SS7 Network Congestion Management via Dynamic Traffic Offloading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network congestion management in SS7 networks is inefficient, particularly in handling SMS traffic, as existing mechanisms fail to effectively offload traffic during congestion, leading to suboptimal performance and resource overload.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that utilizes existing ISUP timers and congestion signaling messages to dynamically offload traffic to a messaging cloud, employing a loadbalancing algorithm based on congestion feedback to redirect SMS messages and allocate server weights, thereby mitigating congestion through stepwise regression and slow-start mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing congestion management mechanisms are used in SS7 networks, then network equipment can handle basic traffic, but network congestion causes equipment to be overwhelmed and performance to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SMSC monitors network congestion conditions and dynamically adjusts its behavior based on received congestion messages. The system receives congestion indicators from the network, processes this feedback information, and modifies traffic routing decisions accordingly, enabling adaptive congestion management that improves network reliability under varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static congestion management into a dynamic system by implementing real-time monitoring of congestion messages and adaptive adjustment of traffic routing. The SMSC dynamically changes its operational state based on current network conditions, transitioning between different traffic handling modes to maintain performance during congestion events.
2Reliability
If excess capacity is maintained in SMSC resources to handle congestion, then network performance during congestion improves, but operating expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the SMSC to self-adjust its resource allocation based on actual network conditions. Instead of maintaining fixed excess capacity, the system autonomously monitors congestion levels and dynamically scales its operational capacity up or down, eliminating the need for permanently allocated excess resources while maintaining adequate handling capability during congestion events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the SMSC dynamically based on congestion conditions. The system adjusts traffic routing parameters, message queuing parameters, and resource allocation parameters in real-time according to received congestion messages, allowing efficient use of resources across different operating conditions rather than maintaining fixed high-capacity settings.
3Productivity
If traffic is offloaded to alternative destinations during congestion, then network performance improves, but traffic routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the routing decision process where the SMSC acts as a mediator between the message source and the destination. The system receives congestion feedback from the network infrastructure and uses this intermediary information to make intelligent routing decisions, selecting alternative paths or destinations based on current network conditions without requiring complex end-to-end routing algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a first congestion message associated with traffic congestion in a signaling system seven (SS7) a network, the first congestion message being associated with a first timer. The method also includes receiving a second congestion message after the first timer has expired and before a second timer has expired. The method further includes communicating a portion of traffic, which was originally intended for a first destination, to a second destination in the network based on receiving the second congestion message. The method can further include recovering and returning to an initial state.