Dynamic MME Load Balancing via Context Sharing Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems fail to dynamically balance load among Mobile Management Entities (MMEs) effectively, as they continue to use the same MME for call processing once subscriber data is generated, and existing load balancing methods, such as eNB-by-eNB migration, do not fully achieve load distribution according to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where multiple communication control apparatuses form context sharing groups to share subscriber data, allowing a node apparatus to dynamically select a communication control apparatus for call processing based on load conditions, thereby distributing messages more effectively across the group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same MME continues to be used for call processing once subscriber data is generated, then call processing reliability is maintained, but load balancing among MMEs cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the MME pool into multiple MME groups, where each group shares subscriber data through context sharing. This allows the system to maintain reliability within groups while enabling load balancing across groups, resolving the contradiction between reliability and load balancing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces MME groups as intermediaries between individual MMEs and the subscriber data. By organizing MMEs into groups that share context information, the system enables dynamic selection of MMEs for load balancing while maintaining reliable access to subscriber data through the group structure.
2Productivity
If service responsibilities are migrated on an eNB-by-eNB basis, then some load distribution is achieved, but full load balancing among MMEs cannot be properly achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from eNB-by-eNB load distribution to a higher-dimensional approach by organizing MMEs into groups and enabling node apparatuses to select MMEs based on multiple factors including load conditions. This dimensional change allows for more complete and flexible load balancing across the entire MME pool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MMEs handle vast varieties of signaling from smartphones and tablet terminals, then service coverage is expanded, but MME congestion occurs during high-load events
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic MME selection based on real-time load conditions. Node apparatuses can dynamically choose which MME to use for call processing by considering current load status, MME group configurations, and subscriber data location. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain service quality during high-load events while preserving expanded service coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system capable of dynamically changing an MME to serve in call processing in accordance with the load condition of the MMEs and the like is provided. A communication system of the present invention includes: communication control apparatuses (10) to (12); and a node apparatus (20) that executes call processing relating to a communication terminal with the communication control apparatuses (10) to (12). The communication control apparatuses (10) to (12) form a context sharing group that shares subscriber data of the communication terminal. The node apparatus (20) selects a first communication control apparatus in the context sharing group, and transmits a call processing message to the first communication control apparatus. The first communication control apparatus executes the call processing using the subscriber data shared in the context sharing group.