Flow Steerer Packet Allocation for Scalable MSC Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networks face challenges in managing variable communication session demands by scaling network resources, leading to complications in routing and provisioning when adding or removing Media Session Controllers (MSCs).
Innovation Solution
A method and system for allocating packets to MSCs by inspecting port numbers in packet headers, comparing them with MSC-port allocations in a database, and forwarding packets to selected MSCs using a Flow Steerer, which encapsulates packets in VXLAN for efficient routing without requiring updates to upstream network configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extra Media Session Controllers (MSCs) are added to scale network resources for communication sessions, then the network can satisfy varying demands, but complications arise in routing tables, firewalls and provisioning requiring external users and routers to be informed of address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Flow Steerer as an intermediary device that sits between external networks and the pool of MSCs. The Flow Steerer maintains a mapping between flow identifiers and MSC addresses, allowing external networks to communicate with a single static address while the Flow Steerer dynamically redirects packets to appropriate MSCs. This mediator eliminates the need for external routers and firewalls to be aware of MSC address changes, resolving the contradiction between scaling adaptability and routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network architecture into distinct functional components: external networks, Flow Steerer, and MSC pool. The Flow Steerer is further segmented into packet inspection functionality and routing decision functionality. This segmentation allows the complex MSC management to be isolated within the Flow Steerer, preventing complexity from propagating to external network infrastructure while maintaining scaling flexibility.
2Productivity
If Media Session Controllers are dynamically added or removed to match variable demands, then network resource efficiency improves, but routing tables and firewall configurations must be continuously updated
Solution Approach 1:
The Flow Steerer implements self-service by automatically detecting MSC join and leave events and updating its internal routing tables without external intervention. The system monitors MSC availability and dynamically adjusts packet forwarding decisions, eliminating the need for manual configuration updates to external routers and firewalls. This self-service capability maintains network resource efficiency while simplifying operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Flow Steerer performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing a Flow Steerer address as the fixed entry point for all communication sessions. Before any MSC dynamics occur, the routing architecture is already in place to handle transitions, so when MSCs are added or removed, the system can seamlessly redirect traffic without requiring external configuration changes. This preliminary setup protects external networks from operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If packet routing inspects port numbers and compares with MSC-port allocations, then packets are accurately directed to the correct MSC, but additional processing time is required for each packet
Solution Approach 1:
The Flow Steerer performs preliminary actions by extracting and caching routing information from packet headers before detailed comparison operations. The system pre-processes packet metadata to identify relevant flow identifiers, and maintains pre-computed routing tables that map these identifiers to MSC addresses. This preliminary processing reduces the computational burden during actual packet forwarding, maintaining high routing accuracy while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The Flow Steerer implements dynamic routing table updates that adapt to changing network conditions. When MSCs are added or removed, the routing tables are dynamically regenerated with optimized lookup structures. The system transitions from static routing configurations to dynamic, adaptive routing that maintains precision in packet direction while optimizing processing speed through efficient data structures and algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device comprising: a processor; and a memory comprising instructions which when executed by the processor cause the device to allocate a packet to a Media Session Controller (MSC) by receiving the packet; inspecting a port number in the packet header of the packet; comparing the port number with one or more MSC-port allocations in a database; selecting based on the comparison an MSC from a plurality of MSCs; and forwarding the received packet to the selected MSC.