Virtual MME Signaling Setup via Location-Based Workflows

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobility networks, the process of establishing signaling in mobile management entity pools is time-consuming, often taking hours or days, which can lead to obsolete network functions due to rapid network evolution, and manual provisioning by administrators.

Innovation Solution

A server computer executes an orchestrator application that instantiates a virtual mobile management entity, analyzes activation requests, and uses geographic location data to identify relevant pool elements and workflows, enabling rapid setup of signaling through element management systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual provisioning is used to establish signaling in mobile management entity pools, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the setup time increases to hours or days

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling setup timeVSAvoidmanual provisioning level

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile management entity to automatically establish signaling connections with peer nodes using stored geographic location information and pre-configured workflows, eliminating the need for manual administrator provisioning while maintaining accurate configuration through automated parameter extraction and validation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring workflows and storing geographic location data associated with each mobile management entity before signaling is needed. When a new entity joins, the signaling setup is rapidly accomplished by retrieving and executing the pre-prepared workflows with the entity's location-based parameters, reducing setup time from hours/days to minutes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical network functions are deployed rapidly to meet evolving network needs, then network adaptability improves, but the risk of deploying obsolete functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork evolution capabilityVSAvoidfunction obsolescence risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring network conditions and performance metrics to determine when existing mobile management entity functions are no longer optimal. This feedback loop allows the network to identify obsolete functions and trigger updates or replacements, ensuring that rapidly deployed functions remain current and effective rather than becoming obsolete

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by making the mobile management entity pool configuration flexible and adaptable. Geographic location-based workflows can be dynamically updated and reconfigured without requiring complete redeployment, allowing the network to evolve functions in response to changing conditions while maintaining operational continuity and avoiding obsolescence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If geographic location-based workflows are implemented, then signaling establishment speed increases, but system complexity increases due to location database requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling establishment speedVSAvoidorchestration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by designing the location database and workflow engine to serve multiple functions: they not only enable rapid signaling establishment but also support network planning, capacity optimization, and automated entity management. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing broad operational benefits across different network management tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10455407B2Initiating signaling in mobile management entity pools using workflows

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for initiating signaling in mobile management entity pools using workflows. A processor can execute an orchestrator application. The processor can receive location data that indicates a geographic location at which a virtual mobility management entity has been instantiated and registered. The processor can obtain a mobility management entity topology that defines boundaries of two or more mobile management entity pools and identify, based on the location data, one of the mobility management entity pools in which the virtual mobility management entity is located. The processor can identify pool elements included in the mobility management entity pool, obtain a workflow for establishing and configuring the pool elements, and request establishment of signaling between the virtual mobile management entity and the pool elements.