IPSTP for IPSP-IPSP communciation

Chen Xu,

(Changing the subject line for easier tracking)

What you suggest seems similar to what once was described in M3UA SG-SG communication draft.

Overall, I can understand the need for IPSTP type of functionality in big networks for ease of management. Similar relay type of functionality is present in some other IP based protocols as well. Diameter relay agents are a good example for that. 

Considering that the goal is coming up with solutions addressing real life needs, I personally think this is something we need to investigate in the WG.

   Thanks,
   Tolga



>  Problem description
> 
>  M3UA specification doesnt  define signaling network  management
>  function
>  M3UA is designed for SG-IPSEP and IPSEP-IPSEP applications,
>  therefore network level management function isnt required.
>  SSNM messages defined in M3UA are only used for interworking with SS7.
>  China Mobile has a large number of subscribers and has built the
>  largest soft-switch network in the world, its signaling network
>  will be the multi-level and multi-area mode.
>  It will has two signalling routeing  scene:IPSEP-IPSTP-IPSTP-IPSEP
>  and IPSEP-IPSTP-IPSEP
>  The interworking  function with MTP3 in M3UA can realize the
>  signaling network  management for  IPSEP-IPSTP-IPSTP-IPSEP scene;
>  Current M3UA  can not  realize the signaling network  management
>  for  IPSEP-IPSTP-IPSEP scene.
> 
>  Requirement for Extension of RFC4666
> 
>  Define the Application for IPSTP-IPSEP interface.(Still uses SGP-
>  ASP procedures)
>  Define the signalling network management functionmessages ,and
>  procedures.(Describe how to use SSNM messages to support signaling
>  network management for IPSEP-(M3UA)-IPSTP-(M3UA)-IPSEP scene. )