Topological Server Selection for Lower Core Network Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional server selection techniques often prioritize geographical proximity to a user equipment (UE) to reduce latency, which may not account for network topology, leading to suboptimal latency performance due to convoluted network paths.

Innovation Solution

Implement server selection based on topological distance rather than geographical distance, considering network layout to minimize core network latency, and optionally incorporating pricing and instance availability constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If server selection is based on geographical proximity to reduce latency, then the distance between UE and server is reduced, but the actual network latency may increase due to convoluted network paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal propagation timeVSAvoidlatency performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the selection parameter from geographical distance to topological distance. Instead of selecting servers based on physical proximity, the system selects servers based on network path characteristics, using topological distance metrics that account for actual network routing, bandwidth, and latency to achieve better performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If server selection prioritizes geographical closeness, then propagation distance is minimized, but network topology constraints may create suboptimal paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal propagation distanceVSAvoidnetwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the selection criterion from physical distance (length parameter) to topological distance (network efficiency parameter). The system evaluates multiple servers and selects based on network path quality rather than geographical proximity, optimizing for actual data transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces topological distance as an intermediary metric that bridges the gap between physical server location and actual network performance. This intermediary measurement accounts for network routing, bandwidth, and latency to provide a more accurate basis for server selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250254210A1Server Selection for Reducing Latency with a Service Instance

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Server selection for improving latency with an instance of a service is disclosed. Generally, lower core latency is preferable. Core latencies can be related to a physical distance between endpoints connected via a communication pathway, such as a first server and second server connected via network equipment. A geographic distance between endpoints can be different from a topological distance of a communication pathway between endpoints. Endpoints, e.g., servers, can be ranked based on topological distance. The ranking can be communicated to service provider equipment to enable selection of a server based on a corresponding ranking of the server. Selection of an endpoint based on topological distance can enable improved latency in comparison to selecting an endpoint based on geographical distance. Improved latency can result in an improved quality of experience for a user of a service supported by an endpoint selected based on topological distance.