DE102009016403B4 - Checking the functionality of switching equipment in a mobile network - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for checking the functionality of mobile network-specific protocols using switching devices (2, 3, SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of a mobile network (1), wherein a computing device (4, Local BIND (DNS) / GTP sample) from the base network ( Backbone) of the mobile network (1) at least one request for the functionality (Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage) at least one switching device (2, 3, SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile network (1) to the at least one switching device (2, 3, SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network (1), wherein the Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage is a GTP ECHO V1, the at least one switching device (2, 3, SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile network (1) to the received function capability request (GTP ECHO V1) at least performs a function check according to the functionality request (GTP ECHO V1), which at least a switching device (2, 3, SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network (1) the result of the at least one function check to the computing device (4, Local BIND (DNS) / GTP probe) of the base network (backbone) of the Mobile network (1) transmits and the computing device (4, Local BIND (DNS) / GTP probe) from the base network (backbone) of the mobile network (1) signaling the result of at least one function verification by a display device (7) at least initiated, the Computing device (4, Local BIND (DNS) / GTP probe) on the part of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network (1) the at least one functionality request (GTP ECHO V1) at least once again to the at least one switching device (2, 3, SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network (1) sends, if within a certain time no result on the initial functionality request (GTP ECHO V1) by the Recheneinrichtun g (4, Local BIND (DNS) / GTP probe) was received from the base network (backbone) of the mobile network (1), and the computing device (4, Local BIND (DNS) / GTP probe) from the base network (backbone) the mobile network (1) a further Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage to the at least one switching device (2, 3, SGSN, GGSN) of the ...

Description

The present invention relates to a method for checking the functionality of mobilfunknetzspezifische protocols using switching devices of the base network of a mobile network.

The subject matter of the present invention is furthermore a network node in a mobile radio network, in particular a mobile radio network according to a GSM, GPRS, UMTS and / or LTE radio network standard, which is designed and / or set up to at least partially execute a method according to the invention.

In the prior art methods and devices for checking the functionality of services and / or facilities of a mobile network, in particular switching devices of the mobile network in numerous configurations for various communication applications or communication services of the mobile network are known. For example, the GB 2 406 474 A or the EP 1 868 398 A1 Methods and devices that enable a review of the functionality of communication services for operable in mobile networks mobile terminals in a roaming operation in at least two mobile networks.

So is out of the DE 10 2007 022 066 A1 a method for monitoring a GTP communication path in a UMTS / GPRS network and a corresponding monitoring system is known, which is connected to the UMTS / GPRS network. The monitoring system comprises means for generating a GTP-C message in the form of a GTP ECHO request message, wherein the GTP ECHO request message as the source address, an IP address of the monitoring system and destination address as an IP address of a network node of the UMTS / GPRS network contains. At regular intervals, for example, the cycle time of such a GTP ECHO Request message can be measured and used as a quality indicator of the communication path, as well as to identify any errors present.

The "CISCO GGSN Release 6.0 Configuration Guide" (as of July 2008) also provides configuration instructions for configuring a GGSN network node and configuring GTP options. To verify the functionality of an SGSN network element, it describes the use of GTP ECHO messages generated and used by the GGSN. In the positive case of the check, the SGSN network element sends an echo response message to the requesting GGSN.

The EP 1 580 942 A2 also discloses the use of tables in networks of a communication network which contains information about the integrity of the communication paths used. A path is defined by a source address, a destination address, and a port to use. By sending echo request messages and in case of a function of a network element responding to ECHO Response message, the table is updated.

The US 2003/0169712 A1 discloses load balancing in a distributed GGSN system that uses a GGSN controller to actively monitor for overheads present on the GGSN network elements. According to the result of the monitoring, dynamic load balancing can be performed with the system to control the utilization of the GGSN network elements.

From the US 2005/0227690 A1 For example, a method of a mobile communication network is known which allows a mobile terminal to allow an existing connection to an SGSN network element to a second SGSN network element in the event of an overload or fault of the first SGSN network element. The second SGSN network element is thereby located in the vicinity of the first SGSN network element, so that the mobile terminal can maintain a connection to both SGSN elements from its current location.

The US 2004/0081086 A1 further relates to the monitoring of data connections by a network element. In the event of a faulty connection, the network will redirect the connection, allowing alternative access points to be used. For this purpose, the monitoring network element stores data of the monitored connections, which can be used for redirection in the event of an error.

In addition, the shows US 2003/0117948 A1 a method for GGSN networks. The GTP-C connections between SGSN and GGSN elements are monitored. In the event of an error or a cancellation of such a connection, any existing data connections will be closed. Furthermore, the GGSN network elements include the ability to perform load balancing and task distribution between the active GTP-C connections.

The EP 1 868 398 A1 relates to a method for the localization of disturbances in a Communication connection of a mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal for access to a mobile network uses a mobile subscriber identification module. The home location register of the mobile radio user identification module is located in a first mobile radio network, the mobile terminal is operated in a second mobile radio network and devices of the first mobile radio network and devices of the second mobile radio network can be interconnected for communication purposes. In order to enable localization of disturbances in a communication connection during operation of a mobile terminal of a first mobile radio network in a second mobile radio network, at least one device of the first mobile radio network issues an availability query and / or a performance query to at least one of the management of the residence of a mobile terminal involved institution sent.

The GB 2 406 474 A discloses a proxy operation and management control unit operatively coupled to a number of communication networks that essentially support various technologies. In this case, at least one subscriber unit can migrate from a home communication network to a visited communication network. A processor processes information regarding a service level provided to the roaming subscriber unit in the visited communication network.

The hitherto known solutions do not allow a targeted checking of the functionality of switching devices using mobile radio network-specific protocols, in particular SGSN (SGSN: Serving GPRS Support Node, GPRS: General Packet Radio Service) and / or GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node: GPRS: General Packet Radio Service) of the base network, the so-called backbone, of a mobile network.

The present invention is in view of this prior art, the object to enable in a simple and cost-effective manner and a targeted review of the functioning of mobile network specific protocols using switching devices of a mobile network, in particular without costly changes to the network structure of the mobile network and / or to use protocols used by the mobile network.

The technical solution is the present invention, a method for checking the functioning of mobile radio network-specific protocols using switching devices of the base network of a mobile network, wherein a computing device on the part of the base network of the mobile network at least one request for functionality, hereinafter called Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage, at least one switching device of the basic network of Mobile network to which at least one switching device of the base network of the mobile network sends, the at least one switching device of the base network of the mobile network to the function request received at least performs a function check according to the Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage, the at least one switching device of the base network of the mobile network, the result of at least one function check to the computing device side the basic network of Mobilf unknetzes sends and the computing device on the part of the base network of the mobile network signaling the result of at least one function check by a display device at least initiated.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one IP address of the at least one switching device of the base network of the mobile network is determined by the computing device by the base network of the mobile network before sending the Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage and the Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage sent to the at least one determined IP address. According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one IP address of the at least one switching device of the base network of the mobile radio network is advantageously determined using the name of a network access point, a so-called APN (APN: APN), which is determined by at least one switching device of the base network of the mobile radio network. preferably using a DNS service (DNS: Domain Name System).

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the computing device sends the at least one Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage at least once again to the at least one switching device of the base network of the mobile network, if within a preferably predeterminable time no result on the initial Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage on the part of the computing device on the part of the base network of the mobile network Basic network of the mobile network was received. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the computing device sends on the part of the basic network of the mobile network, the at least one Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage a total of three times to the at least one switching device of the basic network of the mobile network. Should, after a transmission according to the invention, the at least one functionality request to the preferably predetermined transmission repetition number within the predefinable time period no result on the Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage by the computing device on the part of the base network of the mobile network are received, the result of the failure of the at least one switching device of the basic network of the mobile network is advantageously detected as a result.

According to a further advantageous proposal of the invention, the result received by the computing device from the base network of the mobile network is detected and / or maintained on the at least one capability request from the computing device by the base network of the mobile network and / or at least one service device of the mobile network.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one functionality request is a GTP ECHO (GTP: GPRS Tunneling Protocol).

Advantageously, the computing device on the part of the base network of the mobile network is a Local BIND (DNS) server of the base network of the mobile network.

Advantageously, the mobile radio network is a mobile radio network according to a GSM, GPS, UMTS and / or LTE radio network standard.

For technical solution of the above-mentioned object, the present invention further proposes a network node in a mobile radio network, in particular a mobile radio network according to a GSM, GPRS, UMTS and / or LTE radio network standard, which is designed and / or set up according to the invention Process at least partially execute.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments of the invention shown in the figures of the drawing. Showing:

1 in a schematic overview of an embodiment of an inventive review of the functioning of mobile radio network-specific protocols using switching facilities of the base network of a mobile network;

2 in a schematic detail view of an embodiment of an inventive review of the functioning of mobile radio network-specific protocols using switching devices (SGSN) of the basic network of a mobile network according to 1 and

3 in a schematic detailed view of another embodiment of an inventive review of the functioning of mobile radio network-specific protocols using switching devices (GGSN) of the basic network of a mobile network according to 1 ,

1 shows the backbone of a mobile network 1 , in accordance with a GSM, GPS, UMTS and / or LTE radio network standard, with switching equipment 2 and 3 , in this case SGSNs 2 and GGSNs 3 , and a computing device 4 , in this case a so-called GTP sample for listening and / or recording or for billing purposes of GPRS data. The case between the GTP sample 4 and the switching devices SGSNs 2 and GGSNs 3 resulting communication, in particular comprising inquiries and answers, is in 1 symbolically represented by the double arrows marked GTP ECHO.

For checking according to the invention the functionality of the mobile radio network-specific protocols using switching devices SGSNs 2 and GGSNs 3 the backbone of the mobile network 1 is on the part of the computing device GTP-Probe 4 Advantageously, a local BIND server (DNS) (BIND: Berkeley Internet Name Domain) is installed, which in the present case is advantageously configured with regard to BIND, that is to say in particular with regard to the APNs of the GGSNs 3 and the IP addresses of the SGSNs 2 ,

For checking according to the invention the functionality of the mobile radio network-specific protocols using switching devices SGSNs 2 and GGSNs 3 the backbone of the mobile network 1 is advantageously via a service facility 5 , in this case a Service Probe (WCP) 5 , an OSS (Operations Support System) of the mobile network 1 which is not the backbone of the mobile network 1 heard a configuration of the GTP sample 4 carried out. In 1 is the configuration of the GTP probe 4 symbolically by the upper double arrow between the computing device GTP sample 4 and the service facility Service Probe (WCP) 5 shown. To the service facility Service Probe (WCP) 5 Furthermore, there is another, in this case a database managing and / or entertaining computing device 6 , referred to herein PM DB, and an at least one display device and optionally an input device having alarm system 7 ,

Within the scope of a functional check according to the invention results, in particular measurement results of performed test cases, are provided by the computing device GTP-Probe 4 to the service facility Service Probe (WCP) 5 transmitted. In 1 the transmission is symbolic by the lower double arrow between the computing device GTP-Probe 4 and the service facility Service Probe (WCP) 5 shown. The results are presented in this case by the database of the Computation device PM DB 6 stored and kept there for further use. In 1 is the storage and / or retrieval of results symbolically by the double-headed arrow between the Service Probe Service Probe (WCP) 5 and the computing device PM DB 6 shown. If results are available, the computing device initiates PM DB 6 the signaling of a failure and / or a malfunction of at least one switching device SGSN 2 or GGSN 3 on the part of the alarm system 7 ,

2 shows an embodiment of an inventive operability verification of SGSN 2 , In the in 2 A marked optional process step, first a virtual APN is resolved. This is a BIND (DNS) server by the computing device GTP sample 4 installed, which generates a zone file and an APN. In a configuration file (configuration file), all IP addresses then become the SGSNs to be checked for their functionality 2 registered for the APN, in this case the so-called IP / GTP cards of the SGSNs 2 , Subsequently, the virtual APN is resolved and are all IP addresses of the SGSNs 2 for the next, in 2 with B marked process step (GTP ECHO) known.

In an alternative process management, it is also possible to send a GTP ECHO directly to the respective SGSN 2 to send, but then the IP address of the SGSN 2 be entered separately. When using a DNS service, an APN can be resolved by making a change to the configuration file and the APN for the SGSN to be checked 2 is copied.

In the in 2 B is an optional GTP ECHO as part of the GPRS Tunneling Protocol for functional testing of SGSNs 2 used. It is checked by means of the GTP ECHOS, whether the IP / GTP card in the respective SGSN 2 has no output and whether the routing of the SGSN 2 correct is.

In a first functional check according to the invention, the GTP module of the GTP sample attempts 4 a GTP ECHO V1 to the respective SGSN 2 to judge. In the case that the SGSN 2 GTP ECHO V1 does not respond, the request (GTP ECHO V1) will be repeated three more times. Subsequently, as a result of the test by the GTP sample 4 a "V0" is detected and the entire request is then repeated.

If on a GTP ECHO V0 - after 3 repetitions - no response from the SGSN 2 is the health check for the SGSN 2 failed. With the GTP V0 protocol, the data transfer and the signaling is carried out in the same GTP tunnel, in the present case advantageously using so-called UDP Packages (UDP: User Datagram Protocol) via port 3386. The GTP V1 protocol advantageously uses two GTP tunnels. The first tunnel is used for the signaling, in this case by means of a so-called, port in 2123 using control plane (GTP-C). The second tunnel is used for the data transfer, in the present case by means of a so-called, user port 2152 (GTP-U).

3 shows an embodiment of an inventive ability test of a GGSN 3 , In the in 3 An optional APN, for example an Internet APN, is first resolved by the IP addresses of the GGSNs 3 for the next, in 3 determined with B process step (GTP ECHO) to determine.

In the in 3 B is an optional GTP ECHO as part of the GPRS Tunneling Protocol for functional testing of GGSNs 3 used. It is checked by means of the GTP ECHOS, whether the IP / GTP card in the respective GGSN 3 has no exit and whether the routing of the GGSN 3 correct is.

In a first functional check according to the invention, the GTP module of the GTP sample attempts 4 a GTP ECHO V1 to the respective GGSN 3 to judge. In the case that the GGSN 3 GTP ECHO V1 does not respond, the request (GTP ECHO V1) will be repeated three more times. Subsequently, as a result of the test by the GTP sample 4 a "V0" is detected and the entire request is then repeated.

If on a GTP ECHO V0 - after 3 repetitions - no response from the GGSN 3 is the functional capability check for the GGSN 3 failed. With the GTP V0 protocol, the data transfer and the signaling is carried out in the same GTP tunnel, in the present case advantageously using so-called UDP Packages (UDP: User Datagram Protocol) via port 3386. The GTP V1 protocol advantageously uses two GTP tunnels. The first tunnel is used for the signaling, in this case by means of a so-called, port in 2123 using control plane (GTP-C). The second tunnel is used for the data transfer, in the present case by means of a so-called, user port 2152 (GTP-U).

The illustrated and described in the figures of the drawing embodiments of the invention are only illustrative of the invention and are not limiting for this.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

mobile network

2

Switch / SGSN

3

Switch / GGSN

4

Computing device / GTP-sample

5

Service facility / service sample (WCP)

6

Computing device / database PM DB

7

Alarm system (display device / input device)

8th

router

A

Process step (resolution APN)

B

Process step (shipment GTP ECHO)

Claims (10)

Method for checking the functionality of switching equipment using mobile radio network-specific protocols ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of a mobile radio network ( 1 ), wherein a computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) at least one request for the functionality (functionality request) of at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ) to the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ), wherein the functionality request is a GTP ECHO V1, which comprises at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ) performs at least one functional check in accordance with the functional capability request (GTP ECHO V1) for the received functionality request (GTP ECHO V1), the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ) the result of the at least one function check to the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) and the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) a signaling of the result of the at least one function check by a display device ( 7 ) at least initiates the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) the at least one functionality request (GTP ECHO V1) at least once to the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ) if within a certain time no result on the initial functionality request (GTP ECHO V1) by the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ), and the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) a further functionality request to the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ), wherein the further health request is a GTP ECHO V0 if, within a certain time, no result is sent to the once issued health request (GTP ECHO V0) by the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) was received. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that on the part of the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) before sending the functionality request (GTP ECHO V1) first the at least one IP address of the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ) and the health request (GTP ECHO V1) is sent to the at least one determined IP address. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the at least one IP address of the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ) using the name of a network access point (APN) of the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ), preferably using a DNS service. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) the at least one further functionality request (GTP ECHO V0) at least once again to the at least one switching device ( 2 . 3 , SGSN, GGSN) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ) sends, if within a certain time no result on the further health request (GTP ECHO V0) by the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) was received. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the time is vorggebar. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the from the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) received result on the at least one Funktionsfähigkeitsanfrage (GTP ECHO V1) or on the further Funktionsfähigskeitsanfrage (GTP ECHO V0) by the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) and / or by at least one service facility ( 5 . 6 , Service Probe (WCP); PM DB) of the mobile network ( 1 ) is detected and / or held. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the computing device ( 4 , Local BIND (DNS) / GTP-Probe) by the base network (backbone) of the mobile network ( 1 ) a Local BIND (DNS) server ( 4 ) of the base network (backbone) of the mobile radio network ( 1 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mobile radio network ( 1 ) a mobile network ( 1 ) according to a GSM, GPRS, UMTS and / or LTE radio network standard. Network nodes in a mobile network ( 1 ), characterized in that it is designed and / or set up to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8. Network node according to claim 9, characterized in that the mobile radio network ( 1 ) a mobile network ( 1 ) according to a GSM, GPRS, UMTS and / or LTE radio network standard.

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