Control of maximum group data rate changes

Abstract

A method of operating a network node (1000) configured to provide a policy control function, PCF The method comprising receiving (610, 520, 530), from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR, receiving (620, 540, 570) group policy control information including at least one of at least one value of a provisioned MGDR and at least one value of a remaining MGDR, and in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the updated value of MGDR and / or adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the updated value of MGDR.

Description

CONTROL OF MAXIMUM GROUP DATA RATE CHANGESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is related to communication systems, entities, network node, and host for control of maximum group data rate (“MGDR”) changes.BACKGROUND

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a new radio (“NR”) network (e.g., a 5th Generation (“5G”) network) including a 5G core (“5GC”) network 130, network nodes 120a-b (e.g., 5G base station (“gNB”)), multiple communication devices 110 (also referred to as user equipment (“UE”)).

[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a 5G system architecture. In this example, the 5G network includes a network slice selection function (“NSSF”) 202, a network exposure function (“NEF”) 210, a network repository function (“NRF”) 204, a policy control function (“PCF”) 230, a unified data management (“UDM”) 206, application function (“AF”) 220, an authentication server function (“AUSF”) 208, an access and mobility management function (“AMF”) 240, and a session management function (“SMF”) 250, which are all communicatively coupled to each other. The 5G network can further include a radio access network (“RAN”) 120 and a user equipment (“UE”) 110 that are communicatively coupled to each other as well as AMF 240. The 5G network can further include a user plane function (“UPF”) 260 communicatively coupled to the RAN 120 and the SMF 250. The 5G network can further include a data network (“DN”) 216 communicatively coupled to the UPF 260.

[0004] TS 23.501 V18.4.0, clause 5.29.2 specifies that 5G virtual network (“VN”) group is characterized by the 5G VN group identities (external group identity (“ID”) and internal group ID), 5G VN group membership (5G VN group members identified by their generic public subscription identifier (“GPSI”)) and the 5G VN Group Data (which may include parameters such as protocol data unit (“PDU”) session type, data network name (“DNN”), slice-network slice selection assistance information (“S-NSSAI”), Application Descriptor, and / or Maximum Group Data Rate (“MGDR”)).

[0005] In order to support dynamic management of 5G VN group identification and membership, a NEF can expose a set of services to manage (e.g., add / delete / modify) 5G VN groups and 5G VN members. The NEF can also expose services to dynamically manage 5G VN group data.

[0006] When configuration is provided by an AF, the procedures described in clause 4.15.6.2 of TS 23.502 can apply for storing the 5G VN group identifiers, group membership information and group data in the user data repository (“UDR”), and subscription data set.SUMMARY

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method of operating a network node configured to provide a policy control function, PCF, is provided. The method includes receiving, from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR. The method further includes receiving group policy control information including at least one of at least one value of a provisioned MGDR, and at least one value of a remaining MGDR. The method further includes in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: adjusting the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR, and / or adjusting the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR.

[0008] According to other embodiments, a method of operating a network node configured to provide a user data repository, UDR, is provided. The method includes transmitting, to a policy control function, PCF, the group policy control information including at least one of at least one value of a provisioned maximum group data rate, MGDR, and at least one value of a remaining MGDR. The method further includes receiving, from the PCF, adjusted group policy control information including at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR. The method further includes storing the adjusted group policy control information in memory.

[0009] According to other embodiments, a network node, a policy control function (“PCF”) and / or a network node configured to provide PCF, a user data repository (“UDR”) and / or a network node configured to provide UDR, a computer program, a computer program product, a host, a system, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided to perform one of the above methods.

[0010] Certain aspects of these embodiments may provide technical advantages. Some embodiments herein enable control of the MGDR in deployments with multiple PCFs when the MGDR is updated, e.g. by an AF or operation, administration and maintenance (0AM) system.In some examples, extension of the 5G VN group policy control information to include a Provisional MGDR can ensure accuracy in the control of the MGDR, while still keeps the signaling load low, which can improve the energy efficiency of the involved NFs and the network.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts. In the drawings:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a 5thgeneration (“5G”) network;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a 5G network.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example of operations performed by a network to control maximum group data rate (“MGDR”) change in accordance with some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations performed by a policy control function (“PCF”) to control MGDR changes in accordance with some embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations performed by a user data repository (“UDR”) to control maximum group data rate (“MGDR”) changes in accordance with some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of the at least one network node in further detail.;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment in accordance with some embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 9 shows a communication diagram of a host communicating via a network node with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments; andDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art, in which examples ofembodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present / used in another embodiment.

[0022] If the policy control function (“PCF”) is aware of the configuration of maximum group data rate (“MGDR”) as part of the 5thgeneration (“5G”) virtual network (“VN”) group data, the PCF performs the group related policy control as described in clauses 6.1.5 and 6.2.1.11 of TS 23.503.

[0023] The MGDR (uplink (“UL”) or downlink (“DL”)) defines the maximum allowed aggregate data rate across all guaranteed bit rate (“GBR”) and Non-GBR quality of service (“QoS”) Flows within the 5G VN group.

[0024] The PCF interacts with the user data repository (“UDR”) policy data set to deduct the value of the authorized session-aggregate maximum bit rate (“AMBR”) and the maximum bit rate (“MBR”) of every GBR service data flow (“SDF”) from the remaining MGDR for every protocol data unit (“PDU”) session of the 5G VN Group. When the remaining data rate for that 5G VN group is close to zero, or generally below a certain threshold, the PCF may, based on operator policies, apply a policy decision to strengthen the traffic restrictions for individual PDU sessions or policy and charging control (“PCC”) rules. When the remaining MGDR for that 5G VN Group increases again, the PCF may relax the traffic restrictions for individual PDU sessions or PCC rules.

[0025] A single PCF can be used for the monitoring and limitation of the data rate per 5G VN Group. To enable this, the session management function (“SMF”) has to select the same PCF instance for all PDU sessions of the 5G VN Group (e.g., all the PDU sessions to the DNN and S-NSSAI of the 5G VN Group).

[0026] When multiple PCFs are responsible for the PDU sessions of the 5G VN Group, the PCFs can read and update the remaining MGDR for the 5G VN Group using the conditional requests enabled by ETags as defined in Table 5.2.2.2-2 of TS 29.500, to ensure a proper update of UDR data in case of simultaneous access from different PCFs. Each PCF also subscribes to the change of 5G VN group policy control information in UDR policy data set. The UDR policy data set will then send a notification to each subscribed PCF on the change of remaining MGDR.

[0027] Each PCF can be configured to maintain a local remaining MGDR such as at least one value of a remaining MGDR, and to only interact with the UDR to update the remaininggroup data rate when a certain threshold is reached, or a certain time window has passed. The higher the configured values are, the lower the chances for an accurate limitation of the group data rate becomes.

[0028] When the MGDR is provided by an AF, the PCF obtains the AF provided value from the UDR subscription data set and subscribes to the change of MGDR. When multiple PCFs are responsible for the PDU sessions of the 5G VN group, each PCF also subscribes to the change of the MGDR in UDR subscription data set. The UDR subscription data set will then send a notification to each subscribed PCF on the change of MGDR.

[0029] Table 1 : Example of a description of parameters in 5G VN group dataTable 1 shows an example of a description of parameters in 5G VN group data. As illustrated, the MGDR information stored in UDR subscription data is defined as optional within the 5G VN group data in TS 23.502, clause 4.15.6.3b.

[0030] Table 2: Example of a description of 5G VN Group specific policy control informationTable 2 shows an example of a description of 5G VN Group specific policy control information. The Remaining Maximum Group Data Rate is defined as the 5G VN Group specific policy control information as defined in TS 23.503, clause 6.2.

[0031] There currently exist certain challenges. For example, when multiple PCFs are responsible for the PDU sessions of the 5G VN Group, and the AF provides / updates the MGDR, there is no mechanism to coordinate among the involved PCFs the update of the Remaining MGDR in the UDR policy data set based on the received MGDR. In the end, the updated value is not consistent with the actual network situation.

[0032] An example of this issue (considering only DL values) is described below. A MGDR can be initially set to a certain value, e.g. 500 GB (stored in UDR subscription data). A first PCF can initially be handling a first part of the MGDR, like 150 GB, and a second PCF can initially be handling a second part of the MGDR, like 250 GB. The remaining MGDR can be set in the UDR policy data set to the rest, in this case 100 GB. The AF can update the MGDR to another, for example higher value, like 600 GB, which should result in the remaining MGDR being 200 (600 - (150+250) = 200). However, current implementations can result in an error.

[0033] The UDR subscription data set notifies the first PCF and the second PCF to indicate the MGDR is set to a new, for example higher value, like 600 GB. It can be assumed that both the first PCF and the second PCF previously obtained the previous (old) MGDR from UDR. The first PCF can update the UDR policy data set remaining MGDR to the “new” remaining part, here 200 GB (Maximum Group Data Rate = Remaining Maximum Group Data Rate + Delta Maximum Group Data rate, i.e.,100 + (600 - 500) = 200). Since the second PCF is not aware that the first PCF updated the remaining MGDR considering the updated MGDR, the second PCF can update the UDR policy data set remaining MGDR to be an even higher value, like 300 GB (200 + (600-500) = 300) by adding again the difference between the new and the old MGDR.

[0034] Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. Various embodiments herein are based on group policy control information (e.g., an extension of the 5G VN group policy control information) that includes an indication of a provisioned (most recently updated) MGDR. In some embodiments, extension of the 5G VN group policy control information ensures that only a single PCF updates the Remaining MGDR based on the AF provided MGDR. Although the embodiments herein are discussed in regards to 5G, the innovations may be applied to any suitable radio access technology (“RAT”).

[0035] In some embodiments, when a PCF receives updated 5G VN group data from UDR subscription data, and the group data includes a MGDR, the PCF compares this value with a “Provisioned MGDR” stored in the UDR policy control data (the “Provisioned MGDR” is a new piece of data in 5G VN Group policy control information).

[0036] If the values are different, the PCF copies the new value into the “Provisioned MGDR” parameter and also adjusts the remaining MGDR values based on the difference between the new MGDR value received in the 5G VN group data and the old MGDR value that was stored in the “Provisioned MGDR”.

[0037] If the values are the same, the PCF does not need to do anything. It can then be assumed that the remaining MGDR based on the MGDR has already been adjusted by another PCF.

[0038] Table 3: Example of extended (e.g., updated) 5G VN group specific policy control informationTable 3 shows an example of extended (e.g., updated) 5G VN group specific policy control information. The updates to the 5G VN group specific policy control information can include two new information elements (“IEs”): 1) Provisioned MGDR for UL; and 2) Provisioned MGDR for DL. The Provisioned MGDR for UL can include a maximum UL data rate for the specific 5G VN group as provisioned by an AF in the 5G VN group data (or a predetermined initial maximum UL data rate). The Provisioned MGDR for DL can include a maximum DL data rate for the specific 5G VN group as provisioned by an AF in the 5G VN group data (or a predetermined initial maximum DL data rate).

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a signal flow using the extended 5G VN group specific policy control information to control MGDR changes.

[0040] At operation 510, the AF provisioned MGDR is stored in UDR subscription data as described in TS 23.502 4.15.6.3b and TS 23.501 clause 5.29.2.

[0041] At operation 520, the UDR notifies a first PCF (PCF l) about the at least one updated value of the MGDR. In this example, the UDR transmits aNudr DataRepository Notify message (including the updated value of the MGDR) to the first PCF. In the example, the first PCF receives, from the UDR, the Nudr DataRepository Notify message.

[0042] At operation 530, the UDR notifies a second PCF (PCF 2) about the updated value of the MGDR. In this example, the UDR transmits a Nudr DataRepository Notify message (including the updated value of the MGDR) to the second PCF. In the example, the second PCF receives, from the UDR, the Nudr_DataRepository_Notify message.

[0043] At operation 540, the first PCF retrieves from UDR Policy Data the available data for the 5G VN Group Policy Control data. In this example, the first PCF transmits a Nudr DataRepository Query message to the UDR and subsequently receives a response message from the UDR (not shown in the flow of Fig. 3). The UDR may transmit the response message. The response message may comprise the 5G VN group policy control data.

[0044] At operation 550, the first PCF determines the update of the remaining MGDR based on the provisioned MGDR and the received MGDR. The first PCF compares the at least one retrieved value of the provisioned MGDR in the retrieved provisioned MGDR UL and DL IE(s) (within the 5G VN Group specific policy control information) with the updated values of the MGDR for UL and DL values received in the notification from UDR subscription data such as in step 520. In this example, based on the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR differing from the received at least one updated value of the MGDR, the first PCF adjusts the at least one value of the remaining MGDR based on the difference between the at least one updated value ofthe MGDR and the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR which was retrieved in the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR “Provisioned MGDR UL and DL.” The first PCF copies the values of the MGDR for UL and DL values into the Provisioned MGDR UL and DL.

[0045] At operation 560, the first PCF updates the UDR for policy data with the values calculated in operation 550 such as adjusting the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR based on the at least one updated value of MGDR in the 5G VN group policy control data and adjusting the at least one value of the remaining MGDR based on the at least one updated value of MGDR. In this example, the first PCF updates the UDR by transmitting a Nudr DataRepository Update message to the UDR. The UDR may receive, theNudr DataRepository Update message from the first PCF. The Nudr DataRepository Update message may comprise the at least one updated value of MGDR and the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR.

[0046] At operation 570, the second PCF retrieves from UDR Policy Data the available data for the 5G VN Group Policy Control data. In this example, the second PCF transmits a Nudr DataRepository Query message to the UDR and subsequently receives a response message (not shown in the flow of Fig. 3) from the UDR. The response message may comprise the 5G VN group policy control data.

[0047] At operation 580, the second PCF determines the update of the remaining MGDR based on the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR and the at least one updated value of the MGDR. The second PCF compares the values of the retrieved updated values of the provisioned MGDR for UL and DL in the Provisioned MGDR UL and DL IE(s) (within the 5G VN Group specific policy control information) with the updated values of the MGDR for UL and DL received in the notification from UDR subscription data such as in step 530. In this example, based on the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR being the same as the updated value of the MGDR, the second PCF does not adjust the at least one value of the remaining MGDR values or the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR values.

[0048] Although FIG. 3 illustrates a system that includes two PCFs, other systems can include any number of PCFs. Regardless of the number of PCFs, the embodiments can enable a single PCF to update the MGDR stored in the UDR.

[0049] Operations of a network node 1000 (implemented using the structure of FIG. 7) will now be discussed with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 4-5 according to some embodiments of inventive concepts. For example, modules may be stored in memory 1004 of FIG. 7, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the instructions of a module are executedby respective network node processing circuitry 1002, network node 1000 performs respective operations of the flow charts.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of operations performed by a network node configured to provide a PCF to control MGDR changes.

[0051] At block 610, processing circuitry 1002 determines that the at least one value of the MGDR has been adjusted f to the at least one updated value of the MGDR. In some embodiments, determining that the at least one value of the MGDR has been adjusted includes receiving, e.g. from the UDR, an indication that an AF adjusted the MGDR to the at least one updated value of the MGDR.

[0052] At block 620, processing circuitry 1002 receives, via communication interface 1006, group policy control information including at least one value of the provisioned MGDR, and at least one value of the remaining MGDR. In some embodiments, the group policy control information includes 5G VN group specific policy control information (e.g., as exemplified in Table 3).

[0053] At block 630, processing circuitry 1002 determines whether to adjust the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of the MGDR and the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR.

[0054] In some embodiments, determining whether to adjust the group policy control information includes determining that the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR is equal to the at least one updated value of the MGDR, and determining not to adjust the group policy control information based on determining that the value of the provisioned MGDR is equal to the second value of the MGDR.

[0055] In additional or alternative embodiments, determining whether to adjust the group policy control information includes determining that the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR is different from the at least one updated value of the MGDR e.g. based on a comparison of the at least one updated value of the MGDR and the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR, and determining to adjust the group policy control information based on determining that the value of the provisioned MGDR is different from the second value of the MGDR. In an example, in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR, the processing circuitry 1002 may adjust the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR, and / or adjust the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR. In the example, adjusting the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR inthe group policy control information may comprise adjusting the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information to the at least one updated value of the MDGR. Alternatively, or additionally, adjusting the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information may comprise adjusting the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information to the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR.

[0056] In additional or alternative embodiments, theat least one value of the provisioned MGDR comprises at least one of a value of a provisioned MGDR for UL and a value of a provisioned MGDR for DL, the at least one value of the remaining MGDR comprises at least one of a value of a remaining MGDR for UL and a value of a remaining MGDR for DL, the at least one updated value of the MGDR comprise at least one of an updated value of the MGDR for UL and an updated value of the MGDR for DL, the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR comprises at least one of an updated value of the provisioned MGDR for UL and an updated value of the provisioned MGDR for DL, and the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR comprises at least one of an updated value of the remaining MGDR for UL and an updated value of the remaining MGDR for DL.

[0057] Determining whether to update the group policy control information may include determining whether to update the group policy control information based on for example, comparing at least one of the value of the MGDR for UL with the value of the provisioned MGDR for UL and the value of the MGDR for DL with the value of the provisioned MGDR for DL.

[0058] At block 640, as an optional step, processing circuitry 1002 determines at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR. In some embodiments, determining the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR includes determining the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR based on the at least one value of the MGDR, the at least one updated value of the MGDR, and the at least one value of the remaining MGDR. In an example, determining the second value of the remaining MGDR such as the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR comprises determining at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR based on the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR, the at least one updated value of the MGDR, and the at least one value of the remaining MGDR. In an example block 640, a block 650 and a block 660 may be performed in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR.

[0059] In some embodiments, determining the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR comprises determining the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR based onthe at least one value of the remaining MGDR and a difference between the at least one updated value of the MGDR and the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR.

[0060] At block 650 as an optional step, processing circuitry 1002 determines at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR. In some examples, determining the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR includes determining the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR to be the sum of the value of the remaining MGDR and a difference between the at least one updated value of the MGDR and the at least one value of the MGDR.

[0061] In some embodiments, determining the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR includes determining the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR to the at least one updated value of the MGDR.

[0062] At block 660 as an optional step, processing circuitry 1002 transmits, via communication interface 1006, adjusted group policy control information including the at least one updated value of provisioned MGDR e.g. corresponding to the at least one updated vale of the MGDR and / or the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR.

[0063] In some embodiments, alternatively to block 640, 650 and 660, the processing circuitry 1002 determines not to adjust the group policy control information based on determining that the value of the provisioned MGDR is equal to the at least one updated value of the MGDR in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is equal to the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR. In an example, determining to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information comprises sending an indication, to the UDR, to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information.

[0064] In some embodiments, receiving the group policy control information includes receiving the group policy control information from a network entity, and transmitting the adjusted group policy control information includes transmitting the adjusted group policy control information to the network entity. In additional or alternative embodiments, determining that the MGDR has been adjusted from the first value to the second value includes receiving an indication of the second value of the MGDR from the network entity. In some examples, the network entity is a UDR (and / or a network node configured to provide a UDR).

[0065] Although FIG. 4 illustrates operations performed by a network node configured to provide a PCF, the operations may be performed by any suitable network entity using any suitable radio access technology.

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of operations performed by a network node configured to provide a UDR to control MGDR changes.

[0067] At block 710, as an optional step, processing circuitry 1002 determines that at least one value of the MGDR has been adjusted. In some embodiments, determining that the at least one value of the MGDR has been adjusted includes determining that the at least one value MGDR has been adjusted by an AF. In additional or alternative embodiments, the at least one MGDR includes at least one of a value of the MGDR for UL and a value of the MGDR for DL.

[0068] At block 720, as an optional step, processing circuitry 1002 retrieves group policy control information including a at least one value of a provisioned MGDR and at least one value of a remaining MGDR. In some embodiments, the group policy control information includes 5G VN group specific policy control information (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4). In additional or alternative embodiments, the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR includes at least one of a value of the provisioned MGDR for UL and a value of the provisioned MGDR for DL. The at least one value of the remaining MGDR comprises at least one of a value of the remaining MGDR for UL and a value of the remaining MGDR for DL. Alternatively, the processing circuitry 1002 retrieves the group policy control information from the memory 1004.

[0069] At block 730, processing circuitry 1002 transmits to PCF, via communication interface 1006, the group policy control information. The group policy control information comprises at least one of at least one value of the provisioned MGDR, and the at least one value of the remaining MGDR.

[0070] At block 740, processing circuitry 1002 receives, via communication interface 1006, adjusted group policy control information. In some embodiments, transmitting the group policy control information in block 730 includes transmitting the group policy control information to a network entity (e.g., a first PCF), and receiving the adjusted group policy control information comprises receiving the adjusted group policy control information from the network entity. The adjusted policy control information may include at least one of at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR.

[0071] At block 750, processing circuitry 1002 stores the adjusted group policy control information e.g. in the memory 1004.

[0072] At block 760, as an optional step, processing circuitry 1002 transmits, via communication interface 1006, the adjusted group policy control information. In some embodiments, the adjusted group policy control information is transmitted a different network entity (e.g., a second PCF) than the network entity communicated with in blocks 720 and 730. The block 760 may be performed in response to storing the adjusted group policy control information.

[0073] At block 770, as an optional step, processing circuitry 1002 determines to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information. In some embodiments, determining to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information includes receiving an indication (e.g., from the second PCF) to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information. In additional or alternative embodiments, determining to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information includes determining that an amount of time that has elapsed since transmitting the adjusted group policy control information exceeds a threshold amount of time.

[0074] Although FIG. 5 illustrates operations performed by a network node configured to provide a UDR, the operations may be performed by any suitable network entity using any suitable radio access technology.

[0075] Various operations from the flow chart of FIGS. 4-5 may be optional with respect to some embodiments of network nodes and related methods. As an example, the at least one value of the remaining MGDR may correspond to the remaining MGDR, and / or a first value of a remaining MGDR. The at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR may correspond to a second value of the remaining MGDR. The at least one value of the MGDR may correspond to a first value of the MGDR, the previous (old) MGDR and / or the MGDR. The at least one updated value of the MGDR may correspond to a received MGDR, a second value of the MGDR, an updated MGDR, and / or notified MGDR. The at least one value of the provisioned MGDR may correspond to an old MGDR which was retrieved in “Provisioned MGDR UL and DL ”, a value of the provisioned MGDR, the “Provisioned MGDR”, and / or a first value of a provisioned MGDR. The at least one updated value of the provisional MGDR may correspond to a second value of the provisioned MGDR.

[0076] FIG. 6 shows an example of a communication system 800 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0077] In the example, the communication system 800 includes a telecommunication network 802 that includes an access network 804, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 806, which includes one or more core network nodes 808. The access network 804 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 810a and 810b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 810), or any other similar 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) access node or non-3GPP access point. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the network nodes 810 are not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are supplied and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it will be understood that the network nodes 810 may include disaggregated implementations or portions thereof. For example, in some embodiments, thetelecommunication network 802 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the telecommunication network 802 that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance, or any similar organization) and may operate alone or together with other nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any node in the telecommunication network 802, including one or more network nodes 810 and / or core network nodes 808.

[0078] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (O-RU), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O-CU- CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (near-real time or non-real time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near-real time RAN control application (e.g., xApp) or a non-real time RAN automation application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective “open” designating support of an ORAN specification). The network node may support a specification by, for example, supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an Al, Fl, Wl, El, E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthaul user plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Intents and content-aware notifications described herein may be communicated from a 3 GPP network node or an ORAN network node over 3GPP-defined interfaces (e.g., N2, N3) and / or ORAN Alliance-defined interfaces (e.g., Al, 01). Moreover, an ORAN network node may be a logical node in a physical node. Furthermore, an ORAN network node may be implemented in a virtualization environment (described further below) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an O-2 interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance. The network nodes 810 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting wireless devices 812a, 812b, 812c, and 812d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 812) to the core network 806 over one or more wireless connections. The network nodes 810 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 812a, 812b, 812c, and 812d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 812) to the core network 806 over one or more wireless connections.

[0079] Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 800 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or anyother components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 800 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0080] The UEs 812 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 810 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 810 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 812 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 802 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 802.

[0081] In the depicted example, the core network 806 connects the network nodes 810 to one or more hosts, such as host 816. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The host may correspond to an application function, AF, as mentioned above.

[0082] The core network 806 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 808) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 808. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF). The core network nodes 808 may also correspond to any of the UDM, UDR or PCF as described above.

[0083] The host 816 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 804 and / or the telecommunication network 802 and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The host 816 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remotedevices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0084] As a whole, the communication system 800 of FIG. 6 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0085] In some examples, the telecommunication network 802 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 802 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 802. For example, the telecommunications network 802 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) / Massive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0086] In some examples, the UEs 812 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 804 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 804. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi -RAT or multi -standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved- UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0087] In the example, the hub 814 communicates with the access network 804 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 812c and / or 812d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 810b). In some examples, the hub 814 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 814 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 806 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 814 may be a controller that sendscommands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 810, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 814. As another example, the hub 814 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 814 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, the hub 814 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 814 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 814 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular in if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0088] The hub 814 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 810b. The hub 814 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 814 and UEs (e.g., UE 812c and / or 812d), and between the hub 814 and the core network 806. In other examples, the hub 814 is connected to the core network 806 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 814 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 804 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 810 while still connected via the hub 814 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 814 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 810b. In other embodiments, the hub 814 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 810b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0089] Fig. 7 illustrates a block diagram illustrating embodiments of the at least one network node 1000 in further detail. In practice, the steps 610 to 660 and / or the steps 710 to 770 performed by the network node 1000 are performed by processing circuitry 1002. The network node 1000 includes processing circuitry 1002, a memory 1004, a communication interface 1006,. The network node 1000 may further comprises the core network node, including but not limited to, the core network functions illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 6. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry 1002 executing instructions stored on in memory 1004, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product 1024 in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by theprocessing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device- readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry 1002 alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally. The memory 1004 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or nonvolatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1002. The memory 1004 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program 1026, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1002 and utilized by the network node 1000. The memory 1004 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1002 and / or any data received via the communication interface 1006. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1002 and memory 1004 is integrated. The processing circuitry 1002 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1000 components, such as the memory 1004, to provide network node 1000 functionality. The communication interface 1006 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between a network node, access network, and / or UE.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1200 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one ormore virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 1200 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized. In some embodiments, the virtualization environment 1200 includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O-Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface.

[0091] Applications 1202 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment Q400 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0092] Hardware 1204 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1206 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 1208a and 1208b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1208), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1206 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 1208.

[0093] The VMs 1208 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1206. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 1202 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 1208, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0094] In the context of NFV, a VM 1208 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 1208, and that part of hardware 1204 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, formsseparate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 1208 on top of the hardware 1204 and corresponds to the application 1202.

[0095] Hardware 1204 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 1204 may implement some functions via virtualization.Alternatively, hardware 1204 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 1210, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 1202. In some embodiments, hardware 1204 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 1212 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows a communication diagram of a host 1302 communicating via a network node 1304 with a UE 1306 over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments. Example implementations, in accordance with various embodiments, of the UE network node (such as network node 810a of FIG. 6), and host (such as host 816 of FIG. 6).

[0097] Like network node 1000, embodiments of host 1302 include hardware, such as a communication interface, processing circuitry, and memory. The host 1302 also includes software, which is stored in or accessible by the host 1302 and executable by the processing circuitry. The software includes a host application that may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as the UE 1306 connecting via an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1350 extending between the UE 1306 and host 1302. In providing the service to the remote user, a host application may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTT connection 1350.

[0098] The network node 1304 includes hardware enabling it to communicate with the host 1302 and UE 1306. The connection 1360 may be direct or pass through a core network (like core network 806 of FIG. 6) and / or one or more other intermediate networks, such as one or more public, private, or hosted networks. For example, an intermediate network may be a backbone network or the Internet.

[0099] The UE 1306 includes hardware and software, which is stored in or accessible by UE 1306 and executable by the UE’s processing circuitry. The software includes a client application, such as a web browser or operator-specific “app” that may be operable to provide aservice to a human or non-human user via UE 1306 with the support of the host 1302. In the host 1302, an executing host application may communicate with the executing client application via the OTT connection 1350 terminating at the UE 1306 and host 1302. In providing the service to the user, the UE's client application may receive request data from the host's host application and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 1350 may transfer both the request data and the user data. The UE's client application may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides to the host application through the OTT connection 1350.

[0100] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0101] Additional embodiments are described below.

[0102] Group related policy control supports limitation of the data rate per group and is only applicable to 5G VN groups, as described in clause 5.29.2 of TS 23.501 [2],

[0103] The Maximum Group Data Rate defines the maximum allowed aggregate data rate across all GBR and Non-GBR QoS Flows within the 5G VN group.

[0104] A Maximum Group Data Rate can be configured for a 5G VN group by the operator or provided by an AF. The Maximum Group Data Rate has an UL and a DL value.

[0105] The PCF monitors the data rate of the 5G VN group and ensures that it does not exceed the Maximum Group Data Rate for that group. The method of PCF to realize the above functions is the same as limitation of the data rate per network slice as defined in clauses 6.1.4.1 and 6.1.4.3 with the following differences:Instead of handling Maximum Slice Data Rate per S-NSSAI, the UDR and PCF handles the Maximum Group Data Rate per 5G VN group.Instead of deducting the value of the authorized Session-AMBR and the MBR of every GBR SDF for every PDU Session of the slice, the PCF deducts such value for every PDU Session accessing to the 5G VN group.

[0106] The PCF may receive the Maximum Group Data Rate as part of the 5G VN group data (within the subscription data set), as described in TS 23.501 [2], clause 5.29. The PCF(s) that have subscribed to modifications of 5G VN group data receive(s) a Nudr_DM_Notify notification in case the 5G VN group data has changed in UDR. The PCF handles the Maximum Group Data Rate for a 5G VN group as follows:- When the PCF retrieves the Maximum Group Data Rate as part of the 5G VN group data (within the subscription data set) or receives a notification from UDR (for subscription data) indicating the update of Maximum Group Data Rate in the 5G VN group data, the PCF compares the values (UU and DL) received in the 5G VN group data with the values (UU and DL) stored in the Provisioned Maximum Group Data Rate in the UDR for policy data:If the values are the same, no further action is needed by PCF.If the values differ, the PCF :1, adjusts the Remaining Maximum Group Data Rate in the UDR for policy data, based on the difference between the old Maximum Group Data Rate value (retrieved in the Provisioned Maximum Group Data Rate) and new notified values for the AF provisioned Maximum Group Data Rate; and2, copies the notified Maximum Group Data Rate value from the 5G VN group data in the Provisioned Maximum Group Data Rate in the UDR policy data.NOTE: The above treatment is to ensure that there is a correct update of theRemaining Maximum Group Data Rate in case the AF has provided a Maximum Group Data Rate for a 5G VN group that did not have any Maximum Group Data Rate, or the AF has modified the Maximum Group Data Rate value.

[0107] The PCF may request subscription information at PDU Session establishment, PDU Session modification, during AM Policy Association Establishment procedure and during the UE Policy Association Establishment procedure.

[0108] The PCF may receive notifications on changes in the subscription information. Upon reception of a notification, the PCF shall make the policy control decisions necessary to accommodate the change in the subscription and shall update the SMF and / or the AMF if needed.

[0109] NOTE 1 : How the PCF provisions / retrieves information related with policy control subscription data is defined in TS 23.501 [2],

[0110] The policy control subscription profile information provided by the UDR during the UE Policy Association Establishment procedure using Nudr service for Data Set "Policy Data" and Data Subset "UE context policy control data" is described in Table 6.2-1 : Table 6.2-1 : UE context policy control subscription information

[0111] NOTE 2: S-NSSAI subscription information can be part of UE context policy control subscription information and Session Management Subscription data / Slice Selection Subscription data. UDR implementation and the provisioning system are responsible for keeping the consistency of this information when both Data Sets are stored in the same UDR. The provisioning system is responsible for keeping the consistency of this information when both Data Sets are stored in different UDRs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of operating a network node (1000) configured to provide a policy control function, PCF, the method comprising: receiving (610, 520, 530), from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR; receiving (620, 540, 570) group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; and in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR; and / or adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR.

2. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises: in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: determining (640, 550, 580) at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR based on the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR, the at least one updated value of the MGDR, and the at least one value of the remaining MGDR; and transmitting (660, 560), to the UDR, adjusted group policy control information including: at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and / or the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR.

3. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein determining (640, 550, 580) the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR comprises determining the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR based on the at least one value of the remaining MGDR and a difference between the at least one updated value of the MGDR and the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR.

4. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information comprises: adjusting the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information to the at least one updated value of the MGDR; and wherein adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information comprises: adjusting the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information to the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR.

5. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises: in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is equal to the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: determining not to adjust the group policy control information based on determining that the value of the provisioned MGDR is equal to the at least one updated value of the MGDR.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein determining to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information comprises sending an indication, to the UDR, to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information.

7. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises: determining (630, 550) that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein determining (630, 550) is based on a comparison of the at least one updated value of the MGDR and the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR.

9. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein receiving the group policy control information comprises receiving the group policy control information from the UDR, and wherein the group policy control information comprises 5thgeneration, 5G, virtual network, VN, group specific policy control information.

10. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein receiving the indication of the at least one updated value of the MGDR comprises receiving an indication that an application function, AF, adjusted at least one MGDR to the at least one updated value of the MGDR.

11. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one MGDR comprises at least one of: a MGDR for uplink, UL; and a MGDR for downlink, DL, wherein the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR comprises at least one of: a value of a provisioned MGDR for UL; and a value of a provisioned MGDR for DL, wherein the at least one value of the remaining MGDR comprises at least one of: a value of a remaining MGDR for UL; and a value of a remaining MGDR for DL, wherein the at least one updated value of the MGDR comprise at least one of: an updated value of the MGDR for UL; and an updated value of the MGDR for DL, wherein the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR comprises at least one of: an updated value of the provisioned MGDR for UL; and an updated value of the provisioned MGDR for DL; and wherein the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR comprises at least one of: an updated value of the remaining MGDR for UL; and an updated value of the remaining MGDR for DL.

12. A method of operating a network node (1000) configured to provide a user data repository, UDR, the method comprising: transmitting (730, 540), to a policy control function, PCF, group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned maximum group data rate, MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; receiving (740, 560), from the PCF, adjusted group policy control information including atleast one of: at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR; and storing (750) the adjusted group policy control information in memory (1004).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises: retrieving (720) the group policy control information from the memory (1004).

14. The method according to any of claims 12 to 13, further comprising: determining (710, 510) that at least one MGDR has been adjusted by an application function, AF.

15. The method of according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the PCF is a first PCF, the method comprising: responsive to storing the adjusted group policy control information in the memory (1004), transmitting (760, 570), to a second PCF, the adjusted group policy control information.

16. The method according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the method comprises: determining (770) to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein determining to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information comprises receiving an indication from the second PCF to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein determining to not adjust the adjusted group policy control information comprises determining that an amount of time that has elapsed since transmitting the adjusted group policy control information exceeds a threshold amount of time.

19. The method according to any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the group policy control information comprises 5thgeneration, 5G, virtual network, VN, group specific policy control information.

20. The method according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the at least one MGDR comprises at least one of: a MGDR for uplink, UL; and a MGDR for downlink, DL; wherein the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR comprises at least one of: a value of a provisioned MGDR for UL; and a value of a provisioned MGDR for DL, wherein the at least one value of the remaining MGDR comprises at least one of: a value of a remaining MGDR for UL; and a value of a remaining MGDR for DL, wherein the at least one updated value of the MGDR comprise at least one of: an updated value of the MGDR for UL; and an updated value of the MGDR for DL, wherein the at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR comprises at least one of: an updated value of the provisioned MGDR for UL; and an updated value of the provisioned MGDR for DL; and wherein the at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR comprises at least one of: an updated value of the remaining MGDR for UL; and an updated value of the remaining MGDR for DL.

21. A network node (1000) configured to provide a policy control function, PCF, the network node adapted to perform operations comprising: receiving (610, 520, 530), from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR; receiving (620,540, 570) group policy control information including: at least one value of a provisioned MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; and in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR; and / or adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR.

22. The network node of Claim 21, further adapted to perform any of the operations of Claims 1-11.

23. A computer program comprising program code to be executed by processing circuitry (1002) of a network node (1000) configured to provide a policy control function, PCF, , whereby execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations comprising: receiving (610, 520, 530), from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR; receiving (620, 540, 570) group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; and in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR; and / or adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR.

24. The computer program of Claim 23, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 1-11.

25. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium (1006) including program code to be executed by processing circuitry (1002) of a network node (1000) configured to provide a policy control function, PCF, whereby execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations comprising: receiving (610, 520, 530), from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR; receiving (620, 540, 570) group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; and in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR:adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR; and / or adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR.

26. The computer program product of Claim 25, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 1-11.

27. A network node (1000) configured to provide a policy control function, PCF, the network node comprising: processing circuitry (1002); and memory (1004) coupled to the processing circuitry and having instructions stored therein that are executable by the processing circuitry to cause the network node to perform operations comprising: receiving (610, 520, 530), from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR; receiving (620, 540, 570) group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; and in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR; and / or adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR.

28. The network node of Claim 27, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 1-11.

29. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein that are executable by processing circuitry (1002) of a network node (1000) configured to provide a policy control function, PCF, to cause the network node to perform operations comprising: receiving (610, 520, 530), from a user data repository, UDR, an indication of at least one updated value of a maximum group data rate, MGDR;receiving (620, 540, 570) group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; and in response to determining that the at least one updated value of the MGDR is different from the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR: adjusting (560) the at least one value of the provisioned MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR; and / or adjusting (560) the at least one value of the remaining MGDR in the group policy control information based on the at least one updated value of MGDR.

30. The non-transitory computer readable medium of Claim 29, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 1-11.

31. A network node (1000) configured to provide a user data repository, UDR, the network node adapted to perform operations comprising: transmitting (730, 540), to a policy control function, PCF, the group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned maximum group data rate, MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; receiving (740, 560), from the PCF, adjusted group policy control information including: at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR; and storing (750) the adjusted group policy control information in memory (1004).

32. The network node of Claim 31, further adapted to perform any of the operations of Claims 12-20.

33. A computer program comprising program code to be executed by processing circuitry (1002) of a network node (1000) configured to provide a user data repository, UDR, whereby execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (730, 540), to a policy control function, PCF, the group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned maximum group data rate, MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR;receiving (740, 560), from the PCF, adjusted group policy control information including: at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR; and storing (750) the adjusted group policy control information in memory (1004).

34. The computer program of Claim 33, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 12-20.

35. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium (1006) including program code to be executed by processing circuitry (1002) of a network node (1000) configured to provide a user data repository, UDR, whereby execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (730, 540), to a policy control function, PCF, the group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned maximum group data rate, MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; receiving (740, 560), from the PCF, adjusted group policy control information including: at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR; and storing (750) the adjusted group policy control information in memory (1004).

36. The computer program product of Claim 35, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 12-20.

37. A network node (1000) configured to provide a user data repository, UDR, , the network node comprising: processing circuitry (1002); and memory (1004) coupled to the processing circuitry and having instructions stored therein that are executable by the processing circuitry to cause the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (730, 540), to a policy control function, PCF, the group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned maximum group data rate, MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR;receiving (740, 560), from the PCF, adjusted group policy control information including: at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR; and storing (750) the adjusted group policy control information in memory (1004).

38. The network node of Claim 37, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 12-20.

39. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein that are executable by processing circuitry (1002) of a network node (1000) configured to provide a user data repository, UDR, to cause the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (730, 540), to a policy control function, PCF, the group policy control information including at least one of: at least one value of a provisioned maximum group data rate, MGDR; and at least one value of a remaining MGDR; receiving (740, 560), from the PCF, adjusted group policy control information including: at least one updated value of the provisioned MGDR; and at least one updated value of the remaining MGDR; and storing (750) the adjusted group policy control information in memory (1004).

40. The non-transitory computer readable medium of Claim 39, the operations further comprising any of the operations of Claims 12-20.

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