Modular Network Architecture for Unified Signaling Service Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications networks tightly integrate built-in services with the network control plane, lacking a unified approach to handle both application-based and built-in services efficiently, with unclear separation of signaling exchange and user plane control functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A modular, scalable, and flexible network architecture decouples the control plane functionalities, treating UE-associated signaling as a service and enabling uniform service handling through standardized interfaces, separating signaling handling from user plane control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If built-in services are tightly integrated within the network control plane, then service delivery is achieved, but network flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane by separating built-in service functions from traditional network control functions. Service functions are extracted as independent entities that can be dynamically deployed and configured, enabling flexible network adaptation while maintaining reliable service delivery through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts built-in service functions from the tightly coupled control plane architecture. These services are taken out as independent service functions that interact with the network through standardized interfaces, thereby improving network flexibility and scalability while preserving service delivery capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If signaling exchange and user plane control are tightly coupled in the control plane, then control functionality is achieved, but ease of operation and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane by separating signaling exchange functions from user plane control functions. Signaling functions are extracted as independent entities that handle UE interactions, while user plane control maintains data session management. This segmentation improves operability and maintenance by reducing coupling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts signaling exchange functions from the tightly coupled control plane. These functions are taken out as independent service functions that can be managed separately, improving ease of operation and maintenance while preserving automated control functionality through standardized interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application-based services are handled through external Application Functions, then service versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service function framework that can handle both built-in services and application-based services through a common architecture. Service functions are designed with multi-functionality to support various service types via standardized interfaces, thereby improving service versatility while managing architecture complexity through uniform handling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein disclose a modular, scalable, and flexible network architecture which can handle all services in a unified manner, wherein the architecture can handle built-in services in NGNs in a manner similar to application-based services by decoupling the “built-in” service handling from “network control plane” of the networks. Embodiments herein disclose the modular, scalable, and flexible network architecture, wherein the network treats all types of signaling messages as payload or data or service, and the architecture thereof. Embodiments herein disclose the modular, scalable, and flexible network architecture, wherein built-in services (such as, but not limited to, session establishment, registration (network attachment), mobility, authentication, and so on) are moved out of the control plane and as a part of the service/application plane.