Event Subscription Signaling for 5G PCC Rule Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for the network exposure function (NEF) to determine whether policy and charging control (PCC) is applied for UEs with high-latency communication, leading to inconsistent signaling paths for event subscription notifications and inadequate support for extended buffering and packet detection at the UPF and SMF.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a new policy control request trigger about subscriptions for event exposure received by a SMF. The method can include a subscription for the SMF, in an embodiment, the SMF notifies the PCF via a new Policy Control Request Trigger about the subscription to 'Downlink data delivery status' events, allowing the PCF to install or update PCC rules with matching packet filters and a new 'AF subscription to downlink data delivery status events IE'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the SMF receives event subscription requests from multiple network functions, then the complexity of managing inconsistent signaling paths increases, but the reliability of event notification delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Policy Control Function (PCF) as an intermediary to mediate between the Session Management Function (SMF) and Application Functions (AFs). The PCF receives event subscription requests from AFs, determines whether PCC is applied, and manages the signaling paths accordingly. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by centralizing the decision-making process, reducing signaling path management complexity while ensuring reliable event notification delivery through standardized procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports extended buffering for high-latency communication, then the adaptability to different communication scenarios improves, but the device complexity at UPF and SMF increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffering capabilities where the UPF and SMF can adjust buffering behavior based on PCC rules and event subscription requirements. The system dynamically activates extended buffering for high-latency communication scenarios while maintaining standard operation for other cases. This dynamic approach enables adaptability to different communication scenarios without permanently increasing device complexity, as buffering resources are allocated and managed on-demand based on network conditions and service requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for event subscription notification(s) are provided. One method may include providing, from a first network entity, a policy control request trigger about subscriptions for event exposure to a second network entity. The method may also include receiving a notification, from the second network entity, about the policy control request trigger, and installing or updating at least one policy and charging control (PCC) rule based on the information received in the notification from the second network entity.