Virtual Switch Tunnel Connection for Edge Computing Latency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The long distances between cloud computing hardware and users result in latency, negatively impacting user experience and application performance in cloud computing environments.
Innovation Solution
Deploying cloud virtual machines (VMs) near or at the Radio Network Controller (RNC) or eNodeB, and redirecting GTP tunnel traffic through these VMs to process data flows closer to the user terminal, using virtual switches to connect and manage the tunnels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cloud computing hardware is deployed in centralized data centers, then resource utilization and management efficiency are improved, but latency increases due to long distances from user terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cloud computing infrastructure by deploying virtual machines at multiple locations including centralized data centers and edge locations (eNodeB, RNC). This segmentation allows data flows to be processed at the closest available virtual machine, reducing latency while maintaining centralized management for non-time-critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to cloud computing deployment by distributing virtual machines across multiple network locations (data centers, edge nodes). This multi-dimensional deployment strategy allows users to access computing resources from the nearest location, reducing transmission distance and latency while maintaining resource pool management benefits.
2Loss of time
If virtual machines are deployed at edge locations near user terminals, then latency is reduced, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing network infrastructure (eNodeB, RNC, gateways) multi-functional by enabling them to host virtual machines in addition to their traditional functions. This allows edge computing capabilities to be added without building entirely new infrastructure, reducing complexity while achieving low-latency processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual switches as intermediary components that manage traffic between virtual machines and the physical network. These virtual switches abstract the complexity of multi-path routing and tunnel management, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling distributed virtual machine deployment.
3Productivity
If GTP tunnel traffic is redirected through virtual machines, then data processing capability is improved, but network device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of network functions (GTP tunnel endpoints, data processing capabilities) within virtual machines. These virtual copies can be instantiated multiple times across different locations, increasing data processing capability while using software-based implementations that are easier to manage than physical hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods enable connecting tunnels channeling data flow from a user terminal and to a mobile network through a virtual switch in a network device which is configured to provide a service by processing data in the data flow. A method performed by a device having one or more processors includes establishing a first tunnel between the device and a node of the mobile network, and a second tunnel between the device and another network device of the mobile network, the first tunnel and the second tunnel operating according to Internet protocols. The method further includes connecting the first tunnel to the second tunnel using a virtual switch running on the device, and connecting a virtual machine running on the device to the virtual switch, the virtual machine being configured to provide a service by processing data in the data flow.