Roaming Route Optimization via Dynamic Path Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current VoLTE roaming call routing mechanisms lack end-to-end control over IPX network paths, leading to routing inconsistencies, suboptimal paths, and inflexibility, with limitations in media path optimization and reliance on unpredictable TRF functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing traffic flow in a multi-node network that involves identifying candidate alternative routes and selecting the optimal route based on predetermined criteria, using a Route Proposal Function, Route Decision Function, and Route Implementation Function to dynamically alter session routing and optimize paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hop-by-hop routing decision is used by intermediate nodes to route roaming calls, then routing flexibility is improved, but routing consistency and predictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing routing policies and path selections before calls are routed. The system determines optimal routes in advance based on operator agreements and network conditions, then enforces these pre-determined paths during call routing, ensuring both flexibility and consistency without relying on unpredictable hop-by-hop decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where routing decisions are continuously monitored and adjusted based on network performance data. Routing policies are updated dynamically based on feedback about path quality, congestion levels, and service quality, allowing the system to maintain consistent routing while adapting to changing conditions
2Productivity
If end-to-end control over IPX network paths is implemented, then routing optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary routing control functions that act as mediators between the V-MNO and H-MNO networks. These intermediary elements manage the end-to-end routing control, handling path selection and optimization without requiring complex direct control mechanisms between all network components, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining routing optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing control function into discrete, manageable components distributed across different network elements. By dividing the end-to-end routing control into separate routing decision points and path management functions, the system achieves routing optimization without creating a single complex control system, distributing the complexity across multiple simpler elements
3Reliability
If tromboning path is avoided through media path optimization, then call quality is improved, but routing control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signaling path and media path into a unified routing approach. By coordinating these paths so they follow the same route from V-MNO to H-MNO and back, the system avoids tromboning (where signaling and media take different paths) without requiring separate complex control mechanisms for each path, thus improving call quality while managing routing control requirements efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing traffic flow through a multi-node network, the multi-node network interlinking a first mobile network and a second mobile network, the method including, when a subscriber user equipment entity that has as a home network the first mobile network and that is operating in the second mobile network attempts to establish a connection to a correspondent user equipment entity: communicating a connection request message from the second network to the first network over a first route via a set of nodes of the multi-node network; at least one of the nodes of the set: identifying a candidate alternative route between nodes of the multi-node network for at least part of a connection between the subscriber user equipment entity and the correspondent user equipment entity; and transmitting an indication of the candidate alternative route to a controller; and the controller selecting, in accordance with predetermined criteria, one of the first route and the at least one candidate alternative route and causing the connection to be established between the subscriber user equipment entity and the correspondent user equipment entity at least partially over the selected route.