Technique for HLR address allocation in a UDC network

A method of allocating subscriber identifiers in a network in which Home Location Register (HLR) subscription data is stored in a central data repository for access by multiple HLR entities, the method comprising:

• organizing the central data repository such that the central data repository comprises a plurality of separate and distinct repository entities, including a first repository entity comprising a first database and a second repository entity comprising a second database that is separate and distinct from the first database;
• mapping a first set of subscriber identifiers to the first repository entity;
• and
• mapping a second set of subscriber identifiers to the second repository entity, wherein
• for each subscriber identifier included in the first set of subscriber identifiers, HLR subscription data is stored in the first repository entity,
• for each subscriber identifier included in the second set of subscriber identifiers, HLR subscription data is stored in the second repository entity
• a first virtual HLR address is allocated to an HLR entity,
• a second virtual HLR address is allocated to said HLR entity,
• the first virtual HLR address is associated with said first set of subscriber identifiers, and
• the second virtual HLR address is associated with said second set of subscriber identifiers.

A device for allocating Home Location Register (HRL) addresses in a network in which HLR subscription data is stored in a central data repository for access by multiple HLR entities, the device comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to allocate, to an HLR entity, a first virtual HLR address and a second virtual HLR address, wherein
• the first virtual HLR address is mapped to a first set of subscriber identifiers,
• the first virtual HLR address is mapped to a second set of subscriber identifiers, and
• for each subscriber identifier included in the first or second set of subscriber identifiers, HLR subscription data is stored in the central data repository.

A central data repository, comprising:

• a first repository entity comprising a first database;
• and
• a second repository entity comprising a second database that is separate and distinct from the first database, wherein
• for each subscriber identifier included in a first set of subscriber identifiers, the first repository entity stores subscriber information associated with the subscriber identifier,
• for each subscriber identifier included in a second set of subscriber identifiers, the second repository entity stores subscriber information associated with the subscriber identifier,
• the first set of subscriber identifiers is mapped to a first virtual Home Location Register (HLR) address allocated to a first HLR entity,
• the second set of subscriber identifiers is mapped to a second virtual HLR address allocated to said first HLR entity, and
• the central data repository further comprises an interface for receiving data from and transmitting data to said first HLR entity.

A system comprising:

• a first Home Location Register (HLR) entity comprising an interface, a processor and a memory;
• a second Home Location Register (HLR) entity comprising an interface, a processor and a memory;
• and
• a central data repository comprising:
• an interface;
• a memory;
• a first repository entity comprising a first database;
• and a second repository entity comprising a second database that is separate and distinct from the first database, wherein
• a first virtual HLR address and a second virtual HLR address are allocated to the first HLR entity,
• a third virtual HLR address and a fourth virtual HLR address are allocated to the second HLR entity,
• the memory of the first HLR entity stores information mapping the first virtual HLR address with a first set of subscriber identifiers and mapping the second virtual HLR address with a second set of subscriber identifiers,
• the memory of the second HLR entity stores information mapping the third virtual HLR address with said first set of subscriber identifiers and mapping the fourth virtual HLR address with said second set of subscriber identifiers, and
• the memory of the central data repository stores information mapping the first set of subscriber identifiers with the first repository entity and mapping the second set of subscriber identifiers with the second repository entity.