Mobile Edge Application Server Reduces RAN Core Network Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing service provisioning systems face data congestion and resource wastage between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the Core Network (CN) due to the deployment of service servers close to the core network, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage and increased construction and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A service provisioning system and method that employs a Mobile Edge Application Server (MEAS) deployed near the RAN, which receives service requests from user equipment, generates or retrieves service data locally, and delivers it directly to the user equipment, thereby reducing the need for data transfer through the RAN and CN, and includes a support node (MEAS-SF) that manages service requests and data transfer between the MEAS and the service provider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If service servers are deployed close to the core network, then backhaul bandwidth between the core network and the Internet is reduced, but data congestion occurs between the radio access network and the core network
Solution Approach 1:
The service provisioning system is segmented into multiple distributed service nodes deployed at different locations (core network side, access network side, and even user premises). This segmentation allows service data to be delivered from the nearest available node, preventing concentration of traffic through a single path between RAN and CN.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for service deployment by placing service nodes not only at the core network but also at the access network edge and potentially at user premises. This multi-dimensional deployment strategy creates alternative delivery paths, reducing dependency on the traditional single path through the core network.
2Loss of time
If service servers are deployed close to the core network, then service data can be temporarily cached, but bandwidth resources are wasted due to unnecessary data transfer through the core network
Solution Approach 1:
Service data is pre-cached at multiple distributed nodes (core network side, access network side, and user premises) before actual service requests occur. This preliminary distribution ensures that when a service request is made, the data can be delivered immediately from the nearest node without requiring transfer through the core network, thus saving both time and bandwidth resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces service nodes at the access network edge as intermediaries between the core network and user equipment. These intermediary nodes cache service data locally and deliver it directly to users, acting as a buffer that eliminates the need for repeated transfers through the core network while maintaining fast service delivery.
3Ease of operation
If service data is delivered through the core network, then centralized service management is maintained, but network construction and usage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service management function is segmented into a hierarchical structure with centralized control at the core network level and distributed execution at edge nodes and user premises. This segmentation allows centralized management policies to be maintained while service data is delivered locally from distributed nodes, reducing the need for expensive core network infrastructure and bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The service nodes are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating autonomously at the edge while also being managed centrally. This universal design allows the same node to serve both as a locally autonomous service provider and as a controlled element within the centralized management system, eliminating the need for separate centralized and distributed infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a service provisioning system and method, a mobile edge application server and support node. The system includes: at least one mobile edge application server MEAS and at least one mobile edge application server support node MEAS-SF, where the MEAS is deployed at an access network side and connected to one or more base stations; and the MEAS-SF is deployed at a core network side, connected to one or more MEASs, and connected to a packet data network gateway P-GW. In the service provisioning system provided in the embodiment, services such as content and an application service that are provided by an SP are deployed in the MEAS, and when the MEAS can provide the user equipment with a service requested in a service request, the MEAS directly and locally generates service data corresponding to the service request; because the MEAS is generally close to an eNodeB in physical deployment, the user equipment directly obtains required service data from an RAN side, which avoids data congestion between an RAN and a CN and saves network resources.