Authentication Server Load Balancing via Traffic Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing WiMAX systems face challenges in efficiently assigning connection devices due to unmanaged load states, leading to potential network disconnections and increased costs from dedicated load distribution devices.

Innovation Solution

An authentication server manages traffic data from connection devices, compares it with preset thresholds, and assigns devices based on validity, ensuring that communication terminals are connected through non-congested Home Agents, thus preventing disconnectable states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AAA server assigns HA dynamically without load state management, then connection device assignment is simple, but network disconnections occur due to congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassignment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AAA server implements feedback by receiving accounting requests from HAs that contain traffic volume information, comparing this data against thresholds, and using the comparison results to dynamically adjust HA assignment decisions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable connections by preventing assignment to congested HAs while maintaining a relatively simple assignment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-setting traffic volume thresholds for each HA and pre-comparing current traffic data against these thresholds before making assignment decisions. This advance preparation allows the AAA server to identify congested HAs proactively and avoid assigning new connections to them, thereby preventing disconnections before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If dedicated load distribution device is introduced, then load distribution is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution efficiencyVSAvoidhardware resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The AAA server performs multiple functions: it not only authenticates users and assigns HAs but also monitors traffic volumes, compares data against thresholds, and makes load-balanced assignment decisions. By consolidating these functions into the existing AAA server, the system achieves effective load distribution without requiring additional dedicated load distribution hardware, thereby maintaining high productivity while minimizing hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the load distribution function with the existing AAA server infrastructure. Instead of introducing a separate load distribution device, the traffic monitoring, threshold comparison, and assignment logic are integrated into the AAA server's existing architecture. This consolidation achieves efficient load distribution while avoiding the cost and complexity of additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If traffic data is monitored and compared with thresholds, then assignment accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecongestion detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by monitoring only the essential traffic volume data needed for congestion detection, rather than comprehensively analyzing all possible network parameters. The threshold comparison mechanism provides sufficient precision for congestion detection by using predetermined thresholds, avoiding overly complex processing while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy for effective HA assignment decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2337385B1Authentication server
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 NEC CORP
  • EP2337385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2337385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2337385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An authentication server manages traffic data with respect to each connection device, the traffic data representing a traffic amount, with respect to the connection device, that is contained in a charging information notification signal that provides notification of charging information transmitted from the connection device, compares the traffic data with respect to each connection device with a preset threshold, and assigns one of a plurality of connection devices as a connection device that connects a communication terminal and a network based on the compared result.