Interworking Function Addressing for 2G to 4G Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of network roaming between 2/3G and 4G networks, existing systems face challenges in addressing network devices due to the need for preconfiguration of mapping tables between ISDN numbers and host names, which is not feasible when additional SGSN/HLR elements are introduced, leading to incomplete roaming capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an interworking function (IWF) that constructs host names from ISDN numbers and acquires ISDN numbers from preconfigured information mapping tables, allowing for dynamic address conversion between MAP and Diameter protocols without requiring preconfigured mapping tables for all SGSN/HLR data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If preconfiguration of mapping tables between ISDN numbers and host names is implemented, then addressing accuracy for known SGSN/HLR elements is improved, but adaptability to additional SGSN/HLR elements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preconfiguring only the IWF's own host name and ISDN number, rather than preconfiguring complete mapping tables for all SGSN/HLR elements. This partial preliminary configuration enables the IWF to dynamically construct mappings for additional elements through protocol conversion, resolving the contradiction between addressing accuracy and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the IWF to dynamically construct host name to ISDN number mappings during runtime through protocol conversion between Diameter and MAP protocols. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to additional SGSN/HLR elements without requiring static preconfiguration, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining addressing accuracy.
2Loss of information
If complete mapping tables for all SGSN/HLR data are preconfigured, then addressing completeness is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting only the essential configuration data (IWF's own host name and ISDN number) from the complete mapping tables, storing only this minimal necessary information in advance. The remaining mappings are derived dynamically through protocol conversion, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining addressing completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the IWF to automatically construct complete mapping information through protocol conversion between Diameter and MAP protocols, without requiring manual preconfiguration of all mappings. The system serves itself by generating the necessary addressing information dynamically, reducing both configuration complexity and potential information loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion between MAP and Diameter is implemented, then interoperability between 2/3G and 4G networks is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the IWF to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a Diameter endpoint and a MAP endpoint, enabling protocol conversion between Diameter and MAP protocols. This multi-functionality allows the IWF to interface with both 4G (MME/HSS) and 2/3G (SGSN/HLR) networks, improving interoperability while consolidating complexity into a single versatile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the intermediary principle by positioning the IWF as a mediator between 2/3G and 4G networks. The IWF converts Diameter protocol messages to MAP protocol messages and vice versa, enabling communication between networks that would otherwise be incompatible. This intermediary role improves interoperability while concentrating the conversion complexity in a dedicated mediation point.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the communications field, and discloses a network device addressing method, device, and system to achieve network device addressing. A specific implementation method includes: constructing, by an interworking function IWF, a host name of a mobility management network element according to an integrated services digital network ISDN number of the mobility management network element; sending, by the IWF, a request message to a home subscriber server HSS, where the request message includes the host name of the mobility management network element; and after receiving a response message sent by the HSS, acquiring, by the IWF, an ISDN number of the HSS according to a host name of the HSS, and sending the ISDN number of the HSS to the mobility management network element.