Session Management Function Path Optimization for Edge Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile edge computing (MEC) scenarios, the insertion of an offloading point into the user plane path when a user no longer accesses the MEC platform increases path latency, deteriorating user experience due to increased hop count.
Innovation Solution
A communication method where a session management function network element determines if a data network access identifier is within its service area and sends information to an access and mobility management function network element to remove the intermediate session management function, thereby restoring the initial state of control and user plane paths, reducing path latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate session management function network element is inserted to enable access to MEC platform when DNAI is outside service area, then service coverage and adaptability are improved, but path latency increases and user experience deteriorates when user no longer accesses MEC platform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic session management where the network element can transition between different operational states. The session management function dynamically adjusts the network path based on real-time service requirements: when MEC access is needed, the intermediate SMF is inserted; when MEC access is no longer needed, the intermediate SMF is removed to restore the optimal path. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by temporarily inserting an intermediate session management function network element only when necessary for MEC platform access, and then discarding it when the service is no longer needed. The original optimal path is recovered by removing the intermediate element, thus eliminating unnecessary latency while maintaining service coverage capability when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an offloading point is inserted into user plane path to access MEC platform, then local service access capability is improved, but hop count increases and path efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the session management function into a local intermediate SMF and a central SMF. The intermediate SMF handles local MEC platform access operations, while the central SMF manages overall session control. This segmentation allows local service access to be handled efficiently at the edge without forcing all traffic through additional centralized hops, thus maintaining path efficiency while enabling local access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate session management function network element acts as a temporary intermediary that facilitates access to the MEC platform when needed. However, unlike a permanent intermediary that would always increase hop count, this intermediary is dynamically introduced only when MEC access is required and removed when not needed, thus providing local service access capability without permanently degrading path efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: A first session management function network element determines whether a first session management function network element is able to serve a first data network access identifier (DNAI). The first session management function network element sends first information to a first access and mobility management function network element when the first session management function network element is able to serve the first DNAI, where the first information is used by the first access and mobility management function network element to remove an intermediate session management function network element.