Network Slice Segmentation for Multi-Provider Edge Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in providing edge computing services to multiple edge computing service providers through a single network slice, leading to decreased scalability and inefficiency in managing diverse service requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a mobile communication operator provides separate network slices for each edge computing service provider, allowing user equipment to select and route traffic to appropriate application servers based on predefined precedence information from edge enabler clients and servers, enabling efficient edge computing services across multiple providers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single network slice is used to provide edge computing services to multiple edge computing service providers, then device complexity is reduced, but scalability and efficiency in managing diverse service requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork slice structureVSAvoidservice requirement management
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing a single network slice into multiple virtual network slices, where each virtual slice is dedicated to a specific edge computing service provider. This allows the physical network infrastructure to be segmented into logical segments that can be independently managed and configured according to different service requirements, thereby improving scalability and efficiency without increasing physical device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate network slices are provided for each edge computing service provider, then scalability and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provider independenceVSAvoidnetwork slice management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the network slice selection function - that manages the complexity of multiple separate network slices. This intermediary mechanism automatically selects and routes traffic to the appropriate virtual network slice based on service provider identifiers, thereby enabling service provider independence and scalability without requiring complex manual management of each individual slice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4149072B1Device and method for providing edge computing service by using network slice
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4149072B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4149072B1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to: a communication technique merging, with IoT technology, a 5G communication system for supporting a data transmission rate higher than that of a 4G system; and a system therefor. The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system. A terminal of the present disclosure comprises a transceiver and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor can be configured to: transmit, to a first server, a first request message for requesting information provision; receive, from the first server, first information including information related to a plurality of ECSPs and information used for selecting one from among a plurality of application servers included in the plurality of ECSPs; transmit, on the basis of the first information, a second request message for requesting second information, related to the application servers, to a plurality of second servers corresponding to the plurality of ECSPs; receive the second information related to the application servers from the plurality of second servers; and select one from among the application servers on the basis of the first information and the second information.