Co-located S-CSCF and Application Server Logic for IMS Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3G IMS networks, maintaining stateful connections between application servers and S-CSCF nodes across multiple domains is costly and operationally challenging, limiting service differentiation among Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) as they are constrained to the same service logic.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic call models where S-CSCF service logic is co-located with application servers, allowing for per-user customization of service logic and filter codes, enabling distinct service experiences even for the same service request, and reducing the need for stateful connections by using a call model database to instantiate multiple call models responsive to user contexts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stateful connections are maintained between application servers and S-CSCF nodes across multiple domains, then service logic can be provided to users, but networking costs increase and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the S-CSCF service logic and application server logic into a single co-located unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate stateful connections between S-CSCF nodes and application servers, as the application server logic is now embedded within the S-CSCF itself. The solution resolves the contradiction by integrating previously separate components, thereby maintaining service logic provision capability while eliminating the networking complexity and costs associated with inter-domain connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stateful connections are maintained between application servers and S-CSCF nodes, then service logic can be provided, but the number of connections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging application server logic into the S-CSCF node, the patent eliminates the need for multiple stateful connections between separate application servers and S-CSCF nodes. Each S-CSCF node becomes self-sufficient with embedded application logic, reducing the total number of connections from potentially thousands (across multiple domains) to zero inter-node connections for application logic execution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application servers are hosted in a separate application domain from S-CSCF service logic, then service differentiation is possible, but connections cross administrative domains increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges application server hosting with S-CSCF service logic within the same administrative domain, eliminating cross-domain connections. Service differentiation is maintained through software-based configuration of application logic within each S-CSCF node, rather than through physical or administrative domain separation. This resolves the contradiction by achieving service differentiation through software flexibility rather than domain architecture, thereby eliminating cross-domain connection complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stateful connections are maintained for different users, then personalized service logic can be provided, but operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By embedding application server logic within each S-CSCF node, the patent enables personalized service logic to be executed locally without requiring maintenance of separate stateful connections for each user. The S-CSCF node accesses user-specific configuration and service logic locally, eliminating the operational burden of managing numerous user-specific connections across domains while maintaining full service customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of avoiding or minimizing cost of stateful connections between application servers (ASs) and S-CSCF nodes in an IMS network with multiple domains. S-CSCF service logic is provided and connected to a co-located AS. The IMS includes a network operator administration domain and an MVNO service domain, and the S-CSCF logic and AS are maintained in the same domain, e.g., the MVNO or network operator domain.