Transparent MEC Instance Relocation via TIRSI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in transparently relocating Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) application instances between Wireless Transmit/Receive Units (WTRUs) and MEC hosts without disrupting communication, particularly in highly mobile scenarios where latency and privacy are critical.
Innovation Solution
A method for transparent relocatable application instance deployment, involving the transmission of specific messages to establish and maintain communication using a Transparent Instance Relocation Session Identifier (TIRSI), enabling seamless relocation of MEC application instances between WTRUs and MEC hosts while maintaining IP address continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If MEC application instances are relocated between WTRUs and MEC hosts, then latency is reduced and privacy is improved, but communication continuity may be disrupted and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a TIRSI (Transparent Instance Relocation Session Identifier) as an intermediary mechanism that maintains session continuity during MEC application instance relocation. The TIRSI acts as a persistent identifier that remains valid across relocation events, allowing the network to track and maintain communication sessions even as the physical location of the application instance changes between WTRUs and MEC hosts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements transparent copying of application instance state and context information during relocation. The application instance can be copied or migrated between WTRU and MEC host while maintaining the same TIRSI, ensuring that the communication session continues without interruption. This copying mechanism preserves all necessary state information to maintain session continuity.
2Ease of operation
If MEC application instances are relocated transparently without application support, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service transparent relocation where the MEC application instance automatically manages its own relocation between WTRU and MEC host without requiring application-level support or modification. The instance autonomously handles the migration process while maintaining its TIRSI, making the relocation transparent to the application and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The TIRSI mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a session identifier, a relocation tracker, and a communication routing key. This multi-functional approach consolidates several management tasks into a single mechanism, reducing the overall complexity of the relocation management system while maintaining transparent operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, systems, and devices for transparent relocatable application instance deployment are described. A method performed by a Wireless Transmit/Receive Unit may comprise transmitting, to a Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) system, a first message including a request to deploy the relocatable application instance at a target. The method may comprise receiving a second message including an indication to establish communication with the application instance and a Transparent Instance Relocation Session Identifier (TIRSI) and establishing, based on the second message, communication with the relocatable application instance at the target. The method may comprise transmitting a third message including a request for relocation of the application instance to another target. The method may comprise receiving a fourth message including an indication to establish communication with a relocated application instance at the another target and the TIRSI and establishing, based on the fourth message, communication with the relocated application instance at the another target.