Group Trigger Control via SCS-PCRF Policy Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators face challenges in efficiently managing Machine Type Communications (MTC) services to prevent network overload, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to control group triggers based on defined network policies, leading to potential overloading and unauthorized usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Service Capability Server (SCS) that communicates with a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to determine and enforce network policies for group triggers, including authorization, time restrictions, group size, and waiting periods, thereby controlling the delivery of group triggers and preventing overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If group triggers are sent to large groups of MTC devices, then the coverage and functionality of MTC services is improved, but the network becomes overloaded and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Policy Control Function (PCF) as an intermediary between the MTC server and the network. The PCF receives group trigger requests, evaluates them against predefined network policies, and makes authorization decisions. This mediator prevents unauthorized or excessive group triggers from directly overloading the network while still allowing legitimate services to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary policy evaluation before the actual trigger delivery. Network policies are predefined and stored in the PCF, which checks authorization, time restrictions, group size limits, and waiting periods before allowing a group trigger to proceed. This preliminary action prevents network overload by blocking potentially harmful requests before they reach the network core.
2Productivity
If network policies are strictly enforced for group triggers, then network overload is prevented, but the flexibility and adaptability of MTC services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy evaluation where the PCF can adapt its decisions based on multiple factors including time of day, group size, device characteristics, and network conditions. Policies are not static blocks but dynamic rules that can be adjusted in real-time while maintaining security and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows network policies to be configured with various parameters such as time restrictions, maximum group sizes, waiting periods between triggers, and authorization levels. These parameters can be adjusted to balance network efficiency with service flexibility, allowing operators to optimize policies based on actual network conditions and service requirements.
3Reliability
If individual MTC devices are managed separately, then precise control and authorization is achieved, but the signaling overhead and network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple individual MTC devices into a single group trigger mechanism. Instead of evaluating and controlling each device individually, the system creates group-level authorization where a single trigger can be sent to multiple devices simultaneously. This combining approach maintains reliable authorization through policy-based control while significantly reducing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCF serves multiple functions: it authenticates MTC servers, evaluates group trigger requests, checks time restrictions, validates group sizes, and manages waiting periods. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be multiple separate control mechanisms into a single unified system, reducing overall network complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling group triggers for Machine-Type Communications (MTC) services. In one embodiment, a Services Capability Server (SCS) of a network receives a request indicating a group trigger from an MTC server to activate an MTC feature in a group of MTC devices. In response to the group trigger request, the SCS queries a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) for network policies defined for group triggers, and controls delivery of the group trigger to the group of MTC devices based on the network policies provided by the PCRF.