Automated Traffic Routing in Virtualized MEC via Detection Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a virtualized MEC environment, there is a lack of standardized methods for routing data flows to the correct MEC applications, especially when applications are dynamic and from different vendors, leading to compliance issues and manual configuration challenges.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using detection patterns, provided as metadata with the application or created separately, to automatically identify and route data flows to relevant MEC applications by integrating these patterns with routing information to form routing rules, which are then installed on MEC servers, enabling automated traffic detection and routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual configuration methods are used for routing data flows to MEC applications, then routing accuracy can be maintained, but configuration time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the MEC application to automatically provide its own detection pattern information to the management entity, which then automatically creates and configures routing rules without requiring manual operator intervention. This maintains routing accuracy while eliminating configuration time losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection pattern information is prepared in advance as metadata included with the MEC application package before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the routing configuration to occur automatically upon application installation, rather than requiring separate manual configuration steps afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized routing methods are implemented across different vendor MEC servers, then compatibility and interoperability improve, but implementation complexity and initial setup requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevendor compatibilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management entity serves multiple functions: it receives detection pattern information from applications, automatically creates routing rules, and distributes these rules to multiple MEC servers from different vendors. This universal approach enables compatibility across vendors without requiring each server to implement complex vendor-specific configuration procedures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The management entity acts as an intermediary between the MEC applications and the diverse MEC server infrastructure. It translates application requirements into standardized routing rules that can be universally applied across different vendor implementations, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated routing rules are deployed dynamically in virtualized environments, then system agility and response time improve, but routing precision and control may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting deployment speedVSAvoidrouting control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the management entity receives detection pattern information from the MEC application itself, ensuring that automated routing rules are precisely tailored to the specific application requirements. This feedback loop maintains routing control precision while enabling automated dynamic deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The routing rules are designed to be dynamic and adaptable, automatically created and updated based on real-time application deployment and detection pattern information. This dynamic approach enables rapid deployment while maintaining precision through application-specific customization rather than using static, one-size-fits-all routing configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3520444B1Enhancement of traffic detection and routing in virtualized environment
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3520444B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3520444B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3520444B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides apparatuses, methods, computer programs, computer program products and computer-readable media regarding enhancement of traffic detection and routing in virtualized environment. The method comprises receiving information regarding an installation of an application to a server, the information comprising a detection pattern used for detecting a data flow to be routed via the application to be installed, establishing a routing rule based on the detection pattern, and sending the routing rule to the server into which the application is to be installed.