Prioritized Mobility for Edge Server Access in 5G Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, there is a need to reduce latency by prioritizing access and mobility towards cells connected to edge servers, as not all cells provide access to edge computing services, leading to increased signal path complexities and latency in accessing cloud-based functions.
Innovation Solution
User equipment (UE) and base stations are configured to transmit messages indicating application identifiers to edge computing systems, receive information on accessible cells, and determine sets of cells through which edge servers are accessible, enabling handover to cells that provide edge services while avoiding cells that do not, thereby optimizing access to edge computing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud computing functions are distributed across multiple geographic locations, then service scalability is improved, but signal path complexity and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cloud computing system into multiple edge computing systems distributed across different geographic locations. Each edge computing system serves a specific region, allowing services to be scaled independently while reducing the distance between users and service delivery points, thereby reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of service delivery by deploying edge computing systems at multiple geographic locations rather than relying on a centralized cloud. This spatial distribution creates multiple access paths and reduces signal path complexity while maintaining service scalability.
2Loss of time
If edge computing systems are deployed at multiple locations, then latency is reduced, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified mobility management approach that handles multiple edge computing systems through a single standardized protocol and procedure. The UE and network use the same handover and cell reselection mechanisms regardless of which edge computing system is involved, reducing the perceived network complexity while supporting multiple distributed locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network provides information to the UE about which cells provide access to desired edge computing systems. This feedback guides the UE's cell selection and handover decisions, simplifying the UE's complexity while enabling efficient access to distributed edge resources.
3Ease of operation
If UE connects to cells without edge server access, then coverage is improved, but service access efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network pre-identify and communicate to the UE which cells provide access to the desired edge computing system. Before the UE attempts to connect, it receives guidance information about suitable cells, ensuring that connectivity decisions are made with knowledge of edge server accessibility, thus maintaining both coverage and service access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic cell selection and handover procedures where the UE can adapt its connectivity choices based on real-time information about edge computing system accessibility. The system dynamically adjusts the UE's serving cell to maintain both adequate coverage and efficient access to edge services, allowing flexibility in response to changing network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a user equipment (UE). The UE may be configured to transmit a message indicating an identifier (ID) associated with an application to a first edge computing system; receive first information associated with the application in response to transmitting the message, the first information indicating whether at least one second edge computing system configured to provide the application is accessible through at least one cell; and determine a set of cells through which the at least one second edge computing system is accessible based on the first information.