MQTT Broker Failover Using mDNS for Edge Application Availability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge computing applications face challenges in providing reliable connectivity and high availability, particularly in wireless networks with varying latency, mobility, and unreliable connections, leading to potential application failures due to network disruptions and disconnections.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid approach combining MQTT and mDNS protocols, including a two-layer MQTT broker architecture with a global and local broker, and machine learning models to predict disconnections and switch between brokers, ensuring seamless transitions and continuous service availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a client-server approach with fixed IP address assignment is used, then network infrastructure management is simplified, but connectivity reliability deteriorates when client devices move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork infrastructure managementVSAvoidconnectivity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic service discovery where clients automatically locate edge services through mDNS broadcasts rather than relying on static IP assignments. The service location is dynamically updated as devices move, enabling seamless connectivity without manual infrastructure reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer combining mDNS for service discovery and MQTT for reliable messaging. This intermediary architecture mediates between mobile clients and edge services, handling connectivity transitions automatically and maintaining reliable communication during mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If MQTT protocol is used for reliable messaging, then data transmission reliability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local MQTT brokers deployed at edge locations rather than relying solely on centralized cloud brokers. This local quality approach reduces the distance data must travel, enabling faster local processing and reducing bandwidth consumption for telemetry data while maintaining MQTT's reliable messaging guarantees.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If edge computing services are deployed locally, then response time is improved, but service availability decreases when local infrastructure fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidservice availability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MQTT broker service into multiple independent instances deployed at different locations (cloud and local edges). This segmentation allows the system to continue operating by routing to alternative brokers if one location fails, maintaining service availability while preserving low response times through local deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning through automatic failover mechanisms that prepare backup brokers in advance. When a local infrastructure fails, the system automatically redirects clients to alternative brokers without service interruption, cushioning against the unavailability of any single local instance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If multiple MQTT brokers are deployed for high availability, then service continuity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the service discovery function (mDNS) with the messaging infrastructure (MQTT brokers) into a unified system. This merging allows automatic discovery and selection of available brokers without requiring complex manual configuration, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high availability through multiple brokers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260082445A1MQTT and mdns for availability of edge computing application

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A computer-implemented method performed by a client computing device is provided for locating an access point to an edge computing application deployed at a local network or a central cloud to switch to in the event that a first connection between the client computing device and cloud computing device disconnects. The method includes determining (600) that the first connection between the cloud computing device and the client computing device will disconnect. The cloud computing device includes a first broker handling MQTT operations. The method further includes receiving (602) an identification of local computing devices through a mDNS; and determining (604) an identity of a local computing device, which is the access point and includes a second broker to handle the MQTT operations, to switch to responsive to the cloud computing device disconnection. The method further includes switching (608) to a second connection responsive to a disconnection of the first connection.