Home PCRF Session Modification for SAE Credit Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 3GPP SAE system, the PCEF is divided into two parts, which does not support service data flow-based charging, making it impossible to ensure all PCC rules received by the PCEF that perceive bearer events pass credit authorization in online charging mode.
Innovation Solution
The h-PCRF sends PCC rule providing messages to both PCEFs, determining whether to send additional rules based on responses from the second PCEF, ensuring all PCC rules received by the first PCEF pass credit authorization by generating and delivering new PCC rules and trigger event information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PCEF is divided into two parts in the SAE system, then the system architecture becomes more flexible and adaptable, but it becomes impossible to ensure all PCC rules received by the first PCEF pass credit authorization in online charging mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the h-PCRF as an intermediary between the two PCEFs. The h-PCRF receives PCC rule requests from the first PCEF, generates appropriate PCC rules, and delivers them to the second PCEF. It also sends trigger event information to both PCEFs, ensuring that credit authorization is properly maintained across the divided architecture without requiring direct communication between the PCEFs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts the segmentation of PCEF into two parts (first PCEF and second PCEF) with different functions. The first PCEF handles bearer event perception and triggers, while the second PCEF handles service data flow detection and charging. The h-PCRF coordinates between these segmented components to maintain overall system reliability for credit authorization.
2Reliability
If the h-PCRF sends PCC rules to both PCEFs, then credit authorization is ensured, but the message transmission complexity and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by sending different types of messages to different PCEFs based on their specific functions. The h-PCRF sends trigger event information to both PCEFs, but sends PCC rules primarily to the second PCEF which is responsible for service data flow detection and charging enforcement. This targeted approach reduces unnecessary message transmission while ensuring credit authorization.
3Ease of operation
If the first PCEF receives all PCC rules, then service data flow control is simplified, but the PCEF cannot properly perform service data flow detection and charging without support from the second PCEF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each PCEF to perform its designated functions independently. The first PCEF self-services by detecting bearer events and sending triggers to the h-PCRF. The second PCEF self-services by detecting service data flows and enforcing charging rules. The h-PCRF coordinates between them, allowing each component to operate autonomously in its domain while maintaining overall system functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for session modification are provided. The method includes these steps: A home policy and charging rules function (h-PCRF) sends a policy and charging control (PCC) rule providing message to a first policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF) according to a received PCC rule request message, an application layer service message, or an h-PCRF self-trigger event; and the h-PCRF sends a PCC rule providing message to a second PCEF according to a PCC rule response message received from the first PCEF. With this present disclosure, session modification may be implemented when two or more PCEFs are included in the PCC architecture of a system architecture evolution (SAE) system.