Dynamic Subscriber Session Redistribution in Communication Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication network methods fail to dynamically redistribute subscriber sessions effectively, leading to service node overload and service unavailability, especially during changing network conditions or faults, which results in traffic congestion and poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically changes the association between access nodes and service nodes based on monitored stability parameters, automatically reconfiguring the network to redistribute subscriber sessions and prevent overload conditions by identifying and utilizing stable service nodes with available resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If subscriber sessions are statically assigned to service nodes during network provisioning, then network configuration is simple and stable, but service nodes may become overloaded and service availability deteriorates under changing network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic session redistribution by monitoring service node stability parameters and automatically reassigning sessions from overloaded nodes to available nodes. The system transitions from static provisioning to dynamic adaptation, where the controller continuously evaluates node capacity and redistributes sessions based on real-time conditions, preventing overload while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring service node stability parameters (such as CPU utilization, memory usage, and session capacity) and using this information to trigger session redistribution. The controller receives feedback about node conditions and automatically adjusts session allocation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains service availability without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If service nodes process high numbers of subscriber sessions, then network capacity utilization is improved, but service node performance deteriorates due to CPU and memory overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacity utilizationVSAvoidservice node performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by redistributing only the excess sessions that cause overload, rather than moving all sessions. The system monitors service node capacity and triggers redistribution only when stability parameters indicate overload conditions, maintaining optimal utilization while preventing performance degradation. This selective approach preserves network capacity efficiency while protecting service node performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If subscriber sessions are redistributed dynamically based on service node stability, then service node overload is prevented, but network reconfiguration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice node stabilityVSAvoidnetwork reconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the controller autonomously monitors service node stability parameters, identifies overload conditions, selects appropriate target nodes, and executes session redistribution without human intervention. The system automatically manages the entire reconfiguration process, including updating forwarding tables and routing information, thereby maintaining service node stability while minimizing the operational complexity burden on network administrators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If service nodes are overloaded, then network resource utilization is maximized, but user experience deteriorates due to session closures and traffic congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively redistributing sessions before service node overload causes session closures or performance degradation. The system monitors stability parameters and triggers redistribution when thresholds are approached, preventing the harmful effects of overload before they impact user experience. This preventive approach maintains both high resource utilization and excellent user experience by avoiding traffic congestion and session interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3292679B1Subscriber session re-distribution in a communication network
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 TELECOM ITALIA SPA
  • EP3292679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3292679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3292679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is disclosed a method for re-distributing subscriber sessions originated from one or more access nodes of a communication network to a number of service nodes of the communication network. The method comprises: monitoring at least one performance parameter of the service nodes; comparing a value of the at least one performance parameter with a threshold; and, in case the value exceeds the threshold at a given service node, determining a number of subscriber sessions to be moved from the given service node; selecting at least one further service node to re-establish the number of subscriber sessions; and re-configuring the communication network to move the number of subscriber sessions from the given service node to the at least one further service node.