Node Changing Device Dynamic Edge Core Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication delay increases when a terminal moves, as the distance to the edge server lengthens, necessitating a method to maintain low latency during handovers.

Innovation Solution

A communication control method that dynamically shifts processing from an edge node to a core network or data center based on usage status, using a node changing device to manage resource allocation and minimize unnecessary resource consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal moves to a different location, then the terminal can maintain connectivity with the network, but the distance from the terminal to the edge server increases, causing communication delay to increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic node selection where the processing node is changed based on the terminal's real-time location. The system continuously monitors terminal movement and dynamically switches between edge servers and core network nodes to optimize communication delay while maintaining connectivity throughout the movement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication control device as an intermediary that manages the switching between different processing nodes (edge servers and core network nodes). This intermediary coordinates the handover process and selects the most appropriate node based on terminal location, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining connectivity and minimizing delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If processing is always performed at the edge server to minimize communication delay, then low latency is achieved, but resource consumption increases when the terminal is far from the edge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication delayVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the processing location based on terminal position and usage status. When the terminal is close to the edge, processing is performed at the edge server to minimize delay. When the terminal moves away or usage status changes, the system dynamically switches to core network processing, thereby optimizing the balance between communication delay and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication system by switching between different processing modes (edge processing vs. core network processing) based on terminal location and usage status. This parameter change allows the system to adapt resource allocation to actual needs, reducing unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining acceptable performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If the system continuously monitors terminal position to optimize processing node selection, then communication delay is minimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication delayVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication control device serves as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of monitoring and node selection. Instead of distributing complex monitoring functions across multiple nodes, the intermediary manages position tracking and processing node selection, thereby minimizing communication delay while containing system complexity in a dedicated management component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where the communication control device automatically monitors terminal position and selects appropriate processing nodes without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention. This automated self-service approach minimizes communication delay while keeping system complexity manageable through rule-based decision making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3301973B1Communication control method, node changing device, and communication system
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3301973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3301973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3301973B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a communication control method, a communication control device, and a communication system that can appropriately change a device on a network that executes request processing from a terminal. In a node changing device 10, a sequence monitoring unit 12 detects handover of a UE 90. When the handover is detected, a placement calculation unit 14 acquires node information in the vicinity of a destination and activates nodes in the vicinity based on the node information. In this manner, upon detecting movement of a communication terminal, the node changing device 10 activates nodes in the vicinity of the destination of the communication terminal, and it is thereby possible to prevent an increase in communication delay even when the communication terminal is moved.