Diameter Solution Suite™ Use Case

Interworking Diameter between LTE and Legacy for Inter-PLMN (Roaming)

Problem Solution
The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) uses Diameter for Diametriq, an innovator in Diameter signaling con-
access to the HSS, EIR and OCS. If the EPC has trol technologies, offers an exceptional suite of Di-
not been deployed in a PLMN and a subscriber ameter Signaling Controller (DSC) solutions which
roams into a network where an EPC has been de- can be configured to your specific network require-
ployed, then queries from the V-PLMN will use Di- ments.
ameter and the H-PLMN has existing legacy ele-
ments like the HLR, EIR and Prepaid SCP that use The Diameter Solution Suite™ (DSS) can be de-
SS7. Conversely, If the EPC has been deployed in ployed in the EPC to act as a DEA, DRA and IWF at
a PLMN and a subscriber roams into a network the same time. When the MME, SGSN and PCEF
where an EPC has not been deployed, then queries use Diameter the DSS selects the correct instance
from the V-PLMN will use SS7 and the H-PLMN has and converts the Diameter (S6a, S6d, S13, Gy) to
EPC elements like the HSS and OCS that use Di- SS7 (Gr, Gf, Ge) and sends to the HLR/EIR or Pre-
ameter. In both cases there is a need for an inter- paid SCP and converts the SS7 response back to
working function (IWF) between Diameter and SS7. Diameter (See figure on left below). When the
Additionally, the correct instance of the HLR/EIR, SGSN uses SS7 the DSS selects the correct in-
Prepaid SCP, HSS or OCS needs to be selected. stance and converts the SS7 (Gr, Ge, Gf) to Diam-
The 3GPP defines a IWF between Diameter and eter (S6a, S6d, Gy) and sends to the HSS or OCS
MAP, but there is no corresponding standard for and converts the Diameter response back to SS7
Diameter to CAP. Here the 3GPP defines a Diame- (See figure on right below). The DSS may be de-
ter Routing Agent (DRA) selection function. Addi- ployed in a distributed or centralized configuration
tionally, there is a need to provide border security and optionally in a geographic redundant configura-
and topology hiding at the edge of both the visited tion for disaster recovery. The use of the DSS al-
and home PLMNs. The GSMA defines the Diameter lows for easy transition from for roaming between
Edge Agent (DEA) to perform this function. PLMN with and without an EPC.

DSS DSS DSS DSS

DSS DSS DSS DSS

 Diameter Solution Suite™
Interconnection Mesh Scalability
The Diameter Solution Suite (DSS) can be deployed at the core of The DSS has connections to all clients and servers. A client/
the PLMN in a highly scalable, highly available and redundant server instance can be added and a configuration change made
configuration where all Diameter signaling passes through the at the DSS without other servers or clients being affected.
DRE resulting in a hub rather than a mesh network.
Interoperability
Roaming and Interconnection
Vendors of client products need to interoperate with vendors of
In roaming scenarios where there are multiple MNO’s, the DSS is server products creating a large number interoperability testing
deployed at the edge of the PLMN and performs the Diameter combinations. The DSS has connections to all clients and
Edge Agent (DEA) role, passing all Diameter signaling through servers, so adding a new vendor only requires interoperability
the DSS while performing routing and security functions. testing with the DSS.
Congestion Control Diameter Interworking
The DSS detects congestion and can throttle the Diameter The DSS supports an interworking function (IWF) that interworks
signaling passing through the network. The DSS sees all between legacy SS7 elements within a PLMN or roaming
Diameter traffic and can be configured to detect overload and scenarios that involve a legacy PLMN.
perform overload control on a global or per server basis.
Transport Interworking
Security
The DSS supports an interworking function (IWF) that interworks
When there are untrusted elements, the DSS provides security at between Diameter over TCP and Diameter over SCTP.
the edge of a PLMN, including DoS, DDoS, NAT with topology
IP Interworking
hiding and IPsec and TLS for protocols.
The DSS supports an interworking function (IWF) that interworks
Selection and Distribution
between Diameter over IPv4 and Diameter over IPv6.
When there are multiple Diameter servers (HSS, PCRF, etc.), the
Value-added Applications
DSS selects and distributes across the multiple server instances
and sends all messages in a session to the same server. The The DRE provides a multi-application environment and API to
DSS can act as a proxy or redirect, e.g., the DSS performs the allow new Diameter-based applications to be developed, e.g.
role of a Subscriber Location Function (SLF) for an HSS or a Roamer Steering.
Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) for a PCRF.

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