Diameter Routing Agent (DRA)

The Challenge

Many operators are beginning to deploy advanced policy control solutions and IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) networks alongside Evolved Packet Core (EPC) networks, which provide parallel mobile data services to 2G, 3G, and 4G subscribers. These deployments enable the creation of new service offerings, including voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) and voice-over-WiFi (VoWiFi). Another reason for the deployment is to optimize their network core.

One common factor across all these networks is that they all rely extensively on internode communication carried over the Diameter protocol.

The challenge with this extensive reliance on internode communication carried over the Diameter protocol is that with many dozens of connected nodes, a mesh of point-to-point connections presents these pain points:

It's expensive
Error-prone
Administration and troubleshooting becomes complex

To overcome this challenge, an efficient and centralized Diameter routing solution is needed to streamline and simplify core node connectivity. Such a solution will transform an ever-growing n-way mesh into an easily understood and maintained hub and spoke architecture. This is what Titan.ium‘s Diameter Signaling Controller Solution offers.

One of the most important subfunctions of the Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) is the Diameter Routing Agent (DRA). A Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) controls the traffic within the service provider's network. It's responsible for checking aspects such as if a user is allowed on the network, what they can do once on the network, and how much of the network one is using.

Simplified Network Management

Centralized configuration and control
Streamlined troubleshooting
Reduced operational overhead

Scalability

Handling massive volumes of Diameter traffic
Optimizing resource utilization
Improving network responsiveness

Reliability

Minimizing downtime
Ensuring service continuity
Protecting against single points of failure

Flexibility

Adapting to changing network conditions
Implementing complex routing logic
Tailoring to specific requirements

Diameter Routing Agent Core Capabilities

Load balancing algorithms

DRA employs intelligent load-balancing algorithms to distribute Diameter traffic across multiple network elements efficiently.

Failover mechanisms for high availability

Diameter Routing Agent maintains network uptime by implementing robust failover mechanisms. In case of element failures or overloads, DRA automatically redirects traffic to healthy nodes.

Message manipulation

Diameter Routing Agent enables network operators to modify Diameter message headers and filter content based on specific criteria.

Session management

DRAs manage Diameter sessions, essential for maintaining context and continuity in communication flows.

Advanced Diameter Routing Agent Features

Diameter Protocol Extensions Support

Comprehensive support for Diameter protocol extensions defined by organizations like 3GPP and ETSI. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of network elements and enables seamless deployment of advanced services such as VoLTE (Voice over LTE), IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), and 5G core network functionalities.

Policy-Based Routing

DRA can leverage subscriber profile data to implement sophisticated policy-based routing. This means that Diameter traffic can be intelligently routed based on parameters like user subscription plans, service levels, or device capabilities.

Real-Time Monitoring and Statistics

Comprehensive real-time monitoring and statistical insights into Diameter traffic flows. Gain visibility into key performance metrics such as message rates, latency, error rates, and load distribution.

Integration with Other Network Elements

Seamlessly integrate with other essential network elements, such as the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF).

Core Use Cases of Diameter Routing Agent in Telecommunication

In Mobile Networks	LTE/5G core network (authentication, authorization, accounting)IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) for VoIP and multimedia services
In Fixed Networks	AAA for broadband access Policy enforcement for QoS (Quality of Service)

The Diameter Routing Agent was introduced to address the increased Diameter signaling traffic and growing complexity of networks. Some of these complexities arise from enhanced services, including:

Tiered charging
Converged billing
Policy enforcement control

These services normally require other Diameter-based functionalities to support complex user-service connections. Examples of such functionalities include PCRFs, PCEFs, HSS, etc. A DRA meets this need by effectively managing the Diameter signaling among these functionalities. This ensures that proper connections are made.