IMS Cluster Node Shared Memory for Session Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) networks face inefficiencies due to the high volume of information exchanged between separate nodes, leading to communication bottlenecks and increased session setup times, which are not addressed by existing 3GPP standards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing IMS cluster nodes with a shared local area communications medium, where IMS functions such as I-CSCF and S-CSCF modules communicate via a shared memory, reducing the need for extensive network communication and enabling direct access to subscriber information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IMS functions are implemented on separate nodes communicating over wide area network, then network architecture follows 3GPP standards, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to high volume of information exchange and session setup delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple IMS functions (I-CSCF, S-CSCF, HSS) into a single clustered node that communicates over a local area network. This merging eliminates the need for extensive wide area network communication between separate nodes, reducing communication overhead and accelerating session setup while maintaining 3GPP standard compliance through functional integration.
2Productivity
If IMS entities communicate over wide area network, then distributed architecture is maintained, but network resource utilization increases due to bottlenecks from high information exchange volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the communication dimension from wide area network to local area network by implementing IMS functions in a clustered architecture. This dimensional change in network scope reduces the physical and logical distance between communicating entities, minimizing bottlenecks and reducing session setup time while improving overall network resource efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If separate IMS nodes are used, then system modularity is maintained, but communication bottlenecks occur due to extensive information exchange requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges I-CSCF, S-CSCF, and HSS functions into a single clustered node, reducing the number of network nodes from multiple separate entities to one integrated system. This consolidation eliminates communication bottlenecks between nodes while maintaining functional modularity through internal partitioning, thereby improving information exchange efficiency without sacrificing operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for clustering and communicating between Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) entities are disclosed. According to one aspect, an IMS cluster node includes a serving call state control function (S-CSCF) for controlling media sessions between IMS users. The cluster node further includes a home subscriber service (HSS) function for storing and providing IMS subscription information to the S-CSCF function. A shared memory is operatively associated with the S-CSCF function and the HSS function. The S-CSCF function obtains IMS subscription information from the HSS function via the shared memory.