Account-Level Bit Rate Enforcement via PCRF Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems struggle to effectively implement data speed throttling at the account level, leading to network congestion and degraded service due to the lack of dynamic communication among network elements.
Innovation Solution
A network device is used to enforce account-level data speed management by obtaining an account identifier for user devices, associating it with an aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) value, and calculating per-APN AMBR values, which are then sent to packet data network gateways for enforcement, ensuring consistent data speed control across multiple user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data speed throttling is implemented at the individual subscriber level, then network capacity is protected, but account-level usage management and fair usage among multiple devices cannot be enforced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) as an intermediary network element that mediates between the account-level usage management requirements and the device-level enforcement. The PCRF receives account identifier information, determines appropriate AMBR values, and communicates enforcement rules to network elements, thereby enabling account-level management without requiring direct complex communication between all network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data speed enforcement mechanism into distinct components: account-level policy determination (PCRF), usage monitoring (OCS), and enforcement execution (network gateway). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve account-level management, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If dynamic communication among network elements is implemented for account-level throttling, then effective data speed enforcement is achieved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the policy determination, usage monitoring, and enforcement functions into a coordinated system where the PCRF and OCS work together as an integrated policy management unit. This merging allows dynamic communication to be centralized and managed through standard interfaces, reducing implementation difficulty while maintaining enforcement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the OCS monitors usage and provides real-time information to the PCRF, which then adjusts AMBR values and communicates enforcement rules back to the network. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable data speed enforcement while automating the dynamic communication process, reducing manual configuration complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple devices share a single account with shared data allotment, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but individual device usage control and monitoring become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of account identifier-based management that operates parallel to traditional device-level management. By incorporating account-level AMBR values and using account identifiers in session management, the system enables monitoring and control at both the account level (shared resource utilization) and device level (individual usage), effectively adding an organizational dimension without disrupting existing device-level tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device enables account-level data speed enforcement over a wireless core network. The network device obtains an account identifier for a user device requesting a session, wherein the account identifier applies to multiple user devices. The network device stores the account identifier associated with a user device identifier for the user device and an access point name (APN) identifier for the session. The network device associates the account identifier with an account aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) value and stores, in a memory, an entry including the account identifier, the user device identifier, and the APN identifier. The network device calculates, a per-APN AMBR value for the session, wherein the per-APN AMBR value includes a portion of the account AMBR value, and sends, to a packet data network (PDN) gateway (PGW) device, the per-APN AMBR value for the session requested by the user device.