Subscriber Locator Function HSS Identification via Range Exceptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) lacks a specified method for identifying a serving home subscriber server (HSS) in a communications network with multiple HSSs, which is essential for efficient call setup and management, especially when subscriber data is not identically provisioned across HSSs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a subscriber locator function (SLF) with a range-based and exceptions-based data structure in a database, where SLF receives a query message containing a subscriber identifier, searches exceptions-based and range-based sections to determine the corresponding HSS identifier, and returns it to the interrogating call session control function (I-CSCF) for call setup, facilitating efficient HSS identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple HSSs are deployed to handle increased subscriber load, then network capacity and scalability are improved, but the complexity of identifying the serving HSS for a particular subscriber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Subscriber Locator Function (SLF) as an intermediary component between the Call Session Control Function (CSCF) and multiple HSSs. The SLF maintains a mapping database that associates subscriber identifiers with their serving HSS identifiers, thereby mediating the complexity of HSS identification. When a subscriber needs to be located, the CSCF queries the SLF, which then returns the appropriate HSS identifier, eliminating the need for the CSCF to directly manage complex multi-HSS identification logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the HSS identification function into separate modular components: the SLF handles the identification logic by maintaining and querying the mapping database, while the HSSs focus on subscriber data management. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function, improving overall system efficiency and reducing the complexity burden on individual elements.
2Quantity of substance
If subscriber data is not identically provisioned across multiple HSSs, then data storage efficiency is improved, but the ability to locate the correct HSS for a subscriber deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The SLF acts as a central intermediary that maintains the authoritative mapping between subscriber identifiers and HSS identifiers. This mapping database serves as the single source of truth for HSS location information, ensuring that even when subscriber data is distributed non-uniformly across HSSs, the correct HSS can always be reliably identified through the SLF's mapping records.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the SLF continuously maintains and updates the mapping database based on subscriber registrations and HSS assignments. This feedback loop ensures that the mapping information remains current and accurate, allowing the system to reliably locate the serving HSS even as subscriber data distribution changes dynamically across the network.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a serving home subscriber server (HSS) in a communications network are described. One method includes obtaining a subscriber identifier from a query message. An exceptions-based data structure contained in a database is accessed to locate a database entry associated with the subscriber identifier. Similarly, a range-based data structure contained in the database is accessed to locate the database entry associated with the subscriber identifier if the exceptions-based data structure does not contain the database entry. The method also includes acquiring serving HSS data corresponding to the located entry from either the exceptions-based data structure or the range-based data structure.