Dramatic growth in mobile data traffic, fueled by the proliferation of data-enabled devices and applications, is creating a byproduct many 3G operators haven’t anticipated – a surge in Diameter signaling, which provides the framework for policy, charging and authentication functions. Diameter, using transmission control protocol (TCP) and stream control transmission protocol (SCTP) for transport, serves as the interface between numerous network resources. Without a separate Diameter signaling core, each endpoint must have a direct TCP connection or SCTP association with every element to which it is connected. These point-to-point connections form a mesh-like architecture in which each resource must handle all session-related tasks. As Diameter signaling swells, scalability, network management, protocol mediation, and interoperability testing (IOT) challenges develop. These challenges will multiply in 4G networks, which rely heavily on Diameter protocol.

Tekelec recently released a brief that reviews three use cases for Diameter signaling:

• Offline Charging Proxy
• Online Charging System (OCS) Load Balancing
• Policy Server Load Distribution and Session Binding.

To download the brief, click here.

Director of Product Management Jason Emery discusses Diameter routing LTE and IMS use cases in his latest “Reality Check” column for RCR Wireless, including centralized routing, LTE-to-LTE roaming and HSS resolution.

Excerpt:

“Diameter signaling routers are becoming the central point in 3G, IMS and LTE networks for connecting, translating and interoperating Diameter traffic. As outlined in our previous article, a Diameter signaling infrastructure at the network core facilitates signaling between network elements, endpoints such as online and offline charging systems (OCSs/OFCSs), mobility management entities (MMEs), policy control and charging rules functions (PCRFs) and home subscriber servers (HSSs).”

Read the full article here.

Tekelec’s Diameter Signaling Router is a world class solution with many substantial benefits. Tekelec’s Susan Hackman and Sridhar Karuturi explain how the DSR differs from competitors’ solutions.

Tekelec’s Diameter experts discuss the driving forces behind operators’ move to Diameter signaling in 3G networks.