Dynamic Context Server Partitioning for Network Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Call signaling networks face inefficiencies due to unreliable routing of call signals and redundant processing by network control elements, leading to idle resources and potential failures in backup systems, which can result in network inefficiencies and unreliability.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic partitioning of context servers in real-time to respond to changes in network conditions, allowing for faster access to context information, load balancing, and reduced redundancy, enabling each network control element to act as a redundant backup while processing different call signals concurrently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single primary network control element processes all call signals with backup elements idle, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but productivity deteriorates due to idle resources and inefficient utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic partitioning where context servers are divided into multiple partitions that can be dynamically assigned to different network control elements. This allows the system to transition from a static single-primary model to a dynamic multi-active model, where any control element can become active for specific call signals based on current network conditions and load distribution, thereby improving both reliability and productivity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The context servers are segmented into multiple partitions, each responsible for specific subsets of call signals. This segmentation enables multiple network control elements to operate concurrently with distinct responsibilities, eliminating the idle backup scenario while maintaining reliability through distributed redundancy across multiple active elements
2Ease of operation
If context servers are statically assigned to network control elements, then ease of operation is improved through simplified management, but adaptability deteriorates when network conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic partitioning that automatically adjusts context server assignments based on real-time network conditions such as load balancing requirements and element availability. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automated management while significantly improving adaptability to changing network conditions compared to static assignments
3Reliability
If all network control elements access all context servers, then reliability is improved through comprehensive access, but device complexity increases and access time increases due to larger search space
Solution Approach 1:
Context servers are segmented into multiple partitions, with each partition containing specific subsets of context information. Network control elements are assigned to access only their designated partitions, which dramatically reduces the search space and access time while maintaining reliability through the distributed architecture where multiple elements can simultaneously access their respective partitions
4Device complexity
If context servers are not partitioned, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to lack of load balancing and increased access latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments context servers into multiple partitions distributed across the network, enabling load balancing where multiple network control elements can concurrently process different subsets of call signals. This segmentation improves productivity through parallel processing and reduced access latency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized partition management mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dynamically partitioning context servers in a network in response to changes in network conditions. Context servers store information about calls in a telecommunications system. Network control elements can obtain call information from one or more partitions of the context servers to help make call control and reporting decisions.