Distributed ECONS Architecture for Femto Cell OTT Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
The centralized architecture of existing IP multimedia subsystems (IMS) for wireless and wireline communication systems is complex, costly, and lacks scalability and management flexibility, limiting the ability of cellular operators to provide over-the-top (OTT) services to subscribers using broadband access networks operated by different providers.
Innovation Solution
The ECONS architecture distributes IMS functions to Consumer Premises Equipment (CPEs) at subscribers' homes, enabling decentralized operation and allowing cellular operators to offer OTT services over broadband networks, regardless of whether the broadband access is provided by the same or a different operator, by using femto cells and ECONS CPEs with SIP-based session management and NAT traversal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized IMS architecture is used, then service control and delivery can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase while scalability and management flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized IMS architecture into distributed ECONS CPE units deployed at customer premises. Each CPE contains local session control, application server, and AAA functions, breaking the monolithic centralized structure into independent modular units that can operate autonomously while maintaining service control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single centralized control dimension to a multi-dimensional distributed architecture where control functions are replicated across multiple spatial locations (customer premises). This dimensional shift from centralized to distributed deployment resolves the contradiction by maintaining service control through local intelligence while reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a centralized IMS architecture is used, then service control can be maintained, but scalability and management flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the IMS functions into distributed ECONS CPE units, the system gains scalability as each CPE can be independently deployed, added, or removed based on local demand without affecting the entire network. This modular segmentation enables flexible scaling while maintaining service control through local session management.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ECONS CPE operates with local session control and application server capabilities, enabling self-service operation at the customer premises. This self-service capability allows the system to scale flexibly by adding independent CPE units without requiring centralized coordination for each deployment, thereby improving scalability and management flexibility.
3Productivity
If centralized application servers are used, then IMS can serve as a platform for efficiently supporting many services, but introduction into legacy networks becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments application server functions into distributed ECONS CPE units rather than requiring a single centralized application server platform. This segmentation allows incremental deployment into legacy networks by adding individual CPE units that can operate independently, reducing deployment complexity and cost while maintaining efficient service support through local application execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECONS CPE is designed as a cost-effective, deployable unit that can be introduced into legacy networks without requiring expensive centralized infrastructure upgrades. Each CPE is a standalone, economical device that provides full IMS functionality locally, making network introduction simpler and more affordable while maintaining service efficiency.
4Reliability
If centralized call controllers are used, then session management can be centralized, but scalability and resiliency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments centralized call control into distributed session control functions within each ECONS CPE. This segmentation creates multiple independent session management points, improving resiliency as failures in one CPE do not affect others, while maintaining reliable session management through local control. The distributed architecture provides natural fault isolation and continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts session management from a single centralized control point to a multi-dimensional distributed control structure across numerous customer premises. This dimensional transformation from centralized to distributed control enhances resiliency by eliminating single points of failure while maintaining session management reliability through local intelligence and autonomous operation at each CPE.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for enabling an over the top (OTT) service over a broadband network. The method includes receiving a registration request from a mobile User Equipment (UE) over a femto cell to register with a cellular operator of a cellular network. The registration request is forwarded to an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server associated with the cellular operator to register the mobile UE therewith. A rendition of the registration request is forwarded to an AAA server associated with a broadband operator of a broadband network to register the mobile UE therewith.