Dynamic AF-PCF Domain Mapping for Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Policy and Charging Control (PCC) systems in telecommunication networks are limited in flexibility as Application Functions (AFs) can only manage services within a single PCRF domain, leading to potential network failures if the single domain fails, and static mapping solutions restrict AFs from handling communication sessions across multiple PCRF domains.
Innovation Solution
The system allows Application Functions (AFs) to dynamically determine and communicate with any Policy Control Function (PCF) domain for managing communication sessions, using attributes like source IP addresses and network types to select the appropriate PCF domain and interface, enabling AFs to set up and manage sessions across multiple PCF domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AFs are restricted to a single PCRF domain, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability and flexibility deteriorate due to potential network failures and inability to manage sessions across multiple domains
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into multiple PCRF domains, each capable of independently managing communication sessions. This segmentation allows the network to distribute session management across multiple domains, improving reliability by eliminating single points of failure while maintaining manageable complexity through domain isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The AF is designed with multi-functionality to interact with multiple PCRF domains through a unified interface. The AF can dynamically determine which PCF domain to contact based on session attributes, enabling it to manage sessions across different domains without requiring separate specialized functions for each domain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static mapping solutions are used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as AFs cannot handle sessions across multiple PCRF domains
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping between AFs and PCF domains is made dynamic rather than static. The AF can determine at runtime which PCF domain to contact based on session attributes such as source IP addresses and network types. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to different session requirements while managing complexity through attribute-based decision logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in session attributes (source IP addresses, network types) to determine the appropriate PCF domain. By monitoring and responding to changes in these parameters, the AF can dynamically select the correct PCF domain for each session, improving adaptability without requiring complex static mapping tables.
3Adaptability or versatility
If AFs use dynamic determination of PCF domains, then flexibility and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination logic is localized to specific attributes (source IP addresses, network types) rather than requiring global analysis of all session parameters. Each attribute type has its own determination rules, allowing the AF to make domain selection decisions based on local attribute quality without complex global processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary determination mechanism that translates session attributes into PCF domain selections. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a standardized interface between the AF and multiple PCF domains, reducing the complexity of direct AF-PCF domain interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
An application function (AF) of an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) can be in communication with multiple Policy Control Function (PCF) domains of a telecommunication network. The AF can review attributes of a particular communication session, and identify a particular one of the PCF domains that corresponds to the attributes. The AF can then send a request about the communication session to a PCF element of the identified PCF domain over an Rx interface.