Interworking Function Protocol Conversion HLR HSS
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the Evolved Packet System (EPS), there is a lack of standardization and uniformity in data transmission and location information exchange between User Equipment (UE) and nodes serving as Home Location Register (HLR) and Home Subscriber Server (HSS, leading to difficulties in addressing the correct database or frontend for subscriber information, especially with the introduction of new protocols and components like the Mobility Management Entity (MME).
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an Interworking Function (IWF) that provides protocol conversion between the Intelligent Network (IN) signaling layer and HLR/HSS databases and frontends, allowing multiple requests to be sent to involved nodes and consolidating responses, enabling communication with both HLR and HSS frontends as if they were a single entity, thus maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion between IN signaling layer and HLR/HSS databases is implemented, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but device complexity increases due to the introduction of IWF node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Interworking Function (IWF) node that acts as an intermediary between the Intelligent Network (IN) signaling layer and the HLR/HSS databases. The IWF node performs protocol conversion, translating IN signaling protocols into database-compatible protocols, thereby maintaining compatibility with existing systems while managing the complexity of multiple protocol interactions through a dedicated mediation layer.
2Productivity
If multiple requests are sent to involved nodes and responses are consolidated, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but loss of time occurs due to the additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The IWF node performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing protocol conversion rules and data mapping relationships between IN signaling and database protocols. This allows the system to quickly process location information requests without extensive real-time processing, reducing the time penalty associated with sending multiple requests and consolidating responses.
3Ease of operation
If unified interface for data exchange is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for protocol conversion functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol conversion functionality into a separate IWF node, distinct from the core HLR/HSS databases and the IN signaling layer. This segmentation allows the unified interface to be provided to users and applications while the complex protocol conversion logic is isolated in a dedicated component, making the system easier to operate from the user perspective while containing the complexity in a manageable, modular fashion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a Core Network for data transmission in an Evolved Packet System (EPS), the Core Network comprising one or more node(s) serving as a Home Location Register (HLR) according to a GSM/UMTS mobile communication network standard, the Core Network further comprising one or more node(s) serving as a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) according to the 3GPP standards, and the Core Network further comprising an Interworking Function (IWF) for the handling of messages exchanged between a signalling layer of the Core Network on the one hand and the node(s) serving as the Home Location Register (HLR) as well as the node(s) serving as the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) on the other hand, wherein the interface between the signalling layer and the Interworking Function (IWF) is an Intelligent Network (IN) or an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN).