Signalling Gateway Routing Key Interpreter for SS7 IP Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protocols like M3UA and SUA do not allow for a smooth transition of traffic between legacy SS7 applications and new IP applications, as they only enable matching of application servers with SS7 message parameters, preventing seamless sharing of traffic between the two networks.
Innovation Solution
A signalling gateway with a routing key interpreter that reads destination information in messages and forwards them to entities on both SS7 and IP networks based on a distribution rule, allowing for the identification of virtual destinations and enabling load sharing between entities on both networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If M3UA or SUA protocol is used to connect SS7 and IP networks, then reliable connection between the networks is achieved, but smooth transition of traffic between legacy SS7 applications and new IP applications is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the routing decision process by introducing virtual destinations that can be selectively associated with different physical destinations (SS7 application servers or IP application servers). This allows the routing key interpreter to divide the routing function into: (1) identifying virtual destinations from routing keys, and (2) selecting physical destinations based on distribution rules. This segmentation enables gradual traffic migration while maintaining reliable connection through the established M3UA/SUA protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the routing configuration dynamic by allowing virtual destinations to be associated with different physical destinations based on distribution rules. Instead of static one-to-one mapping between routing keys and application servers, the system can dynamically redirect traffic from a virtual destination to different physical destinations (SS7 or IP networks) based on configurable rules, enabling smooth traffic transition while preserving reliable connection.
2Productivity
If complete transition between legacy SS7 application and new IP application is implemented, then new IP application is fully deployed, but traffic sharing between legacy and new applications is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the application deployment process by introducing virtual destinations as intermediate routing entities. This allows partial deployment where traffic can be selectively routed to legacy or new applications based on distribution rules, rather than requiring complete transition. The routing key interpreter can identify virtual destinations and apply distribution rules to share traffic between different application types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables preliminary action by allowing the signalling gateway to be configured with distribution rules before complete application migration. Virtual destinations can be pre-configured to map to multiple physical destinations, enabling gradual traffic migration and sharing during the transition period, rather than requiring all traffic to be migrated at once.
3Adaptability or versatility
If routing key interpreter identifies virtual destinations, then load sharing between entities is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces virtual destinations as intermediary routing entities between routing keys and physical application servers. This intermediary layer simplifies the routing decision process by separating the identification function (routing key interpreter) from the selection function (distribution rules). The virtual destination acts as a mediator that can be associated with multiple physical destinations, enabling load sharing without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A signalling gateway for connecting a first network to a second network, the signalling gateway being operable to, receive a signalling message from the first network, the message comprising destination information, read the destination information and, where the destination information corresponds to a predetermined value, forward the message to one of a first entity on the first network and a second entity on the second network in accordance with a distribution rule.