SCCP Message Load Sharing with Sequence Number Reordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In SS7 signaling networks, load sharing of class 1 SCCP messages is not feasible due to the risk of message misordering, which leads to processing errors at the destination node, as there is no mechanism to reorder these messages.
Innovation Solution
Assigning sequence numbers to SCCP messages and using a timer to ensure correct ordering, allowing class 1 SCCP messages to be load shared while preserving sequencing and preventing head of queue blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If load sharing is applied to class 1 SCCP messages, then processing throughput is improved, but message sequencing is compromised causing misordering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing function by separating the load sharing function (performed by LIM) from the sequencing function (performed by SCCP modules). The LIM divides incoming class 1 SCCP messages and distributes them to multiple SCCP modules for parallel processing, while each module independently maintains sequencing for its assigned messages. This segmentation allows both load sharing and sequencing to coexist without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of sequence number tags that are attached to each class 1 SCCP message. These sequence numbers act as intermediaries that carry ordering information through the distributed processing system. The LIM uses these sequence numbers to reconstruct the original message order after parallel processing, thereby maintaining sequencing reliability while enabling load sharing.
2Productivity
If multiple SCCP modules process messages in parallel, then processing efficiency is improved, but message ordering cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning sequence numbers to class 1 SCCP messages before they are distributed to multiple SCCP modules. This pre-tagging with ordering information allows the system to maintain ease of operation regarding message ordering, as the sequence numbers are already in place to guide reassembly at the output, eliminating the need for complex post-processing ordering operations.
3Productivity
If class 1 SCCP messages are distributed to different SCCP modules, then processing capacity is increased, but sequencing mechanism is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sequence number tagging mechanism universal across all SCCP modules. Each module receives messages with sequence numbers and processes them while preserving these tags. This universal approach ensures that sequencing reliability is maintained regardless of which specific module processes which message, allowing the system to scale processing capacity by adding more modules without compromising sequencing.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for load sharing and preserving sequencing of signaling connection control part (SCCP) messages are disclosed. According to one method, SCCP messages are received at an inbound interface module and assigned a sequence number. Each SCCP message is then transmitted using a load sharing algorithm to any one of a plurality of SCCP modules for SCCP processing. After the SCCP processing, the SCCP messages are returned to the inbound interface module and ordered based on the assigned sequence numbers the messages are then transmitted in order to an outbound interface module.