Joint MEC Host and UPF Selection in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for selecting Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) hosts and User Plane Functions (UPFs) in 5G networks are independent and based on different criteria, leading to suboptimal selections that can result in increased latency and reduced application performance, especially for latency-sensitive applications like tactile Internet and augmented/virtual reality.
Innovation Solution
A network node system that collaboratively determines the optimal MEC host and UPF by considering distance, network performance, and computational resources, using control messages to filter and select candidates based on application performance requirements, and reselecting as needed to maintain low latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If independent selection methods are used for MEC host and UPF, then the selection process is simple and decoupled, but the selection optimality deteriorates leading to increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the previously independent MEC host selection and UPF selection processes into a unified joint selection mechanism. The SMF now selects both the UPF and MEC host together based on integrated criteria including application requirements, network conditions, and device capabilities, ensuring optimal pairing while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures
2Manufacturing precision
If joint selection considering multiple parameters is implemented, then selection optimality improves, but the selection process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint selection process is segmented into distinct evaluation stages: first assessing application requirements and performance boundaries, then evaluating candidate UPFs and MEC hosts against these criteria, and finally making coordinated selections. This structured segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the multi-parameter optimization into manageable sequential steps
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF performs preliminary actions by pre-evaluating and caching information about available UPFs and MEC hosts, including their capabilities, locations, and current status. This preliminary preparation enables faster and more optimal joint selections when applications request resources, reducing the computational burden during actual selection events
3Ease of operation
If MEC host and UPF are selected based on different criteria, then the selection processes are independent and simple, but the coordination and performance optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the selection criteria for UPF and MEC host into a unified evaluation framework. Both resources are assessed together based on integrated criteria including application performance requirements, network conditions, device capabilities, and resource availability, ensuring that the selected UPF-MEC host pairs are optimally coordinated for the specific application needs
Data Source
AI summary
In one example method, a first network node transmits a first control message, which indicates a set of candidate mobile edge computing (MEC) hosts, a client device, and network performance boundaries for selection of a MEC host, to a second network node. The first network node receives a second control message, which indicates a subset of the set of candidate MEC hosts and performance of a fastest path from the client device to each candidate MEC host in the subset of candidate MEC hosts, and probabilities of the client device entering a coverage area of the each candidate MEC host, from the second network node. The first network node transmits a third control message indicating a selected MEC host to the second network node. The second network node selects a user plane function (UPF) for traffic steering to the selected MEC host based on the third control message.