MEC MAMS API for WLAN Cellular Link Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for multi-access convergence in edge computing environments, particularly in scenarios involving Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and cellular networks, do not provide comprehensive interoperability and session continuity, especially with user equipment (UE) mobility, leading to challenges in security, processing, and network resource management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Multi-Access Management Service (MAMS) framework within a Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) system, which includes a new MEC-based API that configures and manages link aggregation and path aggregation between WLAN and cellular networks, enabling seamless connectivity and session continuity through network connection management and data proxy functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user equipment (UE) communicates with both WLAN and cellular infrastructure, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but interoperability and session continuity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Multi-Access Management Service (MAMS) framework as an intermediary layer that manages communications between UE and multiple network infrastructures (WLAN and cellular). The MAMS framework includes a network connection manager that coordinates handovers and maintains session continuity, acting as a mediator that resolves interoperability issues between different network types while preserving reliable connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE mobility is supported across different network types, then service availability is improved, but security and resource management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal MAMS framework that performs multiple functions including security management, resource allocation, handover coordination, and session maintenance across both WLAN and cellular networks. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate security and resource management systems into a single unified framework, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive mobility support.
3Productivity
If link aggregation and path aggregation are implemented, then network resource utilization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data proxy as an intermediary component within the MAMS framework that manages link aggregation and path aggregation operations. The data proxy handles the complexity of coordinating multiple network paths and links, abstracting this complexity from the UE and network infrastructure while optimizing resource utilization across aggregated connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and machine readable storage media of a multi-access edge computing (MEC) component operating in a multi-access management services (MAMS) framework are described. In an example, traffic on multi-radio links between a user equipment (UE) and a network is observed. Based on the observing, the traffic is managed by transmitting messages of a traffic management application programming interface (API) over a dedicated reference point.