Signaling Gateway M2PA Sequence Number Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of PSTN migration to an IP network, the signaling network management part of the ASM in an associated network connection cannot divert signaling traffic upon occurrence of a signaling link failure due to the inability to handle M2PA sequence numbers greater than those used by MTP2, leading to issues with signaling link changeover.

Innovation Solution

A signaling gateway apparatus and method that converts 24-bit M2PA sequence numbers to a range of 0 to 127, enabling the exchange of changeover order and acknowledgement signals between a group unit center in a PSTN and a signaling gateway in an IP network, allowing for signaling link changeover by adapting the sequence number range to match MTP2 compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 24-bit M2PA sequence numbers are used in associated network connection, then signaling link changeover capability is improved, but compatibility with MTP2 standards deteriorates due to sequence number range mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling link changeover capabilityVSAvoidMTP2 compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by converting the sequence number format from 24-bit M2PA sequence numbers to 7-bit MTP2 sequence numbers. The signaling gateway apparatus performs bit manipulation to extract and transform the sequence number parameters, changing the numerical representation from a larger range (24-bit) to a smaller range (7-bit, 0-127) to match MTP2 standards while preserving the signaling link changeover functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The signaling gateway apparatus acts as an intermediary between the M2PA protocol (used in IP network) and MTP2 protocol (used in PSTN). It mediates the sequence number format mismatch by converting M2PA sequence numbers to MTP2 sequence numbers, enabling communication and signaling link changeover between systems with different protocol requirements without direct modification of either end system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sequence number conversion from 24-bit to 7-bit is implemented, then MTP2 compatibility is improved, but information loss risk increases due to range reduction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMTP2 compatibilityVSAvoidsequence number precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the 24-bit M2PA sequence number that fits within the 7-bit MTP2 range. By taking out and converting only the relevant sequence number information to the appropriate format, the system maintains MTP2 compatibility while preserving the essential sequencing functionality needed for signaling link changeover operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11831811B2Signaling gateway apparatus, protocol conversion method, and program

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 NEC CORP

AI summary

A signaling gateway apparatus (SG) in an IP network, is directly connected to a group unit center (GC) in a PSTN in a layer of MTP level 3 without via a signaling transfer point (STP), converts a M2PA sequence number included in an XCO or an XCA which is a response to the XCO, to a sequence number with a value in a range from 0 to 127 which is a maximum value of a 7-bit unsigned integer and transmits the XCO or the XCA to an opposite apparatus.