Diameter Routing Agent Context Objects for Dynamic Message Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Diameter Routing Agents (DRAs) lack the ability for users to easily and flexibly define complex message processing behaviors, relying on hard coding or scripting for basic functionalities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system that allows users to define and extend DRA message processing behavior through context artifacts, which include context objects and rules, enabling the creation of computational contexts for routing decisions and subscriber records, and using a rule engine to evaluate these rules for message processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hard coding or scripting is used for basic DRA functionalities, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability and ease of defining complex message processing behaviors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DRA system into distinct modular components: context artifacts (defining context object types), context objects (instances with attributes and actions), rule storage (containing processing logic), and a rule engine (evaluation mechanism). This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and modified, enabling complex message processing behaviors without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where context artifacts and rules can be added, modified, or removed at runtime without reconfiguring the entire DRA system. The rule engine dynamically evaluates rules against context objects during message processing, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining a stable core architecture.
2Ease of operation
If context artifacts and rule engine are implemented, then the ease of operation and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service operation where users can directly define message processing behaviors using context artifacts and rules without requiring deep knowledge of the underlying system architecture. The rule engine automatically evaluates these user-defined rules against incoming messages, and the system self-manages the complexity of coordinating multiple components through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The rule engine acts as an intermediary layer between user-defined context artifacts/rules and the actual message processing operations. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of coordinating multiple system components, presenting a simplified interface to users while managing the intricate interactions between context objects, attributes, actions, and message routing internally.
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving a Diameter message at the DRA from an origin device, wherein the Diameter message is associated with a subscriber; establishing a subscriber record context object in response to receiving the Diameter message, wherein the subscriber record context object is associated with a subscriber record of the subscriber; evaluating a rule that includes a context object reference, wherein the evaluation includes accessing the subscriber record context object based on the context object reference; and transmitting a message based on the evaluation of the rule.