IoT signalling storms, a future risk for MNOs

In the coming years, if mobile network operators (MNOs) can’t manage their core networks effectively, they will face increasing critical infrastructure risks from a growing number of IoT devices.

Signalling storms, or congestion control issues, aren’t new, though they are underreported and might soon increase in frequency, threatening revenue, brand reputations and even putting lives at risk. These congestion issues may occur in various ways. Denial of service attacks, malfunctioning apps, or a network shutdown caused by routine maintenance can all trigger the start of a congestion problem.

When information in an HLR, HSS, or UDM data system is lost, due to a network reset, devices automatically try to re-register with the network simultaneously. Typically, networks aren’t designed to process huge numbers of transactions altogether, so a signalling storm builds, continually shutting the network down. As societies use more IoT devices over 5G or even over legacy 2G/3G networks, risks will develop at scale.

Signalling traffic will rapidly build with every 5G network slice and service, and there could be 30 billion IoT devices by 2030, depending on which articles you read. Until operators move to fully, cloud-based networks, they are susceptible to congestion problems from an increasing number of connected devices.

Source data: GSMA Mobile Economy Report 2023

These IoT devices can be smart meters or tracked packages, but they can also be items linked to critical infrastructure, like connected cars, medical devices, water level sensors on a dam or train collision detection sensors. A signalling storm in these critical infrastructures could be devasting, even fatal. However, by utilising prioritised throttling, MNOs can avoid signalling storms occurring.

Recently, a Squire Technologies customer experienced a signalling storm when they performed maintenance on their HLR. The HLR lost the registration of over 3.5 million devices, which subsequently all repeatedly tried to re-register simultaneously, creating congestion that repeatedly overloaded the network.

The only way to bring the network back-up was to re-register devices in batches of a size that the network could handle. That caused customers a delay in getting reconnected.

To protect their network and others, Sigla, our enhanced Signalling Platform uses prioritised throttling, keeping networks up in the event of congestion. MNOs can set parameters that drop predetermined volumes of non-critical messages when transactions per second reach a certain threshold.

By setting specific congestion parameters, MNOs can ensure their networks don’t crash in a signalling storm. In the event of a massive number of devices sending data altogether, Sigla can make an orderly reorganisation of network systems and prioritise calls and messages from emergency service calls, in-vehicle IoT devices transmissions or other critical infrastructure devices.

As more devices connect to networks and operators move systems over to IP, where there is a greater likelihood of denial-of-service attacks, the risks from signalling storms will increase. MNOs must start considering what protections they can implement to prevent future catastrophes. Squire Technologies’ tried and tested Sigla platform with prioritised throttling is already safeguarding networks against signalling storms and keeping subscribers connected.

Speak to an expert to find out how our enhanced Signalling Platform protects networks from signalling storms or visit www.squire-technologies.com

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