deployed MEC functions while maintaining real-time processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes predetermined interface protocols and communication mechanisms before MEC functions are deployed at the edge. These preliminary actions define how information will be collected and managed, reducing the difficulty of information collection even as MEC functions are distributed across multiple edge nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized interfaces are used for MEC deployment, then interoperability and ease of deployment are improved, but flexibility in implementing custom MEC solutions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidcustom solution flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs standardized interfaces that serve multiple purposes: they provide a common deployment framework for ease of implementation while also supporting various custom MEC solutions. The same interface standards can accommodate both standardized services and customized applications, making the system both easy to deploy and flexible enough for custom solutions.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3410773B1Method, device and system for realizing mobile edge computing service
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 ZTE CORP
  • EP3410773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3410773B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3410773B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed in the present text are a method, a device, and a system for realizing mobile edge computing (MEC) service. The method comprises: at least one of a RAN node, a RAN sink node and a core network node executing corresponding MEC function. Said method is able to realize MEC service in a mobile communication network.