Method of changing over from a primary HSS to a backup HSS in an IP network

1. A method of changing over from a primary home subscriber server (HSS) to a backup HSS in an IP network, said network having a plurality of call server control function (CSCF) or application servers, in which method, after one of said CSCF or application servers has detected a loss of its connection to a primary HSS to which it is supposed to be connected, the CSCF or application server connects itself to a backup HSS, the method comprising the following steps:

a) a predetermined broadcast device is informed of said loss of connection with said HSS;

b) said broadcast device sends a predetermined fault message to at least one other CSCF or application server that is supposed to be connected to said primary HSS, said message containing a reference of said primary HSS; and

c) said at least one other CSCF or application server connects itself to said backup HSS.

2. The switchover method according to claim 1 , wherein said broadcast device comprises said backup HSS.

3. The switchover method according to claim 1 , wherein said broadcast device comprises a subscriber location function (SLF) server.

4. The switchover method according to claim 1 , wherein said broadcast device comprises said CSCF or application server that detected a loss of connection.

5. Non-transitory Data storage elements that are non-removable, partially removable, or totally removable, and including computer program code instructions for executing steps of a method of switching over from a primary HSS to a backup HSS according to claim 1 .

6. A method of switching over from a primary home subscriber server (HSS) to a backup HSS in an IP network, said network comprising a plurality of call server control function (CSCF) or application servers and a plurality of subscriber location function (SLF) servers performing a proxy function between:

said CSCF or application servers, and

said primary and backup HSSs,

in which method, after one of said SLF servers has detected a loss of its connection to a primary HSS to which it is supposed to be connected, the SLF server connects itself to a backup HSS, the method comprising the following steps:

a) a predetermined broadcast device is informed of said loss of connection with said HSS;

b) said broadcast device sends a predetermined fault message to at least one other SLF server that is supposed to be connected to said primary HSS, said message containing a reference of said primary HSS; and

c) said other SLF server connects itself to said backup HSS.

7. The switchover method according to claim 6 , wherein said broadcast device comprises said backup HSS.

8. The switchover method according to claim 6 , wherein said broadcast device comprises said SLF server that detected a loss of connection.

9. A broadcast device for switching over from a primary home subscriber server (HSS) to a backup HSS in an IP network, said network comprising a plurality of call server control function (CSCF) or application servers, said device comprising means for acting, after one of said CSCF or application server has detected a loss of connection to a primary HSS to which it is supposed to be connected, and on said CSCF or application server connecting itself to a backup HSS, to:

a) receive the information about said loss of connection with said HSS; and

b) send a predetermined fault message to at least one other CSCF or application server that is supposed to be connected to said primary HSS, said message containing a reference of said primary HSS.

10. The broadcast device according to claim 9 , further comprising said backup HSS.

11. The broadcast device according to claim 9 , further comprising a subscriber location function (SLF) server.

12. The broadcast device according to claim 9 , further comprising said CSCF or application server that detected a loss of connection.

13. A broadcast device for switching over from a primary home subscriber server (HSS) to a backup HSS in an IP network, said network comprising a plurality of call server control function (CSCF) or application servers and a plurality of subscriber location function (SLF) servers performing a proxy function between:

said CSCF or application servers, and

said primary and backup HSSs,

said device comprising means for acting, after one of said SLF servers has detected a loss of its connection to a primary HSS to which it is supposed to be connected, and on connection of said SLF server to a backup HSS, to:

a) receive the information about said loss of connection with said HSS; and

b) send a predetermined fault message to at least one other SLF server that is supposed to be connected to said primary HSS, said message containing a reference of said primary HSS.

14. The broadcast device according to claim 13 , further comprising said backup HSS.

15. The broadcast device according to claim 13 , further comprising said SLF server that detected a loss of connection.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a computer program executable by a microprocessor, the program being characterized in that it includes instructions for executing steps of a method of switching over from a primary home subscriber server (HSS) to a backup HSS according to claim 1 on being executed by a computer.