BSF Network Element Session Binding Mapping for 5G-4G Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-network convergence architectures, determining the ownership of session binding information for both 4G and 5G networks is challenging due to the lack of specific attribution within the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network, leading to inaccurate policy control authorization and the need for costly upgrades of DRA network elements to support additional service interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An information processing method that involves a BSF network element receiving 5G session binding information, mapping it to generate 4G session binding information, and sending synchronization information to a DRA network element via an existing synchronization interface, allowing the DRA to forward access authorization requests to the correct PCF network element without requiring upgrades or transformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a service interface is added to the DRA network element to query session binding information, then accurate policy control authorization can be obtained, but the DRA network element requires upgrade and transformation, resulting in large maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DRA session binding information synchronization interface as an intermediary mechanism. This interface enables the PCRF to synchronize session binding information to the DRA without requiring modifications to the DRA's core functionality. The synchronization interface acts as a mediator that bridges the information gap between PCRF and DRA, allowing accurate policy control authorization while avoiding costly DRA upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of session binding information from the PCRF to the DRA before policy control authorization is needed. By pre-establishing the session binding information in the DRA through the synchronization interface, the system avoids the need for real-time queries or complex DRA modifications during actual policy control operations, thereby reducing maintenance costs while ensuring authorization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If session binding information is stored in the DRA network element, then forwarding accuracy is improved, but the DRA network element complexity increases due to need to store and manage binding relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the session binding information storage function from the DRA's core responsibilities. Instead of having the DRA generate and manage session binding information internally, the system extracts this function to the PCRF, which generates the information and synchronizes it to the DRA. This extraction reduces DRA complexity while maintaining forwarding accuracy, as the DRA only needs to store and use the synchronized information without managing the complex binding relationship logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the DRA network element is upgraded to support 5G session binding, then 5G network service support is improved, but maintenance costs and upgrade complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DRA network element universal by enabling it to handle both 4G and 5G session binding information through the same synchronization interface. The DRA stores session binding information from the PCRF in a unified manner that supports multiple network types without requiring separate 5G-specific functionality or upgrades. This multi-functionality approach allows the DRA to support 5G services while avoiding the need for costly upgrades or transformations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing method, and a network element and a computer-readable storage medium. The information processing method comprises: a BSF network element receiving 5G session binding information sent by a PCF network element (S110); mapping the 5G session binding information to generate 4G session binding information (S120); next, generating synchronization information that describes a mapping relationship between the 5G session binding information and the 4G session binding information (S130); and then, sending the synchronization information to a DRA network element by means of a synchronization interface, such that when receiving an access authorization request message that belongs to a 5G network, the DRA network element forwards the access authorization request message to the PCF network element according to the mapping relationship in the synchronization information (S140).