Dynamic Feature Discovery in Wireless Diameter Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In large wireless communication networks, managing and discovering supported features across thousands of network devices is complex and inefficient, especially when network devices are independently upgraded, leading to difficulties in utilizing available features during transactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic feature discovery process where network devices advertise a supported features scope, allowing other devices to determine if the features apply to a single host or a logical entity, thereby associating multiple devices with features efficiently and reducing the need for extensive message exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network devices are independently upgraded to add new features, then device functionality and adaptability are improved, but tracking and managing feature availability across the network becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Network devices automatically advertise their supported features through Diameter protocol messages without requiring manual tracking or configuration by network operators. The HSS and MME devices self-report their feature capabilities, eliminating the need for centralized feature inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network devices report their feature support status back to other network devices through standardized protocol messages. This allows receiving devices to automatically update their knowledge of available features based on advertised information from sending devices.
2Productivity
If a dynamic discovery process is implemented to discover supported features, then feature utilization is improved, but the number of message exchanges and processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Network devices advertise their supported features in advance through Diameter protocol messages before actual feature discovery is needed. The HSS sends feature advertisements to the MME beforehand, so when feature discovery is required, the information is already available, eliminating the need for extensive back-and-forth message exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing Diameter protocol messages to serve multiple functions: both for normal network operations and for feature advertisement/discovery. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated discovery message types, reducing overall message overhead while maintaining comprehensive feature discovery capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device may include logic configured to receive a request from a user equipment device or a network device; identify a responding wireless access network device to process the request; and determine whether information identifying supported features for the responding wireless access network device has been obtained. The logic may be further configured to request a list of supported features from the responding wireless access network device, when the information identifying the supported features for the responding wireless access network device has not been obtained by the computer device; receive, from the responding wireless access network device, a response that includes the list of the supported features and that further includes supported features scope information; store the supported features scope information; and use the supported features scope information when forwarding requests to the responding wireless access network device or the plurality of devices.