Network Function Deployment Control Using Edge Performance Metrics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge computing technologies lack the flexibility to control network function deployment, leading to unsatisfactory performance and difficulty in managing wireless resources effectively.

Innovation Solution

A network deployment control apparatus and method that allows for flexible control of network function deployment by utilizing an edge computing management function (ECMF) to manage the positioning of user plane functions (UPF) based on performance metrics such as latency, cost, and throughput, enabling detailed customization of network configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If edge computing technology is used to deploy network functions near equipment, then communication latency is reduced and wireless resources can be managed, but the service provider cannot flexibly control network function deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication latencyVSAvoidflexibility to control network function deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of network function deployment by allowing service providers to specify deployment preferences for UPF nodes. The ECMF dynamically selects appropriate UPF nodes based on real-time network state and provider preferences, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining low latency through edge computing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the deployment parameters of network functions by introducing preference parameters that service providers can configure. The ECMF uses these parameters along with network state information to determine optimal UPF deployment locations, achieving both flexibility and performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional edge computing is used, then network functions are deployed near equipment, but it is difficult to achieve satisfactory performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidnetwork deployment control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ECMF performs self-service by automatically selecting and deploying UPF nodes based on provider preferences and network state. This automated approach simplifies the overall system complexity while ensuring satisfactory performance through intelligent decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the ECMF continuously monitors network state and adjusts UPF deployment decisions accordingly. This feedback loop ensures optimal performance while managing complexity through automated adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3917092B1Network arrangement control device and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3917092B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3917092B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3917092B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In edge computing that deploys a function regarding network user data near equipment, deployment of a network function is flexibly controlled. An acquisition unit acquires information regarding performance corresponding to a deployment position of a predetermined partial function of a network. A fixing unit fixes the deployment position of the predetermined partial function of the network on the basis of the information regarding the performance. A setting request unit issues a request of setting the predetermined partial function of the network for the deployment position fixed by the fixing unit to a network.