IMS Protocol Converter for EIR Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

IMS-based cellular communication systems lack a defined method to easily access and check the identity and capabilities of mobile equipment, unlike traditional circuit-switched systems or those using GPRS, due to the absence of a direct way to interact with an equipment identity register (EIR) or equivalent database node.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that convert SIP-formatted registration messages containing instance identifiers like IMEI or IMEISV into MAP or DIAMETER formats, enabling these identifiers to be routed to an EIR for processing, thereby facilitating EIR-related operations within an IMS network that uses IP-based formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SIP-formatted registration messages are used in IMS networks, then IP-based communication is achieved, but the ability to access EIR for mobile equipment identity checking is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP-based communication capabilityVSAvoidEIR accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protocol converter as an intermediary component that receives SIP-formatted registration messages from the IMS network and converts them into MAP or DIAMETER formats suitable for EIR communication. This mediator enables the IP-based IMS system to interact with the traditional circuit-switched EIR system, resolving the contradiction between IP-based communication capability and EIR accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If IMS network architecture is used, then access independence is achieved, but defined method to access EIR is absent

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccess independenceVSAvoidEIR access method

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol converter serves as a bridge that enables IMS networks to access EIR without compromising access independence. It translates SIP registration messages into EIR-compatible formats (MAP/DIAMETER), providing a defined access method while maintaining the IP-based architecture's flexibility and independence from circuit-switched infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If protocol conversion is implemented, then EIR accessibility is restored, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEIR accessibilityVSAvoidprotocol conversion mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol converter is implemented as a separate intermediary function, isolating the complexity of protocol translation from the core IMS architecture. This modular approach restores EIR accessibility through standardized conversion mechanisms while containing system complexity within a dedicated conversion component that interfaces with both SIP and MAP/DIAMETER protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8412192B2Apparatus, and associated method, for providing an instance identifier to a network database node of a mobile network

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

Apparatus, and an associated method, for an IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) mobile network to transfer an IMEI or IMEISV to an equipment ID register. A SIP, or other IP-based, message including the IMEI or IMEISV of a user equipment is converted by a protocol converter embodied at an application server into a MAP or DIAMETER message. A forwarder forwards on the MAP or DIAMETER message to EIR.