Distributed Group Control Entity for Telecommunications Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling group policies in telecommunications networks are suboptimal as they require devices to route connection requests through a single network node, limiting load balancing opportunities for network operators.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a common group control entity is allocated across multiple network nodes, allowing devices to connect through separate nodes while enforcing group policies, ensuring that connection requests and policies are managed without the need for single-node routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If devices route connection requests through a single network node to enforce group policies, then policy control is simplified, but load balancing opportunities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the group control functionality by introducing a group control entity that is distributed across multiple network nodes rather than centralized in a single node. Each network node maintains local group control information, allowing devices to connect through different nodes while policy control is enforced through the distributed group control entity that coordinates across nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The group control entity acts as an intermediary between devices and network nodes, managing group policy information and coordinating control decisions across multiple network nodes. This intermediary structure enables policy enforcement without requiring all traffic to pass through a single node, thus preserving load balancing capabilities.
2Productivity
If a common group control entity is distributed across multiple network nodes, then load balancing is enhanced, but policy coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the group control functionality across multiple network nodes into a coordinated system. The group control entity is distributed but maintains unified policy control through information sharing and coordination mechanisms between nodes, combining the benefits of distributed architecture with centralized policy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed group control entity implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes exchange group control information and coordinate their decisions. This feedback loop enables automatic policy enforcement across nodes without manual intervention, reducing the perceived complexity despite the distributed architecture.
3Device complexity
If group control is centralized in one network node, then policy enforcement is simplified, but network resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented and distributed across multiple network nodes rather than centralized. Each node participates in group control operations, distributing the processing load and improving network resource utilization while maintaining coordinated policy enforcement through the distributed group control entity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for performing a group control function for a group of devices in a telecommunications network. The group control function is associated with at least one group connection value condition defined for the group of devices. The telecommunications network comprises at least a first network node and a separate second network node, wherein the first network node and the second network node are connected to a common group control entity. Member devices of the group of devices may establish one or more connections with the network, where the connection traverses either the first network node or the second network node. The common group control entity obtains connection value information relating to the connections of the member devices of the group of devices traversing the first network node and to the connections of the member devices of the group of devices traversing the second network node. The common group control entity also obtains further connection value information relating to a connection-associated event triggered at the first network node or [at] the second network node by a (further)member device of the group of devices. The common group control entity determines whether an aggregate of the connection value information and the further connection value information fulfils the group connection value condition.