Supplementary Services Sync Server for HLR and HSS Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunication networks, there is a challenge in synchronizing changes to supplementary services settings across both the Home Location Register (HLR) in the CS core network and the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) in the IMS network, especially when users make direct modifications to their supplementary services without assistance from the operator or customer care system, leading to potential database misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A Synch Server is introduced to manage the synchronization of supplementary services data between the HLR and HSS, using MAP messages and Diameter Sh commands to propagate changes and handle errors by either rolling back changes or triggering operator intervention, ensuring consistent provisioning across both domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users directly modify supplementary services settings without operator assistance, then user autonomy and ease of operation are improved, but database synchronization between HLR and HSS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization mechanism that acts as an intermediary between HLR and HSS databases. When a user modifies supplementary services settings, the system automatically propagates these changes to both databases, ensuring consistency without requiring operator intervention. This mediator approach allows user autonomy while maintaining database reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the HSS receives and processes supplementary services setting changes, then automatically updates the HLR database with the same changes. This feedback loop ensures that both databases remain synchronized even when users independently modify settings, resolving the contradiction between user autonomy and database consistency.
2Reliability
If automatic synchronization mechanisms are implemented between HLR and HSS, then database consistency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization functionality into the existing HSS architecture, utilizing existing Diameter Sh interface and message formats. By combining the synchronization logic with the existing service provisioning framework rather than creating a separate complex system, the patent achieves database consistency while minimizing additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system operates autonomously using self-service mechanisms. The HSS automatically detects changes in supplementary services settings and propagates them to the HLR without requiring external coordination or complex management systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time synchronization is implemented, then service provisioning accuracy is improved, but processing time and system load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic synchronization triggered by specific events (supplementary services setting changes) rather than continuous real-time monitoring. When a change occurs, the HSS automatically updates the HLR database. This event-driven periodic approach ensures accurate service provisioning while minimizing unnecessary processing time and system load during unchanged states.
Data Source
AI summary
A synch server comprises a first interface configured to transmit and receive MAP messages, and communicate with a Home Location Register (HLR) in a Circuit-Switched (CS) network, a second interface configured to communicate with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) in an IP-Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, and a third interface configured to transmit and receive Extensible Markup Language (XML) Configuration Access Protocol (XCAP) messages. A synch function module is configured to receive a message containing a change to a supplementary service setting associated with a User Equipment (UE) connected to a Circuit-Switched (CS) network or an IMS network, and communicate the change to the supplementary service setting to both the HLR and the HSS so that the supplementary service settings in both the HLR and the HSS are updated to reflect the change to the supplementary service setting.