SIP INVITE Trace Settings for IMS Network Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trace session methods in telecommunications networks, particularly in IMS networks, are inefficient as they require interaction with multiple network elements, consume significant processing power and memory, and lack dynamic activation capabilities, leading to slow and non-standardized procedures for identifying network problems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic method for activating trace sessions is introduced, where trace settings are included within SIP INVITE request messages to set up calls between user equipment, allowing network elements to detect and respond to trace settings, reducing the need for explicit interaction with each network element and enabling immediate feedback without disturbing end users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current trace session methods are used to identify network problems, then network elements can be traced, but the procedure requires interaction with multiple network elements and consumes significant processing power and memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trace session activation message as an intermediary mechanism that carries trace settings through SIP signaling. This message acts as a mediator between the initiating UE and network elements, conveying trace activation instructions without requiring direct complex interactions between multiple network elements. The trace settings are embedded in standard SIP messages, simplifying the tracing procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes SIP signaling messages serve multiple functions: they both establish/control call sessions and convey trace session activation settings. By embedding trace settings within existing SIP INVITE, ACK, or INFO messages, the system achieves multi-functionality without adding separate dedicated signaling paths, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If current trace session methods are used, then network elements can be traced, but the activation procedure is slow and non-standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables trace session activation to occur preliminarily during call setup procedures. By embedding trace settings in the initial SIP INVITE message or subsequent SIP signaling before the actual tracing needs to occur, the system prepares the network elements in advance, eliminating delays associated with separate trace activation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic trace session activation where trace settings can be flexibly embedded in SIP messages at different stages of call setup. The trace session can be activated, modified, or deactivated dynamically through SIP signaling, allowing rapid response to network troubleshooting needs without rigid procedural constraints.
3Ease of operation
If trace settings are transmitted through SIP INVITE messages, then network elements can detect and respond to trace settings, but this requires standardization across different network elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal nature of SIP signaling, which is already widely implemented across diverse network elements. By embedding trace settings within standard SIP message structures that are universally recognized, the solution achieves broad compatibility without requiring proprietary extensions at each network element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes SIP message parameters and headers as carriers for trace settings. By encoding trace activation information in standardized SIP parameter fields, the solution maintains compatibility across different vendors and network element implementations while enabling flexible trace configuration through parameter variations.
4Measurement precision
If traditional trace methods are used, then network elements interact to trace problems, but this consumes significant processing power and memory resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts trace session activation functionality from complex multi-element interactions and consolidates it into SIP message exchanges. By taking out the trace activation logic from distributed network element coordination and embedding it in standardized SIP signaling, the solution reduces the processing burden on individual network elements while maintaining trace capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing a trace session between a first user equipment (UE), and a second UE in a telecommunications network including an IMS network. A trace session initiator activates the trace session with an activation request message, or a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITE message, including trace settings comprising informational elements describing the trace session. The activation message may be converted into the SIP I NVITE message and sent towards the first and/or the second UE. The SIP INVITE message may include trace settings as extensible mark-up language (XML) informational elements within the body of the SIP INVITE request message and/or as request Uniform Resource Identifier informational elements within the SIP INVITE request message. Network elements in the communications path between the UEs are configured to detect the trace session by detecting the trace settings in the SIP INVITE request message and act accordingly.