Network Element Register Mismatch Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual registration of user equipment in multiple Visitor Location Registers (VLRs) leads to call failures and requires costly resets, especially in networks with different technologies like LTE, WCDMA, and GSM, due to lost cancel location messages and miscommunication between HLR and VLRs.
Innovation Solution
A method and network element that compare information across registers, detect mismatches, and initiate location updates to correct dual registrations by delivering modified location update requests to the correct VLR, ensuring only one valid VLR association per user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment is registered in multiple VLRs simultaneously, then the network can provide service coverage across different location areas, but call failures occur and network reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network element continuously monitors and compares the actual VLR registration status of user equipment with the expected status derived from location information. When a mismatch is detected (indicating dual registration), the system automatically initiates correction procedures by sending location update requests to remove the incorrect registration, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving multi-location adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively detects potential dual registration issues by comparing current registration status with expected status before call failures occur. By initiating location update requests to correct mismatches promptly, the system prevents call failures rather than reacting to them after they occur, maintaining both reliability and service continuity
2Loss of energy
If cancel location messages are lost between HLR and VLRs, then network traffic is reduced, but dual registration errors occur and service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A network element acts as an intermediary between HLR and VLRs, performing comparative verification of registration status. This intermediary cross-checks the information received from HLR with actual VLR registration data, detecting dual registration errors that would otherwise go unnoticed due to lost cancel location messages, thereby maintaining registration accuracy without increasing overall network traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the unreliable message-passing mechanism (cancel location messages that can be lost) with an active comparison and verification mechanism. Instead of relying on positive confirmation messages to update registration status, the system actively queries and compares registration states, substituting a more reliable verification approach that doesn't depend on message delivery
3Reliability
If VLR resets are performed to correct dual registration, then registration accuracy is restored, but network downtime increases and service continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of dual registration mismatches by comparing expected and actual VLR status before service disruption occurs. By identifying and correcting registration errors through targeted location update requests rather than full VLR resets, the system restores accuracy with minimal downtime, avoiding unnecessary service interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete VLR reset that affects all subscribers, the system extracts and corrects only the specific problematic registration entries. By sending targeted location update requests to remove only the incorrect VLR associations for affected user equipment, the system restores registration accuracy while minimizing impact on overall network service continuity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a management of information in the communication network. According to the invention the method for modifying information stored in a mobile communication network comprises steps of receiving, in a network element, a request for an operation in the mobile communication network relating to a user equipment; deriving information on the first register on the basis of the request; determining information on a second register for the user equipment in the network element; comparing information on the first register derived on the basis of the request with information on the second register determined for the user equipment in the network element; and if the outcome of the comparison indicates a mismatch between the information on the first and second registers, the second register is requested to initiate the modification of information in a third register. The invention also relates to a network element implementing at least part of the steps of the method.