Session Management Function for 5G DNS Location-Based IP Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of 5G communication systems, existing DNS servers struggle to efficiently direct terminal devices to the closest application server, leading to increased latency and reduced communication efficiency due to the lack of real-time location information of terminal devices and application servers.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an application discovery method and apparatus that utilizes a session management function network element to determine the location information of both the terminal device and the application server, enabling the DNS server to return the IP address of the closest application server to the terminal device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a DNS server returns an IP address of an application server without considering terminal device location, then the DNS resolution process is simple and fast, but the terminal device may connect to a distant application server resulting in increased service access latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the session management function network element obtain location information of the terminal device in advance, before the DNS resolution process. This pre-obtained location information is then used by the DNS server to select the nearest application server, thereby reducing service access latency without significantly complicating the DNS resolution process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the session management function network element as an intermediary between the terminal device and the DNS server. This intermediary collects and provides location information to the DNS server, enabling the DNS server to make informed decisions about which application server IP address to return, thus balancing simplicity with optimized service access.
2Productivity
If the DNS server uses location information to direct terminal devices to the closest application server, then service access latency is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to additional location tracking and information management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The session management function network element performs multiple functions: it manages user sessions and simultaneously collects and provides location information for DNS resolution. By making this existing network element multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated location tracking infrastructure, thus improving communication efficiency while limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by having the session management function network element automatically obtain and provide location information without requiring additional manual configuration or separate location management systems. The DNS server then uses this information autonomously to select the nearest application server, improving productivity while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application servers are deployed on different MEC platforms with the same domain name but different IP addresses, then service localisation is enabled, but the DNS server cannot determine which IP address to return without additional location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the session management function network element provide location information back to the DNS server after the terminal device's location has been determined. This feedback loop enables the DNS server to resolve domain names to the appropriate local application server IP address, achieving service localisation while ensuring the necessary location information is available at the right moment in the resolution process.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an application discovery method and apparatus, and a system. A session management function network element receives first information from a first network element, and determines second information based on at least the first information and location information of a terminal device. The session management function network element sends the second information to the first network element. The second information is for obtaining a first IP address corresponding to a first domain name.