N7 Policy Update Failover Between PCFs and SMF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face transport issue failures between the policy control function and the session management function, leading to decreased quality of service, inefficient network resource allocation, and inconsistent session management due to failed re-try mechanisms and unapplied policy updates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for N7 call flow in a standalone architecture, involving a first Policy Control Function (PCF) and a second PCF, which identifies Packet Data Unit (PDU) sessions and transmits policy update information to a Session Management Function (SMF) when certain conditions are met, and reroutes the information through the second PCF if the SMF fails to receive it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single PCF transmits policy update information to the SMF, then the network structure is simple, but transport issue failures occur leading to unreliable policy updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each PCF instance independently capable of transmitting policy updates, with each node having tailored redundancy based on its operational context. The first PCF attempts direct transmission to the SMF, while the second PCF provides redundant transmission only when needed, optimizing the balance between simplicity and reliability at each local point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by having the second PCF prepared as a redundant backup that can immediately take over transmission if the first PCF fails. This preventive measure ensures that transport issues do not result in policy update failures, as the redundant PCF is already in place to compensate for any transmission failures.
2Reliability
If policy update information is transmitted only once to the SMF, then the transmission process is simple, but service quality decreases due to failed updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a response acknowledgment mechanism where the SMF confirms receipt of policy update information. The first PCF monitors whether the SMF has received the updates successfully, and based on this feedback, determines whether to involve the second PCF for redundant transmission. This ensures reliable service quality while avoiding unnecessary redundant transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing redundant transmission only when necessary (when the first PCF detects failure or uncertainty about delivery), rather than always transmitting twice regardless of conditions. This balances service quality improvement with transmission efficiency, avoiding excessive redundant transmissions that would waste network resources.
3Reliability
If redundant PCF is added to ensure reliable policy updates, then service reliability improves, but network resource allocation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the redundant PCF transmission conditional rather than static. The second PCF only transmits policy updates when the first PCF detects failure or uncertainty, allowing the system to adapt its redundancy activation based on real-time transmission success. This dynamic approach ensures reliability when needed while minimizing resource consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the transmission behavior of PCFs based on detected conditions such as transport issue failures, service order code changes, or charging counter changes. The system changes its operational parameters (whether to use redundant transmission) based on the current network state, optimizing the balance between reliability and resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein relates to N7 call flow in a standalone architecture. In embodiments, a computing system may comprise a Session Management Function (SMF) for management of a network session of a network, a first Policy Control Function (PCF) for policy management of network resources of the network, and a second PCF for policy management of the network resources of the network. The SMF can receive information from the first PCF and the second PCF via a first interface. In embodiments, an existing Packet Data Unit (PDU) session between a user device and the computing system is identified. The first PCF can determine, based on received indications, to transmit policy update information to the SMF. Based on a failure to transmit the policy update information to the SMF, the first PCF can transmit the policy update information to the second PCF for transmission to the SMF.