S-CSCF Subscriber Data Restoration via SIP RESET Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

In IMS networks, S-CSCF and AS nodes lack notification mechanisms to reactivate when they lose subscriber data due to events like node restarts, leading to service disruptions until manual re-registration and data rebuilding occur.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a SIP RESET signal mechanism where S-CSCF or AS nodes notify neighboring nodes of lost subscriber data, triggering re-registration processes to restore data from the HSS without requiring user-initiated SIP re-registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If S-CSCF or AS nodes lose subscriber data due to node restart, then service control capability is lost, but manual re-registration and data rebuilding are required causing service disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidservice downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing notification mechanisms before data loss occurs. When S-CSCF or AS nodes lose subscriber data, they automatically notify neighboring nodes and P-CSCF through SIP RESET signals, triggering automated data restoration without waiting for manual intervention or service failure detection by users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing S-CSCF and AS nodes to automatically restore their own subscriber data. Upon receiving SIP RESET signals indicating data loss, these nodes autonomously initiate re-registration processes with HSS to rebuild their subscriber data, eliminating the need for manual re-registration by users or operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If user-initiated SIP re-registration is required to restore subscriber data, then service can be restored, but network load increases and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata restoration capabilityVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing S-CSCF and AS nodes to automatically restore their own subscriber data. Upon receiving SIP RESET signals indicating data loss, these nodes autonomously initiate re-registration processes with HSS to rebuild their subscriber data, eliminating the need for manual re-registration by users or operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where S-CSCF and AS nodes monitor their own data integrity status. When data loss is detected through SIP RESET signals, the nodes automatically trigger restoration processes and notify relevant network elements, creating a closed-loop system that responds to data loss conditions without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If notification mechanisms are implemented for automatic data restoration, then service downtime is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice recovery timeVSAvoidnotification mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies universality by using the existing SIP protocol framework for data restoration notifications. The SIP RESET signal leverages the established SIP message structure and routing mechanisms already present in the IMS network, allowing S-CSCF and AS nodes to utilize existing communication infrastructure rather than implementing separate proprietary notification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses P-CSCF as an intermediary element that receives SIP RESET signals from S-CSCF or AS nodes and coordinates the restoration process. This intermediary approach distributes the complexity of the notification mechanism across multiple network elements rather than concentrating it in single nodes, simplifying the implementation burden on individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2031849B1IMS network system and data restore method
Publication Date: 2013.05.15 NEC CORP
  • EP2031849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2031849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2031849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When detecting that subscriber data has been lost due to a reason such as node restart, the S-CSCF transmits a SIP RESET signal to notify a neighboring P-CSCF of the loss of the subscriber data. Receiving the SIP RESET signal, the P-CSCF searches for subscribers who are registered to the S-CSCF having transmitted the SIP RESET signal. If any, the P-CSCF performs flag control on registration information of the P-CSCF to identify that the subscriber data has been lost in the S-CSCF, and transmits a SIP REGISTER signal to the S-CSCF. Receiving the SIP REGISTER signal, the S-CSCF rebuilds the lost subscriber data from the subscriber database HSS by performing registration processing according to existing procedures.