Distributed Policy Enforcement for Low-Latency RAN Flow Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for low-latency traffic management in mobile networks, driven by real-time media and edge computing applications, is hindered by the introduction of new network elements that typically increase latency, particularly at the network edge.
Innovation Solution
A system for configurable flow management is introduced, featuring a base station coupled with a coordinating node that retrieves and enforces policy rules from a PCRF node, allowing for decentralized policy enforcement at the edge of the network, reducing latency by applying rules closer to the user device and enabling efficient mobile edge computing scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new network elements are introduced at the network edge to perform edge processing, then network functionality and service capabilities are improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes policy enforcement functionality to local base stations (eNodeBs) rather than concentrating it at the core network. Each base station locally enforces policies for its connected user equipment, enabling edge processing that adapts to local network conditions while minimizing latency by avoiding centralized policy enforcement bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the policy enforcement function from the core network PCRF and distributes it to individual base stations. This segmentation allows each base station to independently enforce policies locally, reducing the need for continuous communication with the core network and thereby reducing latency for real-time traffic management.
2Device complexity
If policy enforcement is centralized at the core network, then policy management is simplified, but latency increases and network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where policy rules are pre-retrieved from the PCRF and cached at base stations before they are needed for enforcement. This preliminary action allows base stations to have policy rules readily available locally, eliminating the need for real-time communication with the core network during policy enforcement and thereby reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinating node that acts as an intermediary between the PCRF and base stations. This coordinator manages the distribution and caching of policy rules, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing policy rule management while enabling distributed enforcement, thus balancing simplicity with low latency.
3Productivity
If distributed policy enforcement is implemented at base stations, then latency is reduced and network efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the base station to perform multiple functions including both traditional radio access and policy enforcement. By integrating policy enforcement capabilities into existing base station infrastructure, the system achieves distributed enforcement without requiring entirely new network elements, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a caching mechanism where policy rules are copied from the PCRF to base stations. This copying approach allows base stations to enforce policies locally without maintaining complex real-time connections to the core network, simplifying the distributed enforcement architecture while improving network efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for providing configurable flow management, comprising: a first base station coupled to a user device and with an established control connection with the user device; and a coordinating node coupled to the first base station and coupled to a core network, thereby providing a gateway for the first base station and the user device to the core network, the core network further comprising a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) node with a database of policy rules, wherein the coordinating node is configured to retrieve policy rules from the PCRF node, to enable enforcement of retrieved policy rules on flows from the user device passing through the coordinating node, and to transmit policy rules to the first base station for enforcement at the first base station.