IP-CAN Session Creation in New PCC Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PCC architecture does not support the creation or deletion of IP-CAN sessions in the new PCC architecture, as the method for managing sessions in the existing architecture is not applicable to the divided PCEF entities in the new architecture.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the PCEFa entity creates a session with the PCRF entity, performs mobility registration with the PCEFb entity, and receives IP-CAN session information and PCC rules from the PCRF entity, allowing the formulation and submission of PCC rules for the IP-CAN session, enabling session creation in the new architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PCEF entity is divided into PCEFa and PCEFb entities in the new PCC architecture, then the adaptability and functionality of the system are improved, but the complexity of session management increases and the existing session creation method becomes inapplicable
Solution Approach 1:
The PCEF entity is segmented into two separate entities: PCEFa (Policy and Charging Enforcement Function a) and PCEFb (Policy and Charging Enforcement Function b). PCEFa is responsible for policy control functions including session creation, QoS authorization, and PCC rule execution, while PCEFb handles charging functions including credit control, charging data collection, and billing. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different functional requirements while maintaining clear separation of duties, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by organizing the divided entities into well-defined functional modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the PCEF entity is divided into multiple entities, then the system can perform specialized policy and charging control functions, but the difficulty of coordinating session management between entities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCEFa entity acts as an intermediary between the network and PCEFb for session management. When a session needs to be created or modified, PCEFa receives the request, performs QoS authorization by interacting with the PCRF, and then coordinates with PCEFb for charging setup. This intermediary role simplifies coordination by providing a single point of contact for session management while allowing PCEFb to focus on charging-specific functions, thereby reducing the overall coordination difficulty despite the divided architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If session management is redistributed between PCEFa and PCEFb entities, then the policy and charging control functions are enhanced, but the operational complexity of session creation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the session management operations between PCEFa and PCEFb through standardized interaction protocols. When a session is created, PCEFa performs the initial authorization and rule setup, then automatically coordinates with PCEFb for charging configuration. The merging of these operations through defined interfaces creates a unified session management flow that maintains operational simplicity despite the distributed architecture, as the coordination is handled transparently through the established interaction mechanisms between the two entities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for creating an Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network, IP-CAN, session are disclosed herein. The method includes: creating, by a First Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFa entity, a session with a Policy and Charging Rules Function entity, PCRF entity; performing, by the PCEFa entity, mobility registration with a second Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFb entity; creating, by the PCEFb entity, a session with the PCRF entity; and sending, by the PCRF entity, a session information to the PCEFa entity and the PCEFb entity.mobility The apparatus includes: a PCEFa entity, a PCEFb entity, and a PCRF entity. The method and the apparatus for creating an IP-CAN session under the present invention accomplish the purpose of creating an IP-CAN session in the new PCC architecture.