Binding Support Function for 4G-5G Session Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network standards face challenges in efficiently managing and routing sessions across 4G and 5G environments, particularly in handling the transition from 4G to 5G networks, due to differences in network functions and message protocols, leading to complexities in determining context owners and session routing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Binding Support Function (BSF) that facilitates session binding records between Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) for 4G sessions and Policy Control Function (PCF) for 5G sessions, using the Nbsf interface to manage and route Application Function (AF) messages, thereby enabling seamless routing across both networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate network functions (PCRF for 4G, PCF for 5G) are used to manage sessions in different network architectures, then each network architecture can be optimized independently, but routing complexity increases and message routing becomes inefficient across 4G and 5G environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a unified session management function that acts as an intermediary between AF and both PCRF/PCF instances. This intermediary maintains binding records that map session identifiers to the appropriate 4G or 5G policy control function, thereby simplifying routing logic while preserving the benefits of separate network architecture optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal session management mechanism that can handle both 4G and 5G sessions through a single interface and binding record structure. This multi-functional approach allows the system to route messages to either PCRF or PCF instances based on the session type without requiring separate routing logic for each network architecture.
2Productivity
If binding records are distributed across multiple network functions, then session management can be decentralized, but message routing efficiency decreases and network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the binding record storage and management functionality from distributed network functions and consolidates it into a centralized binding record store. This extraction allows session management to remain efficient through centralized lookup while reducing redundant network traffic by eliminating the need for repeated discovery queries across multiple distributed functions.
3Ease of operation
If DRAs maintain session state information, then routing decisions can be made locally, but device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables DRAs to remain stateless by having them query the binding record store for routing information when needed. The binding record store serves itself by maintaining all necessary session-to-PCC-function mappings, eliminating the need for DRAs to maintain session state while still enabling local routing decisions through quick lookups.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to systems and methods for routing messages for 4G and 5G sessions. In certain embodiments, a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) system may comprise one or more processors, and a memory having stored thereon instructions. The instructions, upon execution, may cause the one or more processors to receive a 4G communication session initiation request for a 4G session, and in response to the 4G communication session initiation request, issue a session binding request directed to a Binding Support Function (BSF), the session binding request directing the BSF to create a binding record linking the 4G session to the PCRF to enable routing of Application Function (AF) messages to the PCRF via the BSF. The instructions may further cause the one or more processors to receive an AF message routed to the PCRF based on the binding record.