Data distribution and synchronization in next generation mobile core network

Session and mobility management functions in 3GPP networks obtain data from functions such as HSS and PCRF via Diameter request-response and a managed, high performance network in between. New technology in database, storage and distributed synchronization make it feasible to massively replicate and store data. In this paper it is considered how a user's subscriber and context information is managed in a distributed manner across network clusters based on intelligent replication techniques — in contrast to today's approaches where data are fetched when a session or mobility handling process requires it. While this relaxes the need to deliver such data in real-time, there are several issues in a large scale communication system that need to be addressed — including scalability, keying, replication and security. Moreover, standards that specify a consistent data and information model are necessary.