IMS Node SIP Signalling via P-User-Database Header
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face inefficiencies in handling Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signalling, particularly in 5G networks where the use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) instead of Diameter complicates subscriber server addressing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where a first IMS node transmits a message related to SIP signalling to a second IMS node, including an indication of a group of subscriber servers for a user equipment (UE), allowing the second IMS node to retrieve subscriber data based on this indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HTTP protocol is used instead of Diameter in 5G networks for SIP signalling, then network modernization and flexibility are improved, but subscriber server addressing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (P-User-Database header field) that mediates between the SIP signalling and the subscriber server selection. This header field carries the Diameter URI obtained from the SLF, allowing the S-CSCF to retrieve subscriber data without directly implementing Diameter protocol logic, thus simplifying the HTTP-based 5G core network while maintaining compatibility with existing Diameter-based HSS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the I-CSCF obtain the Diameter URI from the SLF before the S-CSCF needs it. The P-User-Database header field is populated in advance with this URI information, so that when the S-CSCF receives the SIP message, it can directly use the pre-fetched subscriber data without performing its own lookup, thereby reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
2Reliability
If repeated user lookups are performed in the SLF, then subscriber data can be retrieved, but network efficiency and signalling overhead deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The I-CSCF performs the user lookup in the SLF in advance and stores the resulting Diameter URI in the P-User-Database header field. This preliminary action ensures that when the S-CSCF needs subscriber data, it can retrieve it directly using the pre-obtained URI without performing another lookup, thus maintaining reliability while significantly improving network efficiency by eliminating repeated SLF queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the subscriber server identification information (Diameter URI) in the P-User-Database header field. Instead of having the S-CSCF perform its own lookup, it uses the copied URI information provided by the I-CSCF, which reduces redundant operations and improves overall network productivity while ensuring accurate subscriber data retrieval.
3Ease of operation
If the S-CSCF performs its own user lookup in the SLF, then it can obtain subscriber data independently, but signalling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The I-CSCF performs the user lookup operation in advance and includes the result (Diameter URI) in the P-User-Database header field of the SIP message. This allows the S-CSCF to skip the time-consuming lookup process and directly use the pre-retrieved information, reducing signalling processing time while maintaining the ability to obtain accurate subscriber data through the provided URI.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to, for example, a method performed by a first IMS node for handling SIP signalling in a communication network. The first IMS node transmits to a second IMS node, a message related to SIP signalling for a user equipment, UE, wherein the message includes an indication indicating a group of subscriber servers for the UE.