NAS Node Selection via SCTP Header Extraction for Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Node Selection Function, primarily located in Radio Access Nodes, lacks visibility into core network node loading, leading to inefficient load balancing, especially in multi-vendor deployments and large-scale LTE networks, where configuring and maintaining associations between RAN nodes and core network nodes is complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A network element with a NAS Node Selection Function that interacts with a packet network system, extracts header information from signaling messages, communicates with a database to determine associations and availability, and routes messages based on load balancing across multiple core network nodes, using Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) and a persistent application map to ensure efficient routing and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NAS Node Selection Function is located in RAN node, then node selection capability is provided, but visibility into core network node loading is lost leading to inefficient load balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that bridges the RAN node and core network nodes, enabling the NAS Node Selection Function to obtain visibility into core network node loading conditions. This intermediary mechanism allows load information to be transmitted from core network nodes to the RAN node, resolving the contradiction by maintaining node selection capability while adding load balancing efficiency through intermediate information exchange.
2Device complexity
If strict hierarchy is enforced for CN node connection, then network management is simplified, but CN node utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic node selection capability that allows RAN nodes to flexibly connect to multiple core network nodes based on real-time loading conditions. This dynamic approach replaces the static strict hierarchy with an adaptive mechanism that maintains simplified management through automated load-based routing while significantly improving CN node utilization efficiency by distributing traffic across multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameter from fixed hierarchical routing to dynamic load-based routing. By introducing load condition as a variable parameter in the node selection process, the system can adjust routing decisions in real-time, improving CN node utilization efficiency while maintaining management simplicity through automated parameter adjustment.
3Quantity of substance
If more CN nodes are added to serve areas with more BSCs/RNCs, then service capacity is increased, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to excess capacity in adjoining area CN nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables core network nodes to serve multiple geographic areas by implementing load-based routing that allows any available CN node to handle traffic from any BSC/RNC within its capacity. This universal approach allows CN nodes to function across multiple service areas rather than being restricted to single-area assignments, increasing resource utilization efficiency while maintaining the necessary service capacity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If implementation-specific load balancing is used in RAN node, then deployment flexibility is maintained, but load balancing efficiency deteriorates in multi-vendor and large-scale deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where load information from core network nodes is continuously transmitted to the RAN node's NAS Node Selection Function. This feedback loop enables automated, real-time load balancing decisions based on actual network conditions, improving load balancing efficiency in multi-vendor and large-scale deployments while maintaining deployment flexibility through vendor-neutral implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A network element having a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Node Selection Function for discriminating information in order to determine which core network node a signaling message should be sent comprising: a network interface unit configured to interact with a packet network system; a processor with a memory associated with the network interface unit and adapted to: receive the signaling message from an eNB at a selection function; extract header information from Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) of the signaling message; communicate with a database having a persistent application map to determine if there is an association between the header information and a core network entity; if there is an association, forward the signaling message to a selected core network entity; and determine at the selected core network entity which one of a plurality of core network nodes within a core network pool to route the message based on availability of the plurality of core network nodes.