Media Gateway Filter Rule Context Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Next Generation Networks (NGN), the Media Gateway Controller (MGC) faces challenges in effectively managing and controlling filter rules on the interfaces of Media Gateways (MGs), particularly due to the limitations of the H.248 protocol which restricts the length of messages for modifying filter rules, making it difficult to audit and manage tens of thousands of filter rules.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves the Media Gateway (MG) maintaining a packet filter rule context based on messages from the MGC, allowing for the creation, modification, or deletion of filter rules, and using a packet filter rule context that includes properties such as filter rules, flags, switches, and priorities to manage and filter packets effectively, enabling the MGC to control filter rules on multiple MG interfaces through multiple message attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the MGC uses the H.248 protocol to manage filter rules on MG interfaces, then the protocol provides a standardized control mechanism, but the message length limitation prevents effective management of tens of thousands of filter rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management of filter rules by introducing the concept of multiple packet filter rule contexts. Instead of managing all filter rules in a single context, the system divides them into multiple contexts that can be managed separately through multiple message attempts. This allows the MGC to control filter rules on MG interfaces by processing multiple packet filter rule contexts in separate messages, overcoming the H.248 protocol's message length limitation.
2Device complexity
If a single filter rule is used on the termination interface, then the configuration is simple, but it cannot handle the tens of thousands of firewall packet filter rules required on an interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to filter rule management by creating multiple packet filter rule contexts. This dimensional expansion allows the system to manage tens of thousands of filter rules by organizing them across multiple contexts rather than being constrained to a single filter rule or single context structure.
3Loss of time
If the MGC attempts to set all filter rules in a single message, then the operation is completed in one step, but the message exceeds protocol length limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter rule configuration process into multiple message attempts, each handling a portion of the filter rules through separate packet filter rule contexts. This segmentation allows the MGC to transmit configuration messages that comply with H.248 protocol length limitations while still achieving comprehensive filter rule management across multiple contexts.
4Device complexity
If the MGC cannot control filter rules effectively, then the system architecture remains simple, but the MGC cannot perform audit or control operations on filter rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces packet filter rule contexts as an intermediary structure between the MGC and the actual filter rules on MG interfaces. This intermediary enables the MGC to perform control operations such as audits on filter rules by providing a structured layer through which the MGC can interact with and manage the filter rules, thereby enhancing operational capability without fundamentally altering the core system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a Media Gateway (MG), and a system for managing a filter rule are disclosed. The method includes: The MG receives a processing message from a Media Gateway Controller (MGC); and the MG maintains the packet filter rule context according to the processing message, where the packet filter rule context includes at least one filter rule for filtering a packet received or sent by the MG. The processing message may be a message for creating, modifying or deleting the packet filter rule context. With the present disclosure, the MGC can manage the packet filter rule on the MG effectively.