IMS Mediation System for Hybrid Network Service Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3G IMS networks, maintaining stateful connections across administrative domains for multimedia services is costly and operationally challenging, and service differentiation among Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) is not possible due to shared service logic.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic call model system that allows per-user customization of service logic, enabling each user to have distinct service experiences by associating unique application servers with service point triggers, and reducing stateful connections by co-locating S-CSCF and ASs, facilitating hybrid networks with wireless broadcast and 3G capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stateful connections are maintained across administrative domains for multimedia services, then service continuity is ensured, but networking costs and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service logic into two distinct components: stateful service logic residing in application servers and stateless call control logic residing in CSCFs. This segmentation allows the stateful connections to be maintained only where necessary (in application servers) while the majority of the network uses stateless connections, reducing overall operational complexity and networking costs while preserving service continuity.
2Productivity
If shared service logic is used across the network, then network efficiency is improved, but service differentiation among MVNOs becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different application servers to host different service logic for different MVNOs or service types. Each application server can be customized with specific service logic while the underlying CSCF infrastructure remains standardized and efficient. This enables service differentiation at the application layer while maintaining network efficiency at the control layer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If many application servers are deployed to provide service differentiation, then service versatility is improved, but network complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the application server as an intermediary layer between the standardized CSCF infrastructure and the diverse service requirements. This intermediary allows service versatility to be achieved through software-based application servers rather than through complex hardware network elements, reducing network complexity while maintaining service versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Mediation systems and methods for hybrid networks including an IMS network. A system and method mediates an IMS network having a serving call state control function (S-CSCF) for providing session control for user endpoint (UE) devices with an alternative network to create a hybrid network. A service and corresponding service request code are defined to utilize at least a subset of capabilities provided by said alternative network. The S-CSCF is provisioned to identify and receive an alternative network service request message from a UE, including providing a call model having at least one filter code to associate said alternative network service code with at least one application server (AS) dedicated to serving alternative network service requests, said AS being responsive to service point triggers (SPTs). The AS is in communication with and capable of controlling delivery of at least a subset of services provided by said alternative network. The alternative network is a wireless broadcast network, such as a DVB-H network or a forward link only (FLO) network. The IMS network and S-CSCF and ASs are provisioned to provide two-way transport for interactive services for said hybrid network. The call model for alternative network services is constructed as a dynamic call model.