Diameter Signaling Router Message Screening via Distributed Rule Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Diameter message screening is a challenge within distributed architectures, as existing technologies lack effective methods to manage and filter Diameter messages efficiently in distributed signaling routers (DSRs) with increased traffic volumes.

Innovation Solution

A distributed message processor architecture within a DSR that includes Diameter message processors capable of screening, validating, and modifying Diameter messages based on predefined rules, utilizing a system of message, application, and attribute value pair level screening rules to discard, modify, or update messages, and generate notifications for network operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a distributed architecture is used to process Diameter messages, then load balancing and redundancy are improved, but message screening capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload balancing and redundancyVSAvoidmessage screening capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the message screening function into two distinct parts: a centralized screening rule database that stores screening rules, and distributed screening modules within each message processor that execute these rules. This segmentation allows the distributed architecture to maintain reliability through redundancy while managing screening complexity centrally, thus resolving the contradiction between distributed reliability and screening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If distributed message processors are deployed to handle increased traffic volume, then processing capacity is improved, but coordination for message screening becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized screening rule database as an intermediary between distributed message processors. This database serves as a common reference point that all processors can access to obtain consistent screening rules, eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer coordination while maintaining high processing capacity through distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If centralized screening rules are implemented in a distributed system, then screening consistency is improved, but system scalability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening consistencyVSAvoidsystem scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal screening rules stored in a centralized database that can be applied across all distributed message processors. These rules are designed to be universally applicable to different message types and scenarios, allowing the system to maintain screening consistency while scaling by simply adding more processors that all use the same rule set, rather than requiring custom rules for each node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2666263B1Methods, systems, and computer readable media for screening diameter messages within a diameter signaling router (DSR) having a distributed message processor architecture
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 TEKELEC INC
  • EP2666263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2666263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2666263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for screening Diameter messages within a Diameter signaling router (DSR) having a distributed message processor architecture. The method includes steps occurring at a DSR comprising a plurality of Diameter message processors, each configured to perform at least one Diameter function. The steps include receiving, at an ingress Diameter message processor of the Diameter message processors, a Diameter message from a Diameter peer node. The steps also include identifying, at a Diameter application message processor of the Diameter message processors, a Diameter message screening rule associated with the received Diameter message. The steps further include performing, at the Diameter application message processor of the Diameter message processors, a screening function associated with the identified Diameter message screening rule on the received Diameter message.