Proxy HSS for IMS Redundancy and Load Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP standard lacks a redundancy solution for the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) in IP Multimedia Subsystems, which is crucial for ensuring continuous service in scenarios where user data is stored across multiple HSS instances, such as in hot/standby configurations or load-sharing setups.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that provide redundancy by using a proxy HSS to select and forward requests to appropriate HSS instances, leveraging the Diameter protocol for communication and maintaining information on load, availability, and status of HSS instances to ensure efficient request routing, even in the absence of a Subscription Location Function (SLF).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single HSS instance is used to store user data, then the system is simple to configure and operate, but the system lacks redundancy and availability when user data is stored across multiple HSS instances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy HSS as an intermediary component that sits between client nodes and multiple HSS instances. The proxy HSS receives Diameter messages from clients, determines the appropriate target HSS instance based on routing criteria, and forwards messages accordingly. This mediator approach enables redundancy and load distribution without requiring client nodes to be aware of multiple HSS instances, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple HSS instances are deployed for redundancy and load sharing, then system availability improves, but the complexity of managing and routing requests to appropriate instances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy HSS implements self-service mechanisms by automatically monitoring the status, load, and availability of multiple HSS instances. It dynamically determines the most appropriate target instance for each incoming request based on current system state, eliminating the need for manual routing configuration or complex client-side routing logic. The system adapts autonomously to changes in HSS instance status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the proxy HSS continuously monitors the state of HSS instances (such as load conditions, availability status, and operational health) and uses this feedback information to make intelligent routing decisions. This feedback loop enables dynamic load balancing and failover without requiring manual intervention or complex static routing configurations.
3Reliability
If client nodes are configured with multiple HSS instance addresses for failover, then availability improves, but configuration and maintenance of client nodes becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy HSS acts as a centralized mediator that abstracts the complexity of multiple HSS instances from client nodes. Client nodes only need to be configured with the proxy HSS address, not the individual HSS instance addresses. The proxy HSS handles all routing and failover logic, significantly simplifying client node configuration and maintenance while maintaining service continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enabling redundancy for a Home Subscriber Service (HSS) of an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is provided. Redundancy is provided by a plurality of HSS instances. Where a client node of the IMS requires details of an HSS, the client node is provided with details of a proxy HSS representing the HSS instances. The client node uses the details to send a subsequent request directed to the proxy HSS. The proxy HSS selects an appropriate one of the HSS instances to handle the request received at the proxy HSS from the client node. The proxy HSS forwards the request to the selected HSS instance for handling.