Bridging communications

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for bridging communications are provided. Interfaces between multiple high speed gateways exist but are only capable of use during handovers between varying cell towers, are manually configured, and only communicate signaling information. A bridging interface that is automatically created between two or more high speed gateways during a failed communications link is described. The bridging interface is capable of communicating both signal and data information and is associated with a single cell tower. The bridging interface may be utilized during the communications link such that a user experience is not negatively impacted.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, bridging communications. In particular, communication links in telecommunications networks may be bridged when communications links fail. Communication links may fail for various reasons. For example, routing issues, interface issues, and the like may cause a failed communication link. When this happens, a user experience is negatively affected as user is not able to regain full service until the communication link is restored.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as, among other things, a method, a system, or set of instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media. As mentioned, embodiments of the present invention are directed toward bridging communications. In particular, communication links in telecommunications networks may be bridged when communication links fail. Communication links may fail for various reasons. For example, routing issues, interface issues, and the like may cause a failed communications link. When this happens, a user experience is negatively affected as user is not able to regain full service until the communication link is restored.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for bridging communications. The method includes identifying a failed communications link between a first gateway and a second gateway of a telecommunications system, bridging the first gateway and the second gateway with a replacement gateway, communicating any data that is to be communicated from the first gateway to the second gateway to the replacement gateway such that data is communicated to the second gateway from the replacement gateway, identifying a reestablished communications link between the first gateway and the second gateway, ceasing communication of data from the first gateway to the replacement gateway, and resuming communication of data from the first gateway to the second gateway.

In yet another aspect, a system for bridging communications is provided. The system includes a computing device associated with one or more processors and one or more computer storage media and a gateway manager for bridging communications between a plurality of gateways. The gateway manager includes an identifying component for identifying a connectivity status between a first gateway and a second gateway, and a bridging component for bridging communications between the first gateway and the second gateway via a replacement gateway.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed to one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method for bridging communications. The method includes identifying a failed communications link between a first gateway and a second gateway of a telecommunications system, bridging the first gateway and the second gateway with a replacement gateway, communicating any data that is to be communicated from the first gateway to the second gateway to the replacement gateway such that data is communicated to the second gateway from the replacement gateway, identifying a reestablished communications link between the first gateway and the second gateway, ceasing communication of data from the first gateway to the replacement gateway, and resuming communication of data from the first gateway to the second gateway.

Throughout the description of embodiments of the present invention, several acronyms and shorthand notations are used to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to the associated methods, systems, and computer-readable media. These acronyms and shorthand notations are solely intended for the purpose of providing an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressed herein and are in no way meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The following is a list of these acronyms:

3GThird Generation Mobile Telecommunications4GFourth Generation Mobile TelecommunicationsCD-ROMCompact Disk Read Only MemoryCDMACode Division Multiple AccessGPRSGeneral Packet Radio ServiceGSMGlobal System for Mobile communications:originally from Groupe Spécial MobileDVDDigital Versatile DiscsEEPROMElectrically Erasable Programmable Read OnlyMemoryHSGWHigh Speed GatewayHLRHome Location RegisterHSDPAHigh-Speed Downlink Packet AccessLTELong Term EvolutionPAPower AmplifierPCPersonal ComputerPDAPersonal Digital AssistantPGWPacket GatewayRAMRandom Access MemoryROMRead Only MemorySGWServing GatewayTDMATime Division Multiple AccessUMTSUniversal Mobile Telecommunications SystemVOIPVoice Over Internet ProtocolVoLTEVoice Over LTEWiMAXWorldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description. An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these terms can be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 25th Edition (2009).

Referring to the drawings in general, and initially toFIG. 1in particular, a block diagram of an illustrative communications device according to one embodiment is provided and referenced generally by the numeral100. Although some components are shown in the singular, they may be plural. For example, communications device100might include multiple processors or multiple radios, etc. As illustratively shown, communications device100includes a bus110that directly or indirectly couples various components together including memory112, a processor114, a presentation component116, a radio117(if applicable), input/output ports118, input/output components120, and a power supply122.

Memory112might take the form of memory components previously described. Thus, further elaboration will not be provided here, only to say that memory component112can include any type of medium that is capable of storing information (e.g., a database). A database can be any collection of records. In one embodiment, memory112includes a set of embodied computer-executable instructions113that, when executed, facilitate various aspects disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.

Processor114might actually be multiple processors that receive instructions and process them accordingly. Presentation component116includes the likes of a display, a speaker, as well as other components that can present information (such as a lamp (LED), or even lighted keyboards).

Numeral117represents a radio(s) that facilitates communication with a wireless-telecommunications network. Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, and the like. Radio117might additionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wireless communications including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, or other VoIP communications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, radio117can be configured to support multiple technologies and/or multiple radios can be utilized to support multiple technologies.

Input/output port118might take on a variety of forms. Illustrative input/output ports include a USB jack, stereo jack, infrared port, proprietary communications ports, and the like. Input/output components120include items such as keyboards, microphones, speakers, touch screens, and any other item usable to directly or indirectly input data into communications device100. Power supply122includes items such as batteries, fuel cells, or any other component that can act as a power source to power communications device100.

As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer-readable media for bridging communications. In particular, communication links in telecommunications networks may be bridged when communications links fail. Communication links may fail for various reasons. For example, routing issues, interface issues, and the like may cause a failed communication link. When this happens, a user experience is negatively affected as user is not able to regain full service until the communication link is restored.

In a particular example, a communication link may fail between a high speed gateway (HSGW) and a packet gateway (PGW). This embodiment will be discussed in detail below. For now, simply assume the communication link between the HSGW and PGW is down. When this happens, a user is not able to complete data transfers between the HSGW and PGW, which results in a delay in service. Another HSGW may be utilized to replace the failed HSGW so that a user can continue with their experience.

FIG. 2provides an exemplary network environment suitable for use in implementing embodiments of the present invention. Such a network environment is illustrated and designated generally as network environment200. Network environment200is but one example of a suitable network environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should the network environment200be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

In the network environment200, one or more user devices202may communicate with other devices, such as mobile devices, servers, etc. The user device202may take on a variety of forms, such as a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet, a netbook, a mobile phone, a Smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other device that is cable of communicating with other devices. For example, the user device202can take on any form, such as, for example, a mobile device or any other computing device capable of wirelessly communicating with the other devices using a network. Makers of illustrative devices include, for example, Research in Motion, Creative Technologies Corp., Samsung, Apple Computer, and the like. A device can include, for example, a display(s), a power source(s) (e.g., a battery), a data store(s), a speaker(s), memory, a buffer(s), and the like. In embodiments, a user device comprises a wireless or mobile device with which a wireless telecommunication network(s) can be utilized for communication (e.g., voice and/or data communication). In this regard, the user device can be any mobile computing device that communicates by way of, for example, a 3G or 4G network.

The user device202can utilize network204to communicate with other computing devices (e.g., a mobile device(s), a server(s), a personal computer(s), etc.). In embodiments, network204is a telecommunications network(s), or a portion thereof. A telecommunications network might include an array of devices or components, some of which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of the invention. Components such as terminals, links, and nodes (as well as other components) can provide connectivity in some embodiments. Network204can include multiple networks, as well as being a network of networks, but is shown in more simple form so as to not obscure other aspects of the present invention. Network204can be part of a telecommunications network that connects subscribers to their immediate service provider. In embodiments, network204can be associated with a telecommunications provider that provides services to user devices, such as user device202. For example, the network204may provide voice services to user devices or corresponding users that are registered or subscribed to utilize the services (e.g., the network204) provided by a telecommunications provider. The network204can be any communication network providing voice and/or data service(s), such as, for example, a 1× circuit voice, a 3G network (e.g., CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS), or a 4G network (WiMAX, LTE, HSDPA).

The network environment200may include a database (not shown). The database may be similar to the memory component112ofFIG. 1and can be any type of medium that is capable of storing information. The database can be any collection of records. In one embodiment, the database includes a set of embodied computer-executable instructions that, when executed, facilitate various aspects disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.

The network environment200also includes a gateway manager206. The gateway manager206is configured to bridge communications in a telecommunications network. The gateway manager206may be a stand-alone component or may be integrated into any component of the network204such as, for example, a HSGW, a PGW, a serving gateway (S-GW), and the like. Additionally, multiple components of network204may be associated with the gateway manager206or may include their own gateway manager206.

The gateway manager206includes an identifying component208, a transferring component210, and a bridging component212. The identifying component208is configured for, among other things, identifying a connection status or a failed communications link. A communications link, as used herein, refers generally to an indication that connectivity has been lost. The identifying component208may continuously monitor connectivity of a telecommunications system (and all components thereof) or may be manually triggered to check connectivity of a system. The identifying component208may identify a failed communications link based on criteria desired by an administrator. For example, a failed communications link may be identified by an increase in the loss of data communicated between two components (or more), an increase in unsuccessful data transfers, an identification of a single unsuccessful data transfer, or the like. In an embodiment, the identifying component208is configured to identify an unsuccessful data transfer between an HSGW and a PGW (i.e., the s2a interface).

The transferring component210is configured for, among other things, transferring traffic during a failed communications link. In particular, traffic that would otherwise be routed through the failed communications link is rerouted to another path. Additionally, data that was to be transferred via the failed communications link is rerouted to another path. The other path may be a “bridge” between the components of the failed communications link. For instance, a first gateway (e.g., a HSGW) and a second gateway (e.g., a PGW) may suffer a failed communications link. A “bridge” may be established to facilitate a replacement link until the failed communication link is restored. This bridge may be established by, for example, the bridging component212ofFIG. 2.

Once the bridge is established (by, for example, the bridging component212) traffic that would have originally been routed from a first gateway to a second gateway (i.e., the failed communications link) is rerouted via the bridge such that it arrives to the second gateway via the bridge.

In the example where the failed communications link is between a HSGW and a PGW, a replacement HSGW may be identified. The replacement HSGW may be identified by querying neighboring HSGW's in order to identify HSGW's having a connection with the PGW associated with the failed communications link. A bridge between the failed HSGW and the replacement HSGW may be established. Interfaces between HSGW's have been previously established but are quite different from the present invention as they were only used for handovers from one cell tower to another. The present invention creates a new bridge (interface) that is capable of transferring both signal and data. Thus, both voice calls and data activity in a telecommunications network may be communicated via a HSGW bridge. Additionally, the bridge created here is for use within a single cell tower. Thus, the user device, such as user device202, is associated with the same cell tower during use of the bridge. Lastly, the interfaces between HSGW's for handovers were manually configured while the present bridge communications link is automatically configured upon identifying a failed communications link. Furthermore, since the bridge is configured automatically, the HSGW's are capable of identifying a nearest neighboring HSGW on their own rather than with a manual identification.

In an alternative embodiment, the HSGW of the failed communications link may identify a neighboring HSGW that has an existing connection with the PGW of the failed communications link. Alternatively, the HSGW of the failed communications link may identify a neighboring HSGW that does not yet have an existing connection with the PGW of the failed communications, but is capable of establishing a connection with the same PGW.

Once the bridge is established for one user it is applied to other users that have sessions bound to the same PGW until the failed communications link is restored. In other words, until the failed communications link is restored a replacement gateway facilitates communication with the PGW of the failed communications link.

Several advantages exist for bridging communication links in this manner. Customer experiences are improved as the user experiences a lower amount of down time in link failure scenarios, networks are more robust in the case of outages, the user is unaware of the newly created bridge so the user experience is likely not negatively impacted, and the like. Additionally, telecommunications networks appear to be moving toward Self Organizing Networks (SONs) so automatic creation of bridges is closer to the self-healing aspect of SONs.

FIG. 3provides a specific telecommunications environment300in which the present invention may be applied. In application, a user device302is associated with a specific cell tower304of the telecommunications environment300. In the case of data transfer, a variety of components are part of a path from the user device302to a data source such as the internet312. For instance, data typically travels via a HSGW306to a PGW310to the internet312. The HSGW306may be configured to include a gateway manager308such as the gateway manager206ofFIG. 2. In a specific embodiment, the communications link between HSGW308and PGW310fails. Thus, a replacement HSGW is desired to bridge the path between the HSGW308and the PGW310.

The HSGW308of the failed communications link may identify a neighboring HSGW that is already connected to the PGW310or a neighboring HSGW that is capable of establishing a connection to the PGW310. As illustrated inFIG. 3, a neighboring HSGW has been identified as a replacement HSGW-2316. A bridge314is established between the HSGW308of the failed communications link and the replacement HSGW-2316. The replacement HSGW-2316is connected to the PGW310via communications link318. Communications link318may have already existed at the time of creation of the bridge314or it may have been created subsequent to the creation of the bridge314. A connection to the same PGW (in this case, PGW310) is desirable because each PGW is associated with a pool of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. An IP address is associated with each session bound to the PGW. Thus, if a different PGW were used, a new IP address would have to be assigned to the incoming session and a user's existing session with the previous PGW will be terminated. In that case, a user would be aware that their session was terminated and down time would increase.

Once the communications link between HSGW306and PGW310is reestablished, the bridge314may no longer be used. Thus, HSGW306may immediately begin communicating with PGW310again such that replacement HSGW-2316is not used as an intermediate any longer. Alternatively, replacement HSGW-2316may continue to be used for the remainder of sessions that were already transferred to it so that they are not transferred back to HSGW306during the session but, rather, will be transferred back to HSGW306once the session is terminated.

The bridging concept discussed could be applied in a 3G telecommunications network (as discussed hereinabove) or a 4G telecommunications network. In a 4G network, for example, a failed communications link may be identified between a serving gateway (S-GW) and the PGW (rather than between the HSGW and PGW). As in the 3G network, the S-GW may identify a neighboring S-GW to act as a replacement S-GW during the communication link failure. In that situation, a bridge may be created between the S-GW of the failed communications link and a replacement S-GW. As with the replacement HSGW, the replacement S-GW may already be connected to the PGW of the failed communications link or may be capable of connecting to the same PGW. Again, as with the 3G network, the S-GW is configured to automatically create a bridge in the case of failed communication links, just like the HSGW automatically forms the bridge in the 3G network.

Turning now toFIG. 4, a flow diagram is shown illustrating a first exemplary method400for bridging communications in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Initially, at block410, a failed communications link is identified between a first gateway and a second gateway of a telecommunications system. A bridge is created between the first gateway and the second gateway via a replacement gateway at block420. Any data that was to be communicated from the first gateway to the second gateway is transferred to the replacement gateway such that the data is communicated to the second gateway from the replacement gateway at block430. At block440it is identified that the communications link between the first gateway and the second gateway has been reestablished. Communication of data from the first gateway to the replacement gateway is ceased at block450and communication of data from the first gateway to the second gateway resumes at block460.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the order of steps shown in the method400ofFIG. 4is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any way and, in fact, the steps may occur in a variety of different sequences within embodiments hereof. Any and all such variations, and any combination thereof, are contemplated to be within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.