HSS Failover via Broadcast Notification for IP Network Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
IP networks face inconsistencies in processing customer information due to failover to standby HSS servers, leading to errors in routing calls and service management, which are not resolved by existing technologies unless the network undergoes a global restart.
Innovation Solution
A method for failover from a primary HSS server to a backup HSS server in IP networks, where a broadcasting device informs other CSCF and SLF servers of the loss of connection, allowing them to switch to the backup HSS server, ensuring consistent information processing and reducing errors in call routing and service management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standby HSS server is configured to replace the primary HSS server in case of failure, then system reliability is improved, but information consistency deteriorates due to inconsistent data between primary and standby servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the standby HSS server monitors the connection status of the primary HSS server. When a connection loss is detected, the standby server broadcasts a failure message to all CSCF servers, triggering their reconnection to the standby server. This feedback loop ensures that the system responds dynamically to failures while maintaining information consistency through synchronized data updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent configures a standby HSS server in advance that mirrors the data structure and connection interfaces of the primary server. This preliminary setup ensures that when a failure occurs, the standby server is immediately ready to take over without data loss or system downtime, thus improving reliability while maintaining information consistency through pre-synchronized data structures.
2Speed
If CSCF servers independently detect and switch to the backup HSS server, then response speed is improved, but information consistency deteriorates due to lack of coordination among servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the standby HSS server as an intermediary that coordinates the failover process. When one CSCF server detects a primary server failure, it notifies the standby HSS server, which then broadcasts a coordinated failure message to all CSCF servers. This intermediary role ensures that all servers switch simultaneously to the backup server, maintaining information consistency while preserving fast response times.
3Loss of information
If a broadcasting device notifies all CSCF servers of the primary HSS failure, then information consistency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional notification infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the standby HSS server multi-functional by assigning it both the role of backup data server and the role of broadcasting device for failure notification. This eliminates the need for a separate notification infrastructure, as the standby server inherently possesses the capability to notify all CSCF servers of its activation. This approach improves information consistency while avoiding additional device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for switching a primary HSS server on a backup HSS server in an IP network, said network including a plurality of CSCF servers (respectively, application servers) (C1, C2) wherein, after detecting a loss of connection between one of said CSCF servers (respectively, application servers) (C2) and a primary HSS server (H) to which said server is normally connected, said CSCF server (respectively, application server) (C2) connects to a backup HSS server (H'). The method also includes the following steps: a) a predetermined broadcast device is informed of said loss of connection with said HSS server (H); b) said broadcast device sends, at least to the other CSCF servers (respectively, application servers) (C1) that are normally connected to said primary HSS (H), a predetermined failure message containing the reference information from said primary HSS server (H); and c) said other CSCF servers (respectively, application servers) (C1) connect to said backup HSS server (H').