MEC Edge Server Handover for Autonomous Driving Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for providing continuous wireless connectivity to autonomous driving systems face challenges such as cumbersome hotspot searching and inability to automatically reuse stored SSIDs, leading to connectivity issues in areas with poor or no cellular coverage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) system that allows vehicles to access services through Mobility Service Provider (MSP) edge servers, enabling seamless connectivity by selecting the most suitable MSP edge server based on network conditions and providing computational offloading, handover operations, and service continuity across multiple radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE searches for hotspots manually when cellular connection is poor, then connectivity can be supplemented, but the process becomes burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically searching for, selecting, and connecting to alternative access networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) before the cellular connection completely fails. The UE proactively monitors cellular signal quality and initiates handover to alternative networks in advance, eliminating the need for manual user intervention during connectivity transitions.
2Loss of time
If the UE stores hotspot SSIDs for future use, then connection speed may improve, but the UE cannot automatically reuse them across different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the connection strategy based on location context. The UE determines whether to reuse stored SSIDs or search for new access networks by evaluating location information, cellular signal quality, and network availability. This dynamic approach allows automatic SSID reuse in familiar locations while adapting to search for new networks in unfamiliar areas, optimizing both connection time and location versatility.
3Reliability
If multiple poor connectivity pockets exist on a route, then the UE may experience repeated connection delays, but manual searching becomes increasingly cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by implementing seamless handover between cellular and alternative access networks. The UE continuously monitors connection quality and maintains an ongoing search for alternative networks when cellular connectivity degrades, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. This continuous operation eliminates gaps in connectivity and prevents service interruptions during transitions between different network types.
4Reliability
If the system provides comprehensive network coverage through multiple access points, then connectivity reliability improves, but the complexity of network management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously manage its own connectivity across multiple networks. The device automatically performs network scanning, authentication, handover decisions, and connection maintenance without requiring external network management infrastructure. This self-service capability simplifies overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage reliability across cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media, are provided for providing connectivity-based and/or connectivity-considered routing with supplemental wireless connections in driving assistance-related activities. Embodiments may be relevant to multi-access edge computing (MEC) and Automotive Edge Computing Consortium (AECC) technologies. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.