MXPA97005122A - Redundant architecture of hardware and paranod data in a communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data and hardware redundant data processing node within a communication network, comprising: a master node platform for processing data communications, a slave node platform to support the processing of data communications A plurality of signal transfer points redundantly connected between the communication network and the master and slave node platforms for routing received data communications to the master node platform for processing, in addition to responding to a detection of a failure in the master node platform by routing the data communications received rather to the slave node platform for processing, and the means for sending the received and processed data communications via the master node platform through a plurality of transfer points of the signal also towards the slave node platform, process with Form processed data communications between the slave platform and the maest platform

Description

REDUNDANT ARCHITECTURE OF HARDWARE AND DATA FOR NODES IN A COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to communication systems, and in particular, to an architecture for providing hardware and data redundancy for individual nodes in a communication system. The present invention is particularly applicable to provide this redundancy to the nodes of systems that use databases, for example, in home location and visitor registers of mobile telephone networks.

Description of the related art The mobile switching center of a mobile telephone network includes a plurality of databases that are consulted by the exchange during the establishment of a telephone connection within the mobile telephone network. These databases include a home location recorder and a visitor location recorder which contain platforms to store, in a database format, the static (ie no change) and dynamic (with change) data related to the data. subscribers.

The static data stored in the registers include, for example, a list of identifiers for the cooperating exchanges interconnected with the mobile switching center, an identification of the services (as transfer in occupied) allowed for use by each subscriber, and the associated parameters with these services (as a fixed C number). The aforementioned data examples, as well as other types of static data, are entered into the database and can only be modified by the administrator for the registrars. Dynamic data on the other hand include, for example, the data of the service defined for the subscriber (such as a variable C number), location data of the mobile station (with respect to the mobile switching center and the base station). And the activity data of the mobile station (such as the on / off status of the mobile station). These data, as well as another type of dynamic data are entered into the database and can be modified at any time by the subscriber, through the mobile station or through the network, in a form transparent to the subscriber.

Since the home location recorder contains the necessary data to establish a telephone connection within the mobile telephone network, the failure of the home location registrar platform will deprive a significant number of subscribers of the ability to receive or originate to a phone call. In addition, it is important to remember that it is not only the platform, but also the static and dynamic data stored in it, that are important for the establishment of the telephone connection. Accordingly, there is the possibility of a system capable of handling a failure in the home location recorder platform from not only from the hardware point of view but also with respect to the maintenance of the integrity of the static and dynamic data stored in it. this. This system will have application in any database system or communications system node where redundancy is required.

Compendium of the invention An architecture is presented to provide hardware and data redundancy to individual nodes in a data communications system, together with a method for communications that handle redundant data by means of individual nodes. The method also provides the restoration of the precise data after a failure in the node. This architecture uses multiple platforms in each node of the data communications system, where multiple platforms are presented in different configurations.

In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple platforms correspond in a master / slave relationship and are connected to a network. All network users connect redundantly to communications to both platforms through signal routers that return to multiple platforms transparent to the network. The master platform is given a primary responsibility to manage (ie, process and respond to) data communications. In this way, all data communications are routed through the signal routers to the master platform. The slave platform is given a copy by means of the master platform with the communications that, when processed, result in the modification of the data stored in the master platform. The copying of these communications to the slave platform maintains the integrity of the data through the data communications system and gives the slave platform the information necessary to take command in the processing tasks, in the case of a failure, from of the master platform. When a fault occurs in the master platform, the signal routers, in an automatic and transparent way, route the data communications to the slave platform instead of the master platform for its management. In another embodiment of the present invention, each of a number of included platforms is assigned responsibility for only a portion of the total user population. In this way, multiple platforms share the responsibilities of the processing load with respect to the total load of users. However, at the same time all the users of the network connect in a redundant way, for communications, through the signal routers to each of the platforms. The data communications that, when processed, result in the modification of the data stored on a platform, are copied between the platforms. The copying of these inter-platform communications maintains the integrity of the data through the data communications system and provides each platform with access to the necessary information to take over the processing tasks from another platform in the case of a failure in a plataform. When a failure occurs on a platform, the signal routers, automatically and transparently, route the data communications to one of the remaining functional platforms for handling. The system and method of the present invention are especially useful for providing hardware and data redundancy for databases comprising location registers (home or visitor) that are maintained in the mobile switching center of a mobile telephone system. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with this particular application. However, as the system and method of the present invention are applicable to any node in a data communication system and / or any database system where redundancy is needed or useful for both hardware and data , it should be understood that the description of the present invention, in the context of the redundant home location recorders provided herein, is by way of explanation of the invention and not as limiting the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A broader understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be taken as reference for the following detailed description when taken together with "TT T. '! *" ".'" 'Accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a conventional mobile switching center including a home location recorder; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention consisting of redundant home location recorder platforms presented in a master / slave configuration; Fig. 3 is a flowchart exemplifying the steps of processing to handle the service request messages received in the system of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a flowchart exemplifying the steps of processing to handle a fault in the master platform of the home location recorder and any service request message received from it in the system of Fig. 2; Figures 5A and 5B are flow charts illustrating the steps of processing two methods for restoring the subscriber data on a home location recorder platform with failure in the system of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention comprising redundant platforms of the home location recorder that are presented in a load sharing configuration; Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps for handling the service request messages received in the system of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating processing steps for handling a failure in the home location recorder platform and any of the service request messages received after it in the system of Fig. 6; Figures 9A and 9B are flow charts illustrating processing steps for restoring the subscriber data on a home locator recorder platform with failure in the system of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a block diagram of a load sharing configuration for linking more than two redundant home location recorder platforms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODES Now in relation to Figure 1, a block diagram of a conventional mobile switching center 10 is shown consisting of a central office 12 and a mobile telephone subsystem 14. The mobile telephone subsystem 14 includes a plurality of databases 16 for storing static (i.e., unchanged) and dynamic (i.e., changing) data related to subscribers of the mobile telephone system. These databases comprise a home location recorder 18 and a visitor location recorder 20 which are consulted by the exchange during the establishment of a telephone connection within the mobile telephone network and through a base station 26 to a mobile station 24. The exchange 12 also connects to the public switched telephone network 22. The home location register 18 and the visitor location register 20 also process service request messages from the components of the telephone system. The examples that are commonly answered to the service request messages are: notification of registration; cancellation of registration; and request for the profile of the service.

The static data stored in the database 16 includes, for example, a list of identifiers of cooperating exchanges interconnected with the mobile switching center 10, an identification of the services (such as transfer during occupation) allowed for use by each subscriber and the parameters associated with these services (such as a fixed C number). These dates, as well as another type of static data known to those skilled in the art, are entered into the databases 16 and can only be modified by a database manager 28 provided within the mobile switching center 10. For another In part, the dynamic data includes, for example, the service data defined for the subscriber (such as a variable C number), the location data of the mobile station 24 (with respect to the mobile switching center 10 and the base station 26). ), and the activity data of the mobile station (such as the on / off status of the mobile station). These data, as well as another type of dynamic data known to those skilled in the art, are entered into the databases 16 and can be modified at any time by the subscriber, by the mobile station 24 or by the network 22 in a form transparent for (that is, without the knowledge or participation of) the subscriber.

The mobile telephone subsystem 14 further includes an authentication center 30 which provides authentication parameters to prevent subscribers from falsely assuming the identity of another subscriber and encryption or encoding parameters to encode the transmitted information when necessary. A more detailed description of the functional operation and configuration of the. Conventional mobile switching center 10 or its component parts is considered unnecessary when this information is well known to those skilled in the art.

Now referring to Figure 2, a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the mobile switching center includes redundant platforms of the home location recorder (HLR) 18 'comprising a master platform of the recorder of home location 32 and a slave platform of the home location recorder 34. The home location recorder platforms 32 and 34 include alarms 42 and the interface to the network 36 of a mobile switching center by means of a pair of transfer points of signal (STP) 38 and 40. It should be considered that the transfer points of signal 38 and 40 make transparent the existence of multiple platforms of home location recorder 32 and 34 for network 36. By "transparent" it is meant that network 36 does not take into account the existence of multiple platforms of home location recorders 32 or 34 or which platform is responding to the service request messages of the network.

The network 36 is connected to the first transfer point of the signal 38 via the communication links 44, and is connected to the second transfer point of the signal 40 via the communication link 46. Another communication link 48 is provided between the first and second transfer points of the signal 38 and 40. The master platform of the home location recorder 32 is connected to the first signal transfer point 38 via the communication link 50 and is connected to the second transfer point of communication. the signal 40 via the communication link 52. In the same way, the slave platform of the home location register 34 is connected to the first signal transfer point 38 via the communication link 54 and is connected to the second transfer point of signal 40 via communication link 56. The master platform of home location recorder 32 and the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 are also connected to an administrator of the home location register 58 via an interface 60 and a pair of communications links 62 and 64. The interface 60 provides the concurrent administrator 58 with access to communications to the master and slave platforms of home location recorders 32 and 34. Although shown as simple links, the communications links shown in Figure 2 may contain multiple parallel links when necessary. The master platform of the home location recorder 32 has the primary responsibility of managing, of service of the communications of the network. During operation of the system, as will be described in more detail herein, all service request messages are routed through the signal transfer points 38 and 40 to the master platform of the home location recorder 32. The home location recorder slave platform 34 receives a copy via the master platform of the home location recorder 32 using signal transfer points 38 or 40 with the relevant messages to maintain the integrity of the dynamic data and gives the platform slave access to the information necessary to take command from the master platform in the event of a failure in the platform.

Now in relation to Figures 2 and 3, where the figure is a flowchart illustrating the steps of processing to handle the service request messages received by the master and slave platforms of the home location recorder 32 and 34, respectively . In the system of Figure 2, each service request message includes a direct point code that identifies the platform of the home location recorder 32 or 34 designed to handle the message. In the master / slave configuration of Figure 2, the master platform of the home location recorder 32 preferably handles all messages unless it is determined that the master platform is not in service for the network 36 (i.e. fails on the platform). Accordingly, in step 66, the network administrator 58 configures the home location recorder platforms 32 and 34 in a master / slave configuration by designating the master platform of the home location recorder 32 to service all the messages of service request of the network.

In response to receiving a message from the network 36, the signal transfer points 38 and 40 then route the message through the alternate routing paths only to the master platform of the home location register 32 (step 68). For example, when the first signal transfer point 38 receives the message on the link 44, it first attempts to route the message over the communication link 50. If this fails, the signal transfer point 38 passes the message to the second point. signal transfer 40 through link 48 for transmission to the master platform of home location recorder 32 by communications link 52. Two paths are provided in the same manner to the master platform of home location recorder 32 from the second signal transfer point 40 (link 52 or links 48 and 50) to carry the messages received by link 46. In this manner, redundant or alternate communication paths are provided from signal transfer points 38 and 40 to take the messages to the master platform of the home location recorder 32. This redundancy in the data link pro it routes alternative message paths and directs relationships about potential failures in the communications link that would otherwise prevent it from accessing the network 36 to a master platform of the home location recorder 32 operant. Upon receiving the message, the master platform of the home location recorder 32 directs the message to the appropriate application for processing (step 70). The application processes the household and generates an adequate response (step 72). This response is then advanced by the master platform of the home location recorder 32 back to the network 36 via the signal transfer points 38 or 40 (step 74). The master platform of the home location recorder 32 also makes a determination to see if the received message should also be sent to the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 (step 76). This decision is made if the processing of the message in the application will result in a modification of the stored dynamic data. If a modification occurs in the stored dynamic data, the master platform of the home location recorder 32 copies the message (step 78) and directs the copied message back through the signal transfer points 38 or 40 in accordance with the instructions of routing to the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 (step 80). The slave platform of the home location recorder 34 then responds the same as the master platform of the registrar by sending the message to the appropriate application (step 82) resulting in a modification of the dynamic data stored in it and the generation of a response (step 83). ). In this case, however, the slave platform ignores the generated response and does not send it to the network 36 because the slave platform of the home location register 34 has not been designated by the administrator 58 for the service requests of the network. After processing the received message according to the steps described in the above, both home location registrar platforms 32 and 34 include the same stored dynamic data. In the case where the master platform of the home location recorder 32 may fail after this, the slave platform of the home location register 34 possesses all the dynamic data necessary to take command in a transparent manner in response to service requests from network.

Now, with reference to Figures 2 and 4, where Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of processing to handle the failure of a master platform of the home location recorder 32, and to operate by means of the platform slave of the home location recorder 34 any of the service requests received from this. After detection of a fault in the master platform of the home location recorder 32 by the administrator 58 or of the signal transfer points 38 and 40 or both (step 86), the administrator reconfigures the platforms of the home location recorder 32 and 34 now designating the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 to serve all network requests (step 88).

In response to receiving a message from the network 36, the signal transfer points 38 and 40 automatically and transparently route the message to the slave platform of the home location recorder 32 (step 90).

In this context, "transparently" again means that the network 36 does not take into account the existence of the multiple platforms of the home location recorder 32 or 34 or which platform is responding to the message. Upon receiving the message, the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 sends the message to the appropriate application (step 92). The application then generates a response (step 94) and the response is sent back to the network 36 by means of the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 96).

With respect to the handling of a message received by the signal transfer points 38 and 40 after a failure of a master platform of the home location recorder 32, if the first signal transfer point 38 receives the message on the link 44 , this first attempts to route the message over the communications link 54. If this fails, the first signal transfer point 38 passes the message to the second signal transfer point 40 through the link 48 for transmission to the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 over communication link 56. In the same way two paths are provided to the slave platform of home location recorder 34 from the second point of transfer of signal 40 (link 56 or links 48 and 54) to carry the messages received by the 46 link. In this way, the redundant / alternating communications paths are provided from the signal transfer points 38 and 40 to carry the messages to the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 after the failure of a master platform. This redundancy in the data link provides alternative message paths and directs the relationships on the potential failures of the communications link that would otherwise prevent it from having access to a slave platform of the operant home location recorder 34.

It is possible for the messages to be received from the network 36 and transmitted automatically by the signal transfer points 38 and 40 to the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 (after the failure of the master platform) before the Administrator 58 has had the opportunity to reconfigure the system. In this case, the messages are discarded by the slave platform of the home location recorder 44 upon receipt because the slave platform has not yet been designated to handle the service requests of the network. These discarded messages must be retransmitted by the network 36. Discovery of discarded messages is usually done when the designated wait time for the message expires without the reception in the network of a response from the home location recorder.

Now referring to Figures 2 and 5A, wherein Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of a method for restoring accurate and up-to-date subscriber data on the master platform of the failed home location recorder. 32 in the system of Figure 2. The subscriber data that is updated in the master platform of the home location recorder 32 consists primarily of the dynamic data that was affected by the intermediate handling of the service requests by the slave platform of the registrar of localization 34.

The master platform of the home location recorder 32 is first disconnected from the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 98). The master platform of the home location recorder 32 is then reloaded with its last backup and empty the subscriber data (step 100). Next, the dynamic data is transferred from the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 to the master platform of the home location recorder 32 (step 102) by loading the last subscriber data reservation from the slave platform to the master platform, downloading the dynamic data of the slave platform and loading the data stored in the master platform. The administrator 58 then reconfigures the home location recorder platforms 32 and 34 by re-designating the master platform of the home location recorder 32 to service all of the service request messages of the network (step 104). The reset ends when the master platform of the home location recorder 32 is reconnected to the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 106). Preferably, at a time before the platform begins to handle the service requests of the network, the master platform of the home location recorder 32 propagates an "Unreliable-Roamer-Data-Directive" to acquire and store the precise locations of the mobile station 24. A data dump can also be made at this time from the master platform of the home location recorder 32 in case the platform immediately fails again. Figure 5B shows another method for restoring the subscriber data of the master platform of the home location recorder with fault 32. This method is particularly applicable to handle situations where the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 fails before it complete the restoration of the master platform 32. According to this method, when the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 takes control by a master platform of the home location recorder with fault 32, all the dynamic data of the slave platform modified for the processing of a service request from the network during the intermediate period are marked (with flags) as new data (step 108). When the master platform of the home location recorder 32 is returned online, the master platform is reloaded with its last backup and the subscriber data is emptied (step 110). If the slave platform 34 then fails before restoring the dynamic data, the master platform 32 handles the service request messages in the best possible way (step 112). When the slave platform 38 is put into service, only the marked dynamic data is transferred from the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 to the master platform of the home location recorder 32 (step 114) by downloading the dynamic data marked from the slave platform and loading the marked data to the master platform. The administrator 58 then reconfigures the home location recorder platforms 32 and 34 designating the master platform of the home location recorder 32 to service the network requests (step 116). The reset ends when the master platform of the home location recorder 32 is reconnected to the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 118) and begins to handle the service requests of the network. The failure of the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 while the master platform of the home location recorder 32 is in operation does not present a critical problem since the processing of the service request messages continues without interruption. Nevertheless, the master platform of the home location recorder 32, then works without backup. The procedures of FIGS. 5A and 5B are also used to handle the restoration of the subscriber data of the slave platform of the home location recorder 34 from the subscriber data of the master platform of the home location recorder 32 when the platform slave is back online. - Now, with reference to Figure 6, a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the mobile switching center includes redundant platforms of the home location recorder 18"comprising a first platform of the data logger. home location 32 'and a second home location recorder platform 34' in a load sharing configuration as will be described in more detail herein. In Figure 6, the same reference numbers indicate the same or similar components as shown in the system of Figure 2. The home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34' include alarms 42 and interface with the network 36 of the center of mobile switching by means of a pair of signal transfer points 38 and 40. In this way, although these normally receive service from only one of the designated 32 'or 34' platforms, all subscribers are connected to both platforms through of the signal transfer points 38 and 40. In this connection, it should be considered that the transfer points of the signal 38 and 40 make the existence of the multiple platforms of the home location recorder 32 'and 34' transparent for the network 36. By "transparent" it is understood that the network 36 does not take into account the existence of multiple platforms of the 32 'or 34' home location recorder or which platform is responding to the service request messages of the network. The network 36 is connected to the first signal transfer point (STP1) 38 via the communication link 44, and is connected to the second signal transfer point (STP2) 40 via the communication link 46. Another link of communications 48 is provided between the first and second signal transfer points 38 and 40. The first platform of the home location recorder 32 'is connected to the first signal transfer point 38 via communication link 50 and is connected to the second signal transfer point 40 via communication link 52. In the same manner, the second platform of home location recorder 34 'is connected to the first signal transfer point 38 via communication link 54 and is connected to the second points of transfer of the signal 40 by means of the communication link 56. The first platform of the home location recorder 32 'and the second pl the home location recorder 34 'is also connected to an administrator of the home location recorder 58 through an interface 60 and a pair of communications links 62 and 64. The interface 60 provides the concurrent administrator 58 with access to communications of both platforms of the home location recorder 32 'and 34'. A pair of communication links 120 and 122 are connected between the first and second home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34'. Although shown as individual links, the communications links shown in Figure 6 may contain multiple links when necessary.

The first and second home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34' each have the responsibility to handle (i.e., process and respond to) the network communication service requests for only a part of the total subscriber population. (commonly referred to as "own subscribers") served by the mobile telephone network. In this connection, it should be noted that the number of own subscribers assigned to each platform of the home location recorder in this mode may be limited to approximately one-half the load capacity of the platform processor in case the processor of the platform is required to take on the processing responsibilities for the own subscribers and those of a failed platform. Limiting the load in this way helps prevent overload on a single platform in the event that another platform fails.

During operation of the system, as will be described in more detail herein, all service requests are routed through the signal transfer points 38 and 40 to the appropriate one of the first and second platform of the home location recorder. 32 'and 34' designated to handle the request. In this way, the multiple platforms of the home location recorder share the responsibilities of the processing load for the total subscriber load of the service requests of the network. The 32 'and 34' home location recorder platforms also copy relevant messages to each other to maintain the integrity of the dynamic data and give each platform access to the necessary information to take command of another platform in the event of a failure in the platform. Reference is now made to Figures 6 and 7, wherein Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps for handling service requests received through the home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34' in the system of Figure 6. Each service request message includes a direct point code identifying the home location recorder 32 'or 34' platform designed to handle the message. In the shared load configuration of Figure 6, the home location recorder platform 32 'or 34' handles all messages from its own subscribers and / or when designated by the direct point code unless it is determined that the designated platform is not in service for network 36 (that is, there is a failure in the platform). Accordingly, in step 124, the network administrator 58 configures the home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34' in a load sharing configuration by designating that each home location recorder platform serve only the request messages of the home location registrar. service of the network of its own subscribers. In response to receiving a message from the network 36, the signal transfer points 38 and 40 route the message to the platform of the home location recorder 32 'or 34' designated by means of the direct point code of the message (step 126), for example, for a service request received on link 44 having a direct point code designating the first home location recorder platform 32 ', the first point of transfer of signal 38 first attempts to route the message over the communication link 50. If this fails, the first point of transfer of the signal 38 passes the message to the second point of transfer of the signal 40 through the link 48 for transmission to the first platform of the home location recorder 32 ' by the communication link 52. If the direct point code designates the second platform of the home location recorder 34 ', the message is routed a on link 54 first, and, if this fails, then on links 48 and 56. A similar routing procedure is followed for the messages that are received by link 46. As shown, two alternate paths are provided to each platform of the home location recorder 32 ' or 34 'for each signal transfer point 38 and 40, respectively, to carry the messages received from the network 36. This redundancy of data links provides alternate data paths and directs the relationships on potential failures of the communication links that , otherwise, they would prevent access to a platform of the home location recorder operable 32 'or 34'.

Upon receiving the message, the designated home location recorder platform 32 'or 34' sends the message to the appropriate application (step 128). The application processes the message and generates an appropriate response (step 130). This response is sent via the home location register platform back to the network 36 via the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 132). The designated home location recorder platform 32 'or 34' further determines whether the received message should also be sent to the other platform of the home location recorder (step 134). This decision is made based on the processing of the message in the application if it results in a modification in the stored dynamic data. If there is a modification to the stored dynamic data, the designated home location recorder platform 32 'or 34' copies the message (step 136) and directs the message copied over the communication links 120 or 122 to the other platform of the data logger. Domestic location (step 138). The other platform of the home location recorder 32 'or 34' then responds to the message by processing the message in the application (step 140), updating the dynamic data (step 142) and confirming receipt of the message with a acknowledgment sent to the platform of the home location recorder designated by means of communication links 120 or 122 (step 144). After processing the received message, according to the steps described in the above, the home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34' include the same stored dynamic data. In the case where one of the platforms of the home location recorder fails after this, the other platform has all the dynamic data necessary to take control in a transparent manner responding to the service requests of the network designated by the points code direct for this platform with failure. Now, in relation to Figures 6 and 8, where Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of processing to handle the failure of one of the 32 'or 34' home location recorder platforms and to handle , by means of another platform of the home location recorder, any service request received after this. After the detection of a fault in one of the platforms of the home location recorder 32 'or 34' by means of the administrator 58 or of the points of transfer of the signal 38 and 40 (step 146) or both, all the messages of service request that enter designated by the codes of direct point for the platform with failure, are rerouted automatically and transparently by means of signal transfer points 38 and 40 to the other platform (backup) to provide the service (step 148). In this connection, "transparently" again means that the network 36 does not take into account the existence of multiple platforms of the home location recorder 32 'and 34' or which platform is responding to the message. Upon receiving the message, the other platform of the home location recorder 32 'or 34' sends the message to the appropriate application (step 150). The application then generates a response (step 152) that is sent back to the network 36 by means of the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 154). With respect to the handling of a message received by means of the signal transfer points 38 and 40 after a failure in the platform, for example, if the first point of transfer of the signal 38 receives a message designated for the first platform of the home location recorder 32 'with failure, the first point of transfer of the signal 38 first attempts to route the message over the communications link 54. if this fails, the first The signal transfer point 38 passes the message to the second transfer point of the signal 40 via the link 48 to transmit to the second platform of the home location recorder 34 'via the communication link 56. A similar routing procedure it is followed for the messages received through the second point of transfer of the signal 40 and / or designated for the second platform of the home location recorder 34 '. This redundancy available in the data links provides alternate data trajectories and directs the relationships about the potential failures of the communications links that, otherwise, they would prevent access to a platform of the home location recorder operable 32 'or 34'. Messages may be sent via network 36 before the platform fails, but are not received or handled at the time the designated platform fails. In this case, messages are not processed on the platform and no response is generated. To obtain a response, these messages must be retransmitted over the network 36. In general, the discovery of the need for retransmission is made when the designated timeout for the message expires without the network receiving a response from the location registrar. domestic Now in relation to Figures 6 and 9A, wherein Figure 9A is a flow chart illustrating the steps of processing in a method for restoring accurate and up-to-date data of subscribers on a platform of the home location recorder 32 'or 34 'which has failed in the system of FIG. 6. This method is advantageously used after a failure of a relatively short duration of one of the platforms of the home location recorder 32' or 34 'to update the platform when the dynamic data they have been affected by the intermediate handling of service requests through the other platform of the home location registrar while it functions as backup. The home location recorder platform 32 'or 34' that has failed first is disconnected from the signal transfer points 38 and 40 and from the other platform (step 156). The home location recorder platform 32 'or 34' with failure then reloads with its last backup (step 158). Next, the home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34' are connected to each other (step 160). The platform of the home location backup logger then transmits, to the home location recorder platform with failure, all the subscriber data that were modified after the start of the last data backup, giving preference to the data of the subscribers of the same. platform that failed (step 162). The reset concludes when the platform of the home location recorder previously failed and now updated 32 'or 34' is reconnected to the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 164). At this time, a data dump of the home location recorder platform can be made before starting the handling of the service requests of the network, in case the platform could fail again immediately.

In Figure 9B, another method for restoring the subscriber data of the home location recorder platform with fault 32 'or 34' is shown. This method is advantageously used after a failure with relatively long duration of one of the platforms of the home location recorder 32 'or 34' because such updating usually involves the transfer of almost everything from the database of the other Domestic location recorder platform that operates as a backup. The home location recorder platform with fault 32 'or 34' is first disconnected from the signal transfer points 38 and 40 and from the other platform (step 166). The home location recorder platform with fault 32 'or 34' then reloads with its last backup (step 168). Next, the subscriber data of the other platform of the home location recorder is emptied and loaded into the home location recorder platform with failure (step 170). The home location recorder platforms 32 'and 34' are connected together (step 172), and the other home location recorder platform transmits to the home location recorder platform all the dynamic data that were modified after failure. start the last backup, with a preference for the data of the subscribers of the failed platform (step 174). The reset concludes when the platform of the home location recorder previously fails, and now updated 32 'or 34' is reconnected to the signal transfer points 38 and 40 (step 176). Again, data may be flushed from the home location recorder platform previously failed and now restored before handling the service request messages.

Reference is now made to figure 10, in which a block diagram of a configuration is shown 3. 5 alternative of the second embodiment of the present invention for linking more than two redundant platforms of the home location recorder 32 ', 33' and 34 'configured in a load sharing relationship. In this figure 10, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar components as shown in the system of figure 6. With the multiple platforms of the home location recorder in a load sharing configuration, each platform may be assigned to handle only a part of the total load of the subscribers (approximately one third in this configuration). An additional signal transfer point 39 'is also included for each platform of the added home location recorder. To facilitate communications between the included home location recorder platforms, a circular communications link is provided with the links 120 ', 121' and 122 '. The operation and restoration of the home location recorder platforms is performed in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figures 7-9B for the system of Figure 6.

Although the preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention have been explained in the accompanying drawings and described in the aforementioned detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but is capable of various rearrangements, modifications and substitutions, including use with the visitor's location recorder or with other types of database systems that require redundancy of both hardware and data, without departing from the spirit of the invention as established and defined by the following claims. In particular, it should be understood that the method and apparatus of the present invention are applicable to any node in a data communication system and / or in any database system where redundancy is needed or useful in both hardware as in the data. Accordingly, the aforementioned description of the present invention, in the context of redundant home location recorders, is by way of explanation of the invention and not as limitation of the scope of the invention.

Claims (39)

1. REINVINDICATIONS A data and hardware redundant data processing node within a communication network, comprising: a master node platform for processing data communications, a slave node platform to support the processing of data communications; a plurality of signal transfer points redundantly connected between the communication network and the master and slave node platforms for routing received data communications to the master node platform for processing, in addition to responding to a detection of a failure in the Master node platform by routing the data communications received rather to the slave node platform for processing; and the means for sending the received and processed data communications through the master node platform through a plurality of signal transfer points also to the slave node platform for processing the processed data communications between the slave platform and the slave platform. master platform.
2. 2. The node, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the master and slave node platforms contain redundant master and slave databases in the communications network.
3. 3. The node, according to claim 2, wherein the master and slave databases consist of redundant master and slave location registers connected to a mobile switching center for a mobile telephone communication network.
4. 4. The node, in accordance with claim 1, further comprises means for restoring the accuracy of the data stored in the master node platform with failure by transferring the data from the slave node platform to the master node platform by means of the plurality of signal transfer points after a failure in the master node platform.
5. 5. A method for redundant processing of service request communications in a telecommunications network that includes a master processing node platform and a slave processing node platform that is a redundant backup for the master processing node platform, the method comprises the steps of: the routing of the service request communications to the master processing node platform for processing, performing the requested service and giving rise to a modification in the data stored therein; and the forward sending of the service request communications routed also to the slave processing node platform to process in it and perform the requested service and conform the modification of the data stored in the slave processing node platform to match the data stored in the master processing node platform.
6. The method, according to claim 5, wherein the master and slave processing node platforms comprise the redundant slave and master processing databases in the telecommunications network.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the slave and master processing databases comprise the redundant master and slave home location registers in a mobile switching center for a mobile telephone communication system.
8. The method, in accordance with claim 5, further comprises the steps of: monitoring a failure of the master processing node platform; and the response to this failure, automatically routing all subsequent service request communications to the slave processing node platform, processing the requested service, generating a response to subsequent service request communications and modification of the data stored within the slave processing node platform.
9. The method, in accordance with claim 8, further comprises the steps of: waiting for the master processing node platform to be online again; the transfer of data from the slave processing node platform to the master processing node platform to restore the accuracy of the data stored in the master processing node platform; and reconfiguring the operation of the system to reroute all service request communications to the master processing node platform.
10. A data and hardware redundant data processing node within a communication network comprising: a first node platform assigned to process the data communications for a first part of a plurality of users; a second node platform assigned to process the data communications for a second part of the plurality of users; a plurality of signal transfer points redundantly connected between the network and the first and second database platforms for routing the data communications of the first user to the first node platform and for routing the second user data communications to the second node platform, and further respond to a failure detection of the first or second node platform by routing the user's data communications directed towards one of the first or second node node with failure instead of a of the first or second operating node platform, and the means associated with each node platform for forwarding, through the plurality of signal transfer points, the user's data communications received and processed therein by means of the first or second node platform, as well as the other of the first or second platform node for, processing to conform the stored data on the first and second node platforms.
11. 11. The node, in accordance with claim 10, wherein the first and second node platform are redundant databases in the data communications network.
12. 12. The node, in accordance with claim 10, wherein the first and second node platforms are redundant location registers in a mobile switching center for a mobile telephone communication network.
13. 13. The node, in accordance with the claim 10, further comprises means for restoring the accuracy of the data stored on one of the failed node platforms through a transfer of the data by means of the plurality of signal transfer points. from one of the operating node platforms towards one of the node platforms with failure after a failure in the node platform.
14. 14. A method for the redundant processing of service request communications by means of a telecommunications network that includes a first platform assigned processing node to handle the service request communications of the first user and a second platform assigned processing node. to handle the service request communications of the second user, the method comprises the steps of: routing the service request communications from the first user to the first processing node platform to process and perform the requested service and effect a modification of the data stored in it; the routing of the service request communications of the second user to the second processing node platform to process and perform the requested service and effect a modification of the data stored therein; and sending forward the service request communications from the user routed to one of the processing node platforms, as well as to the other processing node platform to process in it and performing the requested service to conform the data stored in the first and second processing node platforms.
15. The method, according to claim 14, wherein the first and second processing node platforms are redundant databases in the telecommunications network.
16. The method, according to claim 14, wherein the first and second processing node platforms are the first and second redundant location recorders for a mobile telephone communication system.
17. The method, in accordance with claim 14, further comprises the steps of: monitoring a failure in the first or second processing node platforms; and the response to this failure, automatically routing all subsequent communications from the user's service request to one of the first or second platform processing node with failure instead of one of the first or second platform operating processing node, for the processing.
18. The method, in accordance with claim 17, further comprises the steps of: waiting for one of the failed processing node platforms to come back online; the transfer of data from the operating node processing platform to the failed processing node platform to restore the accuracy of the data stored on the failed processing node platform; and reconfiguring the routing of the user's service request communications.
19. A database system that provides redundancy to hardware and data, comprising: a master database platform to store the data and process the user's service messages; a slave database platform to support the storage of data and process the user's service messages; a plurality of signal transfer points redundantly connected between a communication network and the master and slave database platforms to route user service messages received from the network to the master database platform and further respond to a detection of a failure in the platform of the master database by routing user service messages received from the network, rather to the platform of the slave database; and the means associated with the master database platform to forward the user's service messages received and processed by the master database platform, as well as the slave database platform to process and update the data stored in it if the processing of the messages in the master database platform gives rise to the modification of the data stored in the master platform.
20. The database system, in accordance with claim 19, further comprises the means to restore the accuracy of the data stored in the database of the master database with failure through a transfer from the slave database platform. to the platform of the master database after a failure in the master database platform.
21. The method for redundant processing of user service request messages in a telecommunications system that includes a master database platform and a slave database platform that is a redundant backup for the master database platform , the method comprises the steps of: routing the user's service request messages to the master database platform for processing the requested service, possibly modifying the data stored therein and generating a response; determining whether the routed user service request messages have, as a result of processing by means of the master database platform to perform the requested service, made a modification to the data stored in a master database platform; and respond to an affirmative determination of the modifications, sending forward the messages of the service request of the user routed, as well as the slave database platform, to process it, perform the requested service and make a conformation modification in the data stored in the slave database platform to match the data stored in the master database platform.
22. The method, in accordance with claim 21, further comprises the steps of monitoring a failure of the master database platform; and responding to this failure by automatically routing all subsequent messages of the user's service request to the slave database platform for processing the requested service, generating a response to subsequent messages from the user's service request and the modification of the data stored within the slave database platform.
23. The method, in accordance with claim 22, further comprises the steps of: waiting for the master database platform to be online again; the transfer of data from the slave database platform to the master database platform to restore the accuracy of the data stored in the master database platform; and reconfiguring the operation of the system to reroute all user service request messages to the master database platform.
24. The method, in accordance with claim 22, further comprises the steps of: flagging all the data modified by the slave database platform during the processing of the user's service request messages after a failure in the platform of master database; wait for the master database platform to be online again; the transfer of data from the slave database platform to the master database platform to restore the accuracy of the data stored in the master database platform; and reconfiguring the operation of the system to reroute all user service request messages to the master database platform.
25. A database system that provides' redundant protection to hardware and data, comprising: a first database platform allocated to process the user's service messages and to store the user's data; a second database platform assigned to process the user's service messages and to store the user's data; a plurality of signal transfer points redundantly connected between a communication network and the first and second database platforms for routing user service messages having a first destination code to the first base platform of data and to route the service messages of the user having a second destination code to the second database platform and also respond to a detection of a failure in the first or second database platform by routing the service messages of the user having a destination code identifying a failure in one of the first or second database platform rather to a first or second operating database platform; and the means associated with the database platform for forwarding the user's service messages received and processed by the first or second database platform, as well as the other of the first or second database platform for process and update the data stored in it, if the processing of the messages in the database platform designated by the destination code results in the modification of the data stored in the designated platform.
26. The database system, in accordance with claim 25, further comprises the means for restoring the accuracy of data stored on one of the failed database platforms by transferring the data from one of the base platforms. of operant data to one of the database platforms with failure after a database platform failure.
27. The database system, in accordance with claim 25, further comprises a communications link connecting the first and second database platforms to carry the user's service messages and the data stored therebetween.
28. A method for processing the service request messages of the user in a telecommunications system that includes a first database platform and a second database platform, the method comprises the step of: routing the service request messages from the user who has a first destination code to the database platform for processing the requested service and possibly making a modification to the data stored in it; the routing of the user service request messages that have a second destination code to the second database platform for processing, performing the requested service and possibly making a modification to the data stored therein; determining whether the routed user service request messages have, as a result of processing one of the first or second database platform to perform the requested service, made a modification of the data stored therein; and respond to an affirmative determination of the modification, forwarding the user's service request messages routed, as well as to the slave database platform, processing it to perform the requested service and make a modification conforming the data stored in the slave database platform to match them with the data stored in the other database platform.
29. The method, in accordance with claim 28, further comprises the steps of: monitoring a failure in the first or second database platform; and the response to said failure by automatically routing all subsequent service request messages from the user having a destination code that identifies a first or second database platform with failure rather toward a first or second database platform operant, for, processing, performing the requested service and modifying the data stored in it.
30. 30. The method, in accordance with claim 29, further comprises the steps of: waiting for a failed first or second database platform to come back online; the transfer of data from the operating database platform to the failed database platform to restore the accuracy of the data stored in the failed database platform; and reconfiguring the operation of the system to reroute all user service request communications to the database platform designated by the destination code.
31. 31. The method, in accordance with claim 29, further comprises the steps of: waiting for a failed first or second database platform to come back online; the transfer of data, given the failure of the database platform, from the operating database platform to the failed database platform to restore the accuracy of the data stored in the failed database platform; and reconfiguring the operation of the system to reroute all user service request messages to the database platform designated by the destination code.
32. 32. A home location recorder system in a mobile telephone network that provides hardware and data redundancy, comprising: a master home location recorder for storing the subscriber data and processing the service request messages received to perform a requested service and possibly modify the stored data of the subscriber; a slave home location register for storing the backup of the subscriber data and processing the received service request messages to perform a requested service and possibly modifying the subscriber data in the stored backup; a plurality of signal transfer points connected between the mobile telephone network and the master and slave home location recorders for routing the service request messages to the master home location recorder and further responding to a detection of a fault. of the master home location recorder routing the service request messages rather to a slave home location registrar; and the means associated with the master home location recorder for forwarding the service request messages received and processed by the master home location recorder, as well as by the slave home location recorder through at least one of the plurality of signal transfer points for processing the requested service and updating the subscriber data in the backup stored therein if the processing of the messages in the master home location recorder results in the modification of the subscriber data stored in the master home location recorder.
33. 33. The system, in accordance with claim 32, further comprises means for restoring the accuracy of the subscriber data stored in the master home location recorder with failure after the recorder fails by means of a transfer of the data of the subscriber. subscriber from the slave home location recorder to the master home location recorder.
34. 34. The database system, in accordance with claim 32, wherein the plurality of signal transfer points includes: a first signal transfer point associated with the master home location recorder and connected to the network mobile phone; a second point of transfer of the signal associated with the home location slave register and connected to the mobile telephone network; a communications link that connects between the first and second signal transfer points; and communication links that connect redundantly between signal transfer points and home location recorders.
35. 35. A home location registrar system in a mobile telephone network providing redundant hardware and data protection, comprising: a first home location recorder assigned to store the subscriber data for all subscribers and process service request messages received for a first part of a plurality of subscribers during the execution of a requested service and possibly the modification of the stored subscriber data associated with the first part of the subscribers, a second assigned home location register for storing the subscriber data for all the subscribers and to process the service request messages received for a second part of a plurality of subscribers during the performance of a requested service and possibly the modification of the data of the stored subscribers associated with the second part of the subscribers; the plurality of signal transfer points connected between the mobile telephone network and the first and second home location recorder for routing the service request messages having a first destination code to the first home location registrar and for routing service request messages that have a second destination code to the second home location registrar, and further responding to a detection of a failure of the first or second home location recorder by routing the service request messages having a destination code identifying the first or second home location registrar with failure rather toward a first or second Operational home location recorder; and the means associated with the registers for forwarding the service request messages received and processed by the first or second home location registrar, as well as the other first or second home location registrar for processing the performed service and updating the stored data of the subscriber in it if, processing the service request messages in the home location recorder designated by the destination code, originates the modification of the stored data of the subscriber in the designated home location recorder.
36. 36. The system, in accordance with claim 35, further comprises means for restoring the accuracy of the data stored in one of the failed home location registers by means of a transfer of the subscriber data from one of the operant registers to one of recorders with failure after a recorder failure.
37. 37. The system, in accordance with claim 35, further comprises a communication link connecting the first and second home location registers to carry the service request messages and the subscriber data stored therebetween.
38. 38. The system, according to claim 35, wherein the plurality of signal transfer points includes: a first point of transfer of the signal associated with the home location register and connected to the mobile telephone network; a second signal transfer point associated with the second home location recorder and connected to the mobile telephone network; a communications link that connects between the first and second signal transfer points; and communication links that are redundantly connected between the signal transfer points and the home location recorders.
39. 39. The method for operating a home location recorder system in a mobile telephone switching center that includes a home location recorder master platform and a slave platform for the home location recorder that is a backup for the master platform of the registrar of home location, the method comprises the steps of: routing the service request messages to the master platform of the home location registrar for, processing performing a requested service and possibly effecting a modification of the stored data of the subscriber; the copy for the slave platform of the home location registrar of those service request messages that when processed result in a modification of the stored data of the subscriber in the master platform of the home location registrar; the processing of the messages copied in the slave home location recorder to perform the requested service and conform the stored data of the subscriber in the master and slave platforms of the home location recorder, the monitoring of a fault in the master platform of the location recorder domestic; and the response to this failure, automatically routing the subsequent service request messages to the slave platform of the home location recorder to process and modify the stored data of the subscriber in it. The method for operating a home location registrar system in a mobile telephone switching center includes a first location recorder platform that is suitable for a first part of a plurality of subscribers and a second location registrar platform that is own for a second part of the plurality of subscribers, the method comprises the steps of: the routing of service request messages that have a first point code direct to the first platform of the home location registrar for, processing performing a service requested and possibly making a modification to the first stored portion of the stored data of the subscriber; the routing of service request messages having a second point code direct to the second platform of the home location registrar for processing a requested service and possibly making a modification to the stored second part of the subscriber's stored data; copying between the location recorder platforms those service request messages that when processed result in a modification of the stored data of the subscriber in the location recorder platform; processing the messages copied on the location recorder platforms to perform the requested service and forming the first and second part of the stored data of the subscriber on the first and second platform of the location recorder; the monitoring of a failure of the first or second master platforms of the location recorder; and the response to this failure, automatically routing the subsequent service request messages having a direct point code identifying one of the first or second platforms of the location registrar with failure rather to one of the first or second platforms of the Operational location recorder to process and modify the subscriber data stored in it. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a mobile switching center that includes multiple home location recorder platforms that are presented in various configurations and are connected to a network by means of a series of signal transfer points. In a master / slave configuration, a master platform is given primary responsibility for handling service request messages from the network and the dynamic data affecting the messages is copied to a slave platform to maintain the integrity of the data in the slave platform. in the case that the master platform fails and the slave platform must take command by the master. In a load sharing configuration, each platform is given the primary responsibility for handling service request messages from the network of its "own" subscribers, and the dynamic data affecting messages is copied between platforms to maintain the integrity of the data in it in the event that one of the platforms fails, and the remaining functional platforms must take over the platform with failure in addition to serving their own subscribers. The signal transfer points work to automatically and transparently route the service requests to the platforms for handling according to the configurations and operating state of the platform. The described configurations of the platform apply to the particular database systems, and, in general, to any node of a data communications system.