IMS Node SBI Communication for Non-Session Information Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication networks face inefficiencies in exchanging non-session related information between IMS nodes, leading to overloading of the SIP protocol and delays in information transfer, which is not aligned with the evolving 3GPP architectural requirements for 5G technologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Service Based Interface (SBI) mechanism that allows IMS nodes to communicate directly over SBI, decoupling non-session related information exchange from SIP routing, enabling flexible and efficient information sharing between IMS network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SIP protocol is used for all IMS node communications, then backward compatibility is maintained, but protocol overload and information transfer delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication into two distinct paths: SIP protocol for session-related signaling and SBI for non-session related information exchange. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific purpose, preventing overload of the SIP protocol while maintaining backward compatibility for session management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts non-session related information exchange from the SIP protocol and places it in a separate SBI framework. This extraction removes the burden of handling diverse information types through SIP extensions, thereby improving productivity and eliminating delays caused by protocol overload.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SIP protocol extensions are added for new services, then service functionality is enhanced, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service functionality into two domains: session management through SIP and non-session information exchange through SBI. This allows new services to be implemented via SBI without modifying SIP protocol complexity, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining protocol simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SBI framework provides a universal interface for all non-session related communications, including new 5G services. This multi-functional approach allows diverse services to be implemented through a common mechanism, enhancing versatility without increasing SIP protocol complexity.
3Speed
If direct SBI communication is implemented between IMS nodes, then information exchange speed is improved, but architectural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NRF (Network Repository Function) as an intermediary that manages service discovery and contact information for SBI communication. This intermediary simplifies the architecture by centralizing the complexity of service registration and resolution, while enabling fast direct communication between IMS nodes through SBI.
4Stability of the object's composition
If non-session information is routed through SIP, then existing routing is maintained, but signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts non-session information exchange from SIP routing and establishes separate SBI-based communication paths. This extraction reduces the signaling load on SIP protocol while maintaining stable routing for session management, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first IP multimedia system, IMS, node (15), for handling a network function in a communication network. The first IMS node (15) requests a first core network node (13) for at least a part of contact information of a network function instance, and receives a response from the first core network node (13) with at least the part of the contact information for the network function instance. The first IMS node (15) communicates with a second IMS node (16) or a core network node over a service based interface, based on the received part of the contact information for the network function instance.