IMS Node S-CSCF Selection Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IMS networks face inefficiencies due to manual configuration requirements and lack of automation in selecting and balancing Serving Call Session Control Functions (S-CSCFs), leading to potential errors and suboptimal network performance during S-CSCF software upgrades or failures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the first IMS node selects a second IMS node based on subscriber data capabilities by requesting the network node to identify suitable nodes, utilizing a Network Repository Function (NRF) for dynamic load balancing and automated S-CSCF selection and discovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual configuration is used for S-CSCF selection, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but configuration errors increase and automation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveS-CSCF selection automationVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The I-CSCF autonomously selects S-CSCFs by querying the HSS for subscriber data containing S-CSCF capability information and capability match criteria, eliminating the need for manual configuration of S-CSCF selection parameters while maintaining reliable and accurate configuration through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical configuration process is replaced with an automated information query and processing system where the I-CSCF retrieves subscriber data from the HSS and automatically determines S-CSCF selection based on capability matching, reducing human error and improving automation extent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual S-CSCF configuration is performed, then network control is maintained, but network performance optimization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidS-CSCF selection automation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously queries the HSS for updated subscriber data containing S-CSCF capability information and automatically adjusts S-CSCF selection based on real-time network conditions and subscriber requirements, optimizing network performance through feedback-driven automated decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The static manual configuration is replaced with a dynamic automated selection process where S-CSCF choices are continuously adapted based on real-time subscriber data, network load conditions, and capability matching, enabling the network to respond flexibly to changing requirements and optimize performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If automated S-CSCF selection is implemented, then configuration errors are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidselection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HSS serves as an intermediary that stores subscriber data including S-CSCF capability information and capability match criteria, allowing the I-CSCF to automatically query and process this information without implementing complex selection logic locally, thus maintaining reliability while managing system complexity through centralized data storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The I-CSCF performs multiple functions including querying subscriber data from the HSS, processing capability information, and automatically selecting S-CSCFs, consolidating what would otherwise be separate complex components into a single multi-functional element, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250106264A1First IMS node, second IMS node, network node and methods in a communications network

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by an a first Internet Protocol, IP, Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, node for selecting a second IMS node from one or more second IMS in a communications network is provided. The first IMS node and the one or more second IMS nodes are operating in an IMS network. Upon receiving, from a User Equipment, UE, a registration request message requesting the UE to be registered to the IMS network, the first IMS node obtains (201), from a subscriber data node, subscriber data related to the UE. The subscriber data comprises one or more capabilities associated to a second IMS node to be used in the registration procedure. The first IMS node sends (202), to a network node, a request to identify one or more second IMS nodes for the registration procedure, based on the one or more capabilities in the obtained subscriber data. The request comprises the one or more capabilities. The first IMS node receives (203) a response to the request from the network node. The response comprises selection data related to a selection of a second IMS node from one or more identified second IMS nodes. The one or more identified second IMS nodes supports at least one of the one or more capabilities comprised in the obtained subscriber data. The first IMS node selects (204) a second IMS node from the one or more identified second IMS nodes for registering the UE to the IMS network. The selecting is based on the received selection data. The first IMS node proceeds with the registration of the UE by sending (205) a message to the selected second IMS node. The message requests the selected second IMS node to register the UE to the IMS network.