Diameter Signaling Router for Access Network Session Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for methods and systems to provide access network session correlation for policy control in integrated fixed and mobile networks, as existing protocols like RADIUS and Diameter do not effectively correlate sessions across different network types.

Innovation Solution

A Diameter signaling router (DSR) is used to correlate RADIUS access sessions with Diameter sessions by binding them to a policy node, enabling policy control across both types of networks through stateful session binding and correlation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RADIUS and Diameter protocols are used separately for fixed and mobile networks, then each network can maintain its existing policy control mechanisms, but session correlation between different network types cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession correlation capabilityVSAvoidprotocol integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Diameter signaling router (DSR) as an intermediary component that sits between RADIUS and Diameter networks. The DSR receives RADIUS accounting messages, correlates them with Diameter sessions using subscriber identifiers, and enables policy control across both network types without requiring changes to existing RADIUS or Diameter protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The Diameter signaling router performs multiple functions: it acts as a RADIUS accounting server, a Diameter client, a session correlation engine, and a policy control interface. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to bridge two different protocol ecosystems while maintaining their individual operational independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate policy control systems are maintained for RADIUS and Diameter networks, then each system can operate independently, but integrated policy control across fixed and mobile networks is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated policy controlVSAvoidpolicy management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges RADIUS accounting data and Diameter session data into a unified session correlation framework. By correlating sessions through common subscriber identifiers and binding them to the same policy node, the system enables integrated policy control where a single policy decision can affect both fixed and mobile network sessions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If session correlation is implemented between RADIUS and Diameter, then consistent policy application across networks is achieved, but the complexity of session binding and correlation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolicy control consistencyVSAvoidsession binding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Diameter signaling router performs preliminary session binding by pre-establishing correlations between RADIUS accounting sessions and Diameter sessions using subscriber identifiers before policy enforcement is needed. This advance binding reduces real-time complexity during actual policy control operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the DSR continuously monitors session states, updates correlations based on accounting data, and adjusts policy bindings dynamically. This feedback loop ensures consistent policy application while managing complexity through automated session state tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10554661B2Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing access network session correlation for policy control

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 ORACLE INT CORP

AI summary

A method for access network session correlation for policy control includes detecting a remote authentication dial in user service (RADIUS) access session for a user device, including binding the RADIUS access session to a policy node. The method includes detecting a Diameter session for the user device. The method further includes correlating the RADIUS access session with the Diameter session, including binding the Diameter session to the policy node.