Service-Based IMS Architecture for 5G Core Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current IMS networks, relying on stateful Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), are not compatible with the service-based architecture (SBA) and face limitations in scalability and efficiency, particularly when integrating with 5G core networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a service-based architecture (SBA) IP Multimedia Network Subsystem (IMS) network that exposes Network Functions (NFs) directly to nodes within the 5G core network and other networks, utilizing a stateless and open architecture based on HTTP instead of SIP, allowing direct communication and sharing of common functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stateful SIP protocol is used in IMS networks, then service compatibility and established protocol support are improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the stateful SIP protocol mechanism with a stateless HTTP-based service-based architecture. This substitution eliminates the need for maintaining complex session states while preserving service compatibility through standardized service interfaces and API-based communication, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If stateful SIP architecture is used, then service functionality is maintained, but scalability and integration efficiency with 5G core networks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service-based architecture where a single service gateway and service management function can handle multiple services and protocols. This multi-functional design enables the system to maintain diverse service functionalities while providing a unified interface for 5G core network integration, thereby improving integration efficiency without sacrificing service reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional IMS network architecture is used, then service stability is ensured, but network overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential service management functions from the traditional IMS architecture and consolidates them into a streamlined service gateway and service management function. This extraction removes unnecessary signaling overhead and intermediate processing steps while retaining the core service stability mechanisms, thereby reducing processing time and network overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A service-based architecture (SBA) IP Multimedia Network Subsystem (IMS) network exposes Network Functions (NFs) to nodes within a 5G core network (CN), nodes within the SBA IMS network, and/or nodes within another network. In contrast to the SBA IMS network, legacy IMS networks are non-SBA IMS stateful networks that may utilize the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Utilizing the SBA IMS network, a node in the 5G core network can communicate directly with any node in the SBA IMS network. The SBA IMS network is stateless and open as opposed to stateful and closed as in SIP based legacy IMS networks. In some configurations, the SBA IMS network utilizes a HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). For instance, instead of using the application layer SIP protocol, techniques can include using HTTP. The SBA IMS may also connect to legacy SIP IMS networks.