Signaling Platform Protocol Migration for Dual Mode Subscribers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for routing signaling messages between different application layer mobile signaling protocols, such as IS-41 and GSM, are inefficient and fail to prioritize one protocol over the other for dual mode subscribers, leading to increased setup times and network complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that track the registration status of dual mode subscribers in one protocol to prioritize signaling message routing and processing, using a number migration signaling platform to route calls and SMS messages based on the tracked status, ensuring that the tracked protocol is given priority over the non-tracked protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional protocol converters are used to convert each message between IS-41 and GSM protocols, then dual mode subscribers can communicate across different protocols, but call setup time increases and network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by tracking the registration status of dual mode subscribers in advance in one protocol (IS-41 or GSM). When a subscriber registers in the tracked protocol, the system proactively updates routing information and prepares message routing paths before actual calls are initiated. This eliminates the need for real-time protocol conversion during call setup, as messages are pre-routed based on the tracked registration status.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary routing mechanism that sits between the IS-41 and GSM network elements. This intermediary tracks subscriber registration status in one protocol and intelligently routes messages accordingly, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct protocol conversion between IS-41 and GSM. The intermediary uses registration status tracking to determine routing decisions, thereby reducing call setup time while maintaining protocol compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional protocol converters are used to route messages between IS-41 and GSM protocols, then messages can be delivered to dual mode subscribers, but the number of signaling messages in the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protocol conversion function from the message routing process. Instead of converting every signaling message between IS-41 and GSM protocols, the system extracts only the essential routing information (subscriber registration status in the tracked protocol) and uses this to directly route messages. This eliminates the need for full protocol conversion of each message, thereby reducing the number of signaling messages in the network while maintaining protocol interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary routing mechanism monitors subscriber registration status and uses this information to directly route messages without requiring protocol conversion. By acting as an intelligent mediator that tracks registration status in one protocol and routes messages accordingly, the system reduces the number of signaling messages needed compared to conventional approaches that convert every message between protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional protocol converters are used without priority routing, then dual mode subscribers can receive calls in either protocol, but the system cannot give priority to one service type over the other
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by giving different treatment to different protocols based on service requirements. The system tracks registration status in one specific protocol (IS-41 or GSM) and prioritizes routing calls through that tracked protocol. This creates a localized quality difference where the tracked protocol receives priority routing, while the other protocol serves as a fallback, enabling service prioritization in multi-protocol environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by tracking registration status in one protocol in advance and using this information to prioritize routing decisions. When a subscriber is registered in the tracked protocol, the system proactively routes calls through that protocol first. This preliminary tracking and prioritization mechanism enables service type prioritization before calls are actually initiated, allowing operators to control which service type (IS-41 or GSM) receives priority for dual mode subscribers.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for migrating between application layer mobile signaling protocols are disclosed. For subscribers of multiple protocols, the registration status is tracked in one or more of the protocols. When a location query message for a subscriber of multiple protocols is received, it is determined whether the subscriber is registered according to the tracked protocol. If the subscriber is registered according to the tracked protocol and the request originated from an MSC of the tracked protocol, the message is routed to an HLR of the tracked protocol. If the subscriber is not registered according to the tracked protocol, a response is formulated to the first message. The response optionally includes a prefix that directs the originating MSC to route the call to an MSC of the non-tracked protocol.