I-CSCF S-CSCF Reallocation via UDB Marks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern telecommunications systems face challenges in evenly distributing terminal devices (UEs) among available service servers (SSs) after a failure, leading to uneven load distribution and potential overloading of some SSs while underutilizing others, as existing solutions do not effectively manage reallocation of UEs back to the most suitable SS upon recovery of the initially assigned SS.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a cooperative process between the interrogating server (IS), service servers (SS), and database server (UDB) to store and utilize a 'user reallocated data mark' to reallocate UEs back to the most suitable SS when they re-register, allowing for seamless reassignment and balancing the load across SSs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UEs are reallocated to replacement SSs when the initially assigned SS fails, then system reliability is improved, but load distribution becomes uneven and some SSs may be overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidload distribution balance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the I-CSCF monitors the status of SSs and dynamically adjusts UE assignments. When an SS recovers, the system detects this through registration messages and initiates reallocation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains load balance while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic reallocation capabilities where UE assignments are not static but can change based on SS availability. The system dynamically transitions UEs between different SSs based on real-time conditions, allowing the network to adapt to failures and recoveries while maintaining optimal load distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If manual reconfiguration is used to rebalance load after SS recovery, then load distribution can be optimized, but service interruptions and reconfiguration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distribution balanceVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service reallocation where the network automatically rebalances load without manual intervention. When UEs re-register after SS recovery, the I-CSCF automatically detects the opportunity and initiates reallocation procedures, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and reducing service interruption time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares for reallocation in advance by maintaining information about SS capabilities and UE assignments in the UDB. When an SS recovers, the system can quickly initiate reallocation using pre-stored information, avoiding the need for time-consuming manual configuration and reducing service disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If UEs remain assigned to replacement SSs after initial SS recovery, then system stability is maintained, but other SSs remain underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassignment stabilityVSAvoidSS utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic opportunities for reallocation triggered by UE re-registration events. Each registration provides a natural checkpoint where the system can reassess assignments and rebalance load, maintaining stability through regular, predictable adjustments rather than continuous changes or long static periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the assignment parameter dynamically based on SS availability. When the initially assigned SS recovers, the system modifies the assignment parameter to reassign UEs back to the original SS or another appropriate SS, thereby improving overall utilization while maintaining stable assignments during SS failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9992239B2Method and apparatus for an I-CSCF to assign to a user equipment a S-CSCF server in an IMS system

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for assigning to a terminal device (UE) a service server (SS) carried out by an IS, by any of the SSs, and by the UDB in a cooperative/corresponding manner. A “first reallocation (IS/SS/UDB) procedure” and a “second reallocation (IS/SS/UDB) procedure” are correspondingly performed within the IS, the SS and the UDB. The first reallocation procedure allows, via IS/SS/UDB processing and interactions, storing by the UDB, in relationship with at least one of the user identifiers of a UE, a mark indicating that the UE has been assigned to a replacement SS to substitute another SS that has failed. The second reallocation procedure allows, also via IS/SS/UDB processing and interactions, utilization of the mark to trigger a new SS reallocation of the UE to a SS when the UE sends a subsequent registration message.