Signaling Media Gateway Path Node Determination in IMS Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IMS media path establishing methods result in resource wastage due to inefficient optimization of media paths, leading to elongated media paths and unnecessary equipment usage, especially when users roam to the same visit network.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining path nodes in an IMS network by modifying SDP offers and answers with network segment identifiers, optimizing the media path by reducing the number of nodes and saving equipment resources through intelligent path node determination and media transmission address management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing IMS media path establishing method is used, then the media path can be established between terminals, but the media path becomes elongated and equipment resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding path parameters to SDP offers before media path establishment. The signaling media gateway pre-processes the SDP offer by inserting path parameters that contain network segment identifiers, enabling subsequent path optimization without disrupting the established media connection. This allows the system to determine and optimize the media path in advance while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the path parameters in the SDP offer to guide the signaling media gateway's forwarding decisions. The gateway compares the path parameters with its local network segment identifiers to determine the optimal forwarding path, creating a feedback loop that continuously optimizes media flow routing based on current network conditions and topology.
2Ease of operation
If the existing IMS media path establishing method is used, then communication between terminals can be achieved, but the number of media path nodes increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding path parameters in the SDP offer that explicitly identify the network segments and optimal path nodes. This pre-configured information allows the signaling media gateway to directly route media flows through the most efficient path without unnecessarily involving intermediate gateways, thereby reducing the number of media path nodes while maintaining ease of communication establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes the path parameters from the SDP offer to determine the optimal media path. By extracting the network segment identifier information and using it to make intelligent routing decisions, the system can bypass unnecessary intermediate nodes and establish a more direct media path between terminals.
3Reliability
If path optimization is not performed, then all signaling media gateways can forward media flows, but resource wastage occurs due to inefficient path selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using path parameters in the SDP offer to guide the signaling media gateway's forwarding decisions. The gateway compares the path parameters with its local network segment identifiers to determine whether it should forward the media flow, creating a feedback mechanism that optimizes resource usage by directing flows only through necessary nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the SDP offer to include path parameters that contain network segment identifiers. This parameter addition transforms the SDP offer into a tool for intelligent path determination, enabling the signaling media gateway to make informed forwarding decisions based on the included path information rather than blindly forwarding all flows.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention provides a path node determining method, a media path establishing method and a signaling media gateway. The path node determining method comprises: for any one of the signaling media gateways in the IMS network, when receiving a first SDP offer, transmitting a first SDP offer carrying a first path parameter, wherein a network segment identifier of the signaling media gateway is added in the first path parameter of the transmitted first SDP offer; when receiving a first SDP answer for the transmitted first SDP offer, the signaling media gateway judging, according to a second path parameter in the received first SDP answer or the first path parameter in the transmitted first SDP offer, whether the signaling media gateway is a path node; and transmitting the first SDP answer which carries the second path parameter; and transmitting the first SDP answer which carries the second path parameter. Through the technical solutions of the present invention, it is possible to effectively reduce the number of the nodes of a media path and save the resources of media processing equipment.