Credit Authorization Node Using PCRF Mediator for Event Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3GPP-based cellular telecommunication systems, the limited information exchange between the BBERF and PCEF via PMIP protocol hinders accurate credit authorization, as the PCEF cannot monitor all credit events authorized by the OCS, leading to incomplete credit authorization decisions.
Innovation Solution
A node equipped with interfaces for BBERF, PCRF, and OCS, capable of sending credit authorization requests and event information, receiving credit authorization triggers, and comparing event information from OCS and BBERF to ensure similarity before completing credit authorization, with the option to re-trigger requests if information differs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PMIP protocol is used for information exchange between BBERF and PCEF, then the system maintains compatibility with existing 3GPP specifications, but the information exchange is limited and prevents accurate credit authorization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PCRF as an intermediary node between the BBERF and PCEF. The PCRF receives event information from the BBERF via the Gxx interface, processes it, and then provides credit authorization information to the PCEF via the Gx interface. This intermediary approach allows the system to overcome the limitations of the PMIP protocol while maintaining compatibility with existing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the information exchange architecture by introducing the Gxx interface between BBERF and PCRF, separate from the existing PMIP-based S5/S8 interface between BBERF and PCEF. This allows event information to flow through an additional channel that is not constrained by the PMIP protocol's limitations.
2Reliability
If the PCEF receives limited event information from BBERF via PMIP, then the system architecture remains simple, but credit authorization decisions become incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF acts as a mediator that consolidates event information from the BBERF and presents comprehensive credit authorization data to the PCEF. This mediator approach improves authorization completeness without requiring complex direct information exchange between BBERF and PCEF.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF performs multiple functions: it receives event information from BBERF via Gxx, processes credit authorization logic, and provides authorization decisions to PCEF via Gx. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity in a single node rather than distributing it across multiple interfaces.
3Loss of information
If the Gy interface terminates at the PCEF, then the interface architecture remains straightforward, but the OCS cannot receive comprehensive event information from the BBERF
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF serves as an intermediary that collects event information from the BBERF and makes it available to the OCS through the PCEF. This allows the OCS to receive comprehensive event information without requiring the Gy interface to terminate elsewhere in the architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF performs preliminary processing of event information from the BBERF before it is needed by the OCS. By pre-consolidating and preparing the event information through the Gx interface to the PCEF, the system ensures the OCS receives complete information when credit authorization is performed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A node (200) for a telecommunications system, comprising a PCEF and interfaces (S5/S8; Gx; Gy) towards a BERF, a PCRF, and an OCS, an Online Charging System. The node (200) is equipped with a function (210) for sending a credit authorization request and event information to the OCS, and for receiving, in reply, a credit authorization trigger from the OCS. The node (330) also comprises a function (220) for forwarding such credit authorization triggers to the PCRF and for receiving from the PCRF acknowledgment of installation in the BBERF and information regarding the events for which credit is sought. The node comprises a function (230) for receiving the result of a comparison between the event information that was sent to the OCS and the event information that was received from the BBERF; if those two are not similar, the credit authorization is not considered completed.