Per-Service Overload Signaling in Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network nodes in communication networks face resource overload issues, leading to limitations in subscribing to additional services, which can disrupt communication and control with network controllers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where network devices exchange messages explicitly identifying service overload states, allowing devices to adjust their interactions and resource allocation based on the overload status of individual services, enabling continued communication and control even during resource constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network nodes provide services to network controllers, then service functionality is improved, but resource overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service provision at the service level rather than blocking the entire interface. Each service is independently monitored for overload conditions, and overload notifications are sent per-service, allowing selective continuation of non-overloaded services while blocking only the overloaded ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts service availability based on real-time overload conditions. Network nodes continuously monitor resource usage and can transition services between available and blocked states, enabling adaptive resource management that responds to changing load conditions.
2Reliability
If network nodes continue providing services during overload, then communication continuity is improved, but resource exhaustion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of individual services based on their specific overload conditions. Not all services are blocked uniformly; instead, only those in overloaded state are blocked while others continue normally, maintaining communication continuity where resources are still available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes send overload notifications to network controllers, which then adjust their behavior accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous monitoring and adaptive response to resource conditions, balancing communication continuity with resource conservation.
3Quantity of substance
If network controllers block all services during node overload, then resource protection is improved, but control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control response at the service level. Instead of blocking all services uniformly, the system identifies and blocks only the specific services causing resource exhaustion, while maintaining control and communication capabilities for other services that do not exceed resource limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of individual services based on their overload conditions. Services transition between different states (available, overloaded, blocked) based on real-time resource consumption, enabling fine-grained control that preserves operational capability while protecting resources.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect concerns a method comprising, at a first communication network device: receiving a request from a second network device, wherein the request is for a given service to be provided by a network function of the first network device; responsive to the request, providing said given service; determining an overload state change of resources required, by the first device, for said given service provided by said network function, wherein an overload state change type is one of a change from an overloaded state to non-overloaded state or a change from a non-overloaded state to an overloaded state; sending a message to the first device, wherein the message comprises information explicitly identifying at least said given service provided by said network function and the type of overload state change. Other aspects concern a method at a second device and first and second devices.