Threshold-Based Load Sharing for SS7 Signaling Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load sharing techniques in telecommunications networks lack flexibility to efficiently reallocate signaling message traffic during network anomalies, leading to sub-optimal resource utilization and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a threshold-based weighted load sharing algorithm that redistributes message traffic among signaling points, with each member having a maximum load sharing weight threshold, ensuring efficient traffic distribution and preventing overload by discarding messages if thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If weighted load sharing is used to distribute signaling message traffic among multiple SMSC nodes, then traffic distribution according to predefined weights is achieved, but flexibility to reallocate traffic in response to network anomalies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load sharing by allowing the STP to modify load sharing weights in real-time based on network conditions. The system transitions from static predefined weights to dynamic weights that can be adjusted when network anomalies are detected, enabling flexible traffic reallocation while maintaining manageable complexity through automated detection and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the STP monitors network conditions and uses this information to adjust load sharing weights. When network anomalies are detected, the system receives feedback about the current state and automatically modifies traffic distribution accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Reliability
If fixed load sharing weights are assigned to SMSC nodes, then simple traffic distribution is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates during network failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple SMSC nodes with different load sharing weights and preparing the STP with the capability to switch between weight configurations. When network failures occur, the system can immediately activate alternative weight assignments that were pre-prepared, enhancing reliability without requiring complex real-time calculation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of load sharing weights from fixed values to dynamic values that can be modified based on network conditions. The STP can adjust weight parameters in response to detected anomalies, allowing the system to adapt to failure scenarios and maintain reliability through parameter modification rather than complex structural changes.
3Productivity
If threshold-based weight adjustment is implemented, then efficient traffic redistribution is achieved, but message traffic may be discarded when thresholds are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of threshold violations into a beneficial control mechanism. By setting maximum weight thresholds, the system automatically identifies when traffic redistribution is needed and activates corrective actions. The threshold mechanism transforms what would be uncontrolled overflow into a structured response, improving redistribution efficiency while minimizing traffic loss through proactive adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the STP to automatically adjust load sharing weights based on monitored network conditions without external intervention. When thresholds are approached or exceeded, the system self-corrects by redistributing traffic according to updated weights, improving efficiency through automated decision-making while reducing the need for manual traffic management.
Data Source
AI summary
A signaling network routing node, such as a signaling system 7 (SS7)/Internet protocol (IP) gateway, is adapted to perform global title translation (GTT) or other processing on received signaling messages and route the signaling messages to a member of a load sharing group using a threshold-based weighted load sharing algorithm. In the event that one of the signaling destinations in the load sharing group becomes unavailable, signaling message traffic is redistributed evenly among the remaining available members of the load sharing group in a manner such that a maximum load sharing weight threshold value associated with each group member is not exceeded. If a load sharing group member becomes unavailable, and the resulting recalculated load sharing weights of the remaining available members sum to less than 100%, then load sharing weights for the group are normalized, and a maximum message rate capacity threshold associated with each group member is used to determine whether the discarding of messages is required.