Service Gateway Controller Decomposition for IMS Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for delivering email messages to mobile handheld devices do not adequately address the reliability and scalability requirements specified by the latest 3GPP standards for IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks, particularly in terms of service architecture.

Innovation Solution

A network architecture and system that includes a service gateway controller (SGC) and multiple service gateways (SGWs) operably coupled to the SGC, allowing for dynamic routing and facilitating the delivery of redirected data items over an IMS network, with a service client on a user equipment device contacting the SGC to discover and receive data items from a remote services server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static service gateway architecture is used in IMS networks, then the network infrastructure is simple to implement, but the reliability and scalability of service delivery deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of service deliveryVSAvoidservice gateway architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service gateway functionality is segmented into multiple independent SGW nodes under the control of an SGC. This segmentation allows for load distribution, failover capabilities, and flexible routing decisions, thereby improving reliability and scalability without requiring a completely complex monolithic architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic routing arrangements where the SGC can dynamically select which SGW to route traffic through based on current network conditions, user location, or service requirements. This dynamic behavior enhances reliability and scalability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized control protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple service gateways are deployed for dynamic routing, then the scalability and reliability improve, but the routing control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidrouting control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An SGC (Service Gateway Controller) is introduced as an intermediary component that manages routing decisions between multiple SGWs. This controller centralizes the routing intelligence, allowing individual SGWs to remain simple while collectively providing flexible and scalable routing capabilities through standardized control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If service gateway decomposition is implemented, then the scalability of the IMS network improves, but the signaling interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice delivery efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines universal signaling interfaces that enable the SGC to communicate with multiple SGWs and remote services servers using standardized protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single interface design to handle various routing scenarios, service types, and network conditions, thereby improving service delivery efficiency without proportionally increasing interface complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2009856B1Service gateway decomposition in a network environment including IMS
Publication Date: 2011.04.13 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2009856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2009856B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2009856B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

In one embodiment, a scheme is described with respect to a service network system (902) adapted to interoperate in an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) environment (900) wherein signaling and message media planes are decoupled. The service network system (902) comprises a service gateway controller (SGC) (802) that is decomposed from a plurality of a plurality of service gateways (SGWs) (804) operable to effectuate a message transport interface with respect to a remote services server (404).