Thinking Diameter Network Architecture for Dynamic Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications network architectures are inefficient as they are statically provisioned for peak hours, leading to idle equipment and wasted resources during off-peak hours, and fail to predictively respond to network conditions, resulting in late allocation of resources that cannot abate congestion.

Innovation Solution

A Diameter network architecture that includes a network event listener and a policy-directed software-defined network (SDN) controller, which generates real-time or predictive views of network conditions and issues SDN commands, such as OpenFlow commands, to dynamically route IP flows and allocate resources, including instantiating Diameter signaling router instances, to proactively manage network events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If networks are statically provisioned for maximum capacity during peak hours, then network capacity is sufficient during peak hours, but network resources are wasted during off-peak hours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidnetwork resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network provisioning where the SDN controller continuously monitors network conditions and dynamically adjusts resource allocation. Network elements can be instantiated, migrated, or de-provisioned based on real-time and predictive network conditions, transforming the static provisioned network into a dynamic system that adapts to changing demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs predictive analytics to anticipate future network conditions before they occur. By analyzing historical data and current trends, the system proactively provisions resources in advance of predicted peak periods, preventing congestion before it happens rather than reacting after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If network resources are allocated based on current network congestion, then resource allocation responds to actual conditions, but the response is too late to abate the congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation responsivenessVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses predictive analytics to forecast network conditions before they materialize. By detecting early indicators of congestion and predicting future states, the SDN controller can provision resources in advance, acting preemptively rather than reactively, thus avoiding the time delay inherent in traditional congestion-based allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the SDN controller monitors network performance metrics, compares them against predicted conditions, and adjusts resource allocation accordingly. This closed-loop control system enables real-time adaptation and ensures the network responds appropriately to both current and anticipated conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If equipment is kept idle during off-peak hours, then capital expenditures are reduced, but network capacity is insufficient when peak hours arrive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapital expenditureVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic scaling of network resources where capacity can be flexibly adjusted based on actual demand. During off-peak hours, resources are de-provisioned or migrated to reduce costs, while during peak periods, resources are rapidly instantiated or activated to meet demand, achieving both cost efficiency and capacity reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements virtualization and resource pooling that allow the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple functions and different service requirements. Network elements can be dynamically allocated to different purposes based on current needs, maximizing the utilization of existing assets while maintaining the ability to scale capacity when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2957071B1Method, system, and computer readable medium for providing a thinking diameter network architecture
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 TEKELEC INC
  • EP2957071B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2957071B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2957071B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing a thinking Diameter network architecture. A system for providing a thinking Diameter network architecture includes a network event listener for receiving information about network events and for providing a real time or predictive view of network conditions. The system further includes a policy directed software defined network (SDN) controller for, based on the real time or predictive view of network conditions, issuing SDN commands to route Internet protocol (IP) flows to needed network elements and to instruct dynamically configurable network elements to instantiate Diameter resource instances or to allocate hardware among existing Diameter resource instances.