SGSN Selection via DNS for UMTS Network Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, particularly GPRS and UMTS networks, the one-to-one correlation between routing or location areas and serving nodes can lead to issues during SGSN breakdowns or maintenance, requiring complete shutdown of areas and increasing inter-SGSN hand-over signaling, which affects network resilience and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where multiple SGSNs can serve the same routing area, allowing a radio network controller to select an appropriate SGSN for connections using a list of available nodes, derived from an area identifier, and enabling load balancing and reduced maintenance disruptions by preconfiguring or dynamically retrieving this list from a DNS server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-to-one correlation between routing areas and serving nodes is used, then the network structure is simple and easy to manage, but the network resilience deteriorates and maintenance operations cause complete area shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling multiple serving nodes (SGSNs) to handle the same routing area simultaneously. Instead of dedicating one SGSN per routing area, the system allows any SGSN in the group to serve any routing area, providing redundancy and resilience. When one SGSN fails or requires maintenance, others can take over without affecting service continuity.
2Ease of operation
If a one-to-one correlation between routing areas and serving nodes is used, then the assignment is straightforward, but maintenance operations require complete area shutdown and reduce maintenance efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible, dynamic mapping between routing areas and serving nodes. The system maintains a group of SGSNs that can dynamically assume different routing areas based on operational needs, load balancing, or failure conditions. This dynamic capability allows maintenance on one SGSN without shutting down any routing area, as other SGSNs can immediately take over.
3Reliability
If multiple SGSNs serve the same routing area, then network resilience and maintenance efficiency improve, but the device complexity and inter-SGSN hand-over signaling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a selection function or load balancing entity that manages the mapping between routing areas and SGSNs. This intermediary handles the complexity of multi-SGSN management, making the system easier to control. It can implement load balancing, failover detection, and automatic node selection, reducing the operational complexity despite having multiple SGSNs per routing area.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple SGSNs serve the same routing area, then maintenance downtime is reduced, but inter-SGSN hand-over signaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the system with knowledge of multiple SGSNs capable of serving each routing area. Before maintenance is needed, the system already has a pool of standby SGSNs ready to take over. This pre-prepared configuration allows for seamless failover during maintenance operations, minimizing downtime. The selection mechanism can quickly identify and switch to an appropriate SGSN without extensive real-time searching or signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a system and method for providing a connection in a communication network which comprises several network elements and is adapted to route a connection via a first network element such as a radio network controller and one or more of alternatively selectable second network elements such as serving nodes. The network comprises a network element which stores a list of selectable second network elements. The list is accessed using an identifier identifying a routing or location area or a desired second network element. The list can be stored in a DNS server which returns to an inquiring network element such as a radio network controller, e.g. IP addresses of serving nodes capable of serving a routing or location area of a connection originating or terminating network element. The connection originating or terminating network element may also be adapted to send an identifier identifying a specific network element such as an SGSN to which it desires to be connected.