An efficient, non-redundant messaging system is disclosed that communicates version information only when an appropriate network entity (e.g., a PDSN or a PCF) is reset. The methods and constructs of the present disclosure provide a version information message for transmission between first and second entities in a network. A first information element, indicative of a first version information property of the first entity, is provided—as is a second information element indicative of a second version information property of the first entity. The first or second information element is integrated into the message and the message is sent from the first entity to the second entity only when the first entity has been reset.