EPC Software Upgrade via Traffic Decider Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing software upgrade methods for Evolved Packet Core (EPC) systems in LTE architecture face interruptions and service disruptions due to potential vulnerabilities in the service software during upgrades and rollbacks, affecting all users and causing high signaling overheads.
Innovation Solution
A method where the system manager controls the upgrade of service software in batches, using a second service server to handle new user requests and data flows, allowing the first service server to remain operational for a larger user base, and enabling gradual migration of data flows and rollback processes to minimize disruptions and signaling overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all service servers are disconnected and upgraded simultaneously, then software version consistency is achieved, but service continuity is interrupted for all users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the service server population into multiple groups (first service servers and second service servers) with different service flow identifier ranges. This segmentation allows gradual upgrade migration where only portion of traffic is redirected at any time, avoiding complete service interruption while achieving version consistency progressively.
2Productivity
If service software is upgraded without verification, then upgrade speed is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to potential vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification by upgrading only a portion of service servers (second service servers) first while keeping first service servers running. This allows the upgraded software to be tested with actual service data before full deployment, verifying stability without compromising overall upgrade speed.
3Productivity
If traffic is redirected during rollback, then service continuity is maintained, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different service flow identifier ranges to different service server groups. This allows the traffic decider to route traffic locally based on identifier ranges without requiring complex global redirection signaling, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining service continuity during rollback.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a software upgrade method and system, and relates to the field of communications technologies. The method is applied to an EPC system. The EPC system includes a system manager, a traffic decider, a first service server, and a second service server, and the first service server and the second service server are installed with service software of a first version. The method includes: controlling, by the system manager, the second service server to upgrade the installed service software from the first version to a second version, controlling the traffic decider to set a service flow identifier in a service data flow on the first service server to indicating the second service server, and controlling the first service server to transfer the service data flow; receiving, by the traffic decider, a service data flow sent, and forwarding the service data flow to the second service server; and after the second service server becomes stable, controlling, by the system manager, the first service server to upgrade the installed service software from the first version to the second version. This application can ensure service continuity and stability of the EPC system.