Efficient Location-Based Service Discovery for IoT and Edge Computing in the 6G Era

TL;DR

This work introduces a location-based DNS approach that embeds geographic data via LOC RRs to enable proximity-aware service discovery for IoT and edge computing in a 6G-enabled landscape. By mapping edge service instances to applicable service areas and enabling clients to determine their location relative to these areas, the method achieves localized service provisioning with minimal overhead, demonstrated to be under 1 ms for area calculations and low-end additions to DNS query times across providers. The approach integrates with existing DNS workflows, maintains compatibility, and supports dynamic mobility and overlapping ASAs, delivering scalable, low-latency edge services. Its practical impact lies in enabling near real-time, location-aware service allocation for latency-sensitive applications such as autonomous systems, smart cities, AR/industrial IoT, and other 6G-driven use cases, while highlighting areas for real-world deployment, privacy considerations, and cross-network operability.

Abstract

Efficient service discovery is a cornerstone of the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing ecosystems, where low latency and localized service provisioning are critical. This paper proposes a novel location-based DNS (Domain Name System) method that leverages Location Resource Records (LOC RRs) to enhance service discovery. By embedding geographic data in DNS responses, the system dynamically allocates services to edge nodes based on user proximity, ensuring reduced latency and improved Quality of Service (QoS). Comprehensive evaluations demonstrate minimal computational overhead, with processing times below 1 ms, making the approach highly suitable for latency-sensitive applications. Furthermore, the proposed methodology aligns with emerging 6G standards, which promise sub-millisecond latency and robust connectivity. Future research will focus on real-world deployment, validating the approach in dynamic IoT environments. This work establishes a scalable, efficient, and practical framework for location-aware service discovery, providing a strong foundation for next-generation IoT and edge-computing solutions.

Figures (4)

• Figure 1: Workflow of service discovery
• Figure 2: The alignment of applicable service areas to their edge nodes is organized in a specific topology.
• Figure 3: DNS lookup with and without LOC data.
• Figure 4: Performance to identify the area the user resides in.