Direct Interface Between NG-CCF and NG-PCF for Unified Policy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for enabling communication between the Next Generation Core Control Function (NG-CCF) and the Next Generation Policy Control Function (NG-PCF) in the next generation network architecture, as specified in 3GPP Technical Specifications, to support unified policy frameworks and govern network behavior effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a direct interface between NG-CCF and NG-PCF nodes for communication, allowing the exchange of network-related parameters such as mobility policies, Location-Based Services, Next Generation User Plane selection, and Radio Access Technology/Frequency Selection Priority, using a configuration that can serve as both the Sx and Gx interfaces, enabling the NG-CCF to request and receive mobility policies and forward them to the Next Generation Radio Access Network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct interface is implemented between NG-CCF and NG-PCF nodes, then communication capability and policy enforcement are improved, but device complexity and interface configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface between NG-CCF and NG-PCF is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both the Sx interface (for mobility policies and access network information) and the Gx interface (for PCC rules and service data flow control). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated interfaces, thereby improving communication capability while managing device complexity through interface consolidation.
2Device complexity
If multiple interface functions are combined into a single interface between NG-CCF and NG-PCF, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and interface functionality differentiation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
While the physical interface is consolidated, the logical functions are segmented and clearly defined. The interface handles Sx functions (mobility policies, access network information transmission) and Gx functions (PCC rules, service data flow detection, QoS control) as distinct functional segments. This segmentation allows precise identification and measurement of each interface function's performance, maintaining measurement precision despite physical interface consolidation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method (300) in a Next Generation Core Control Function (NG-CCF) node for communication with a Next Generation Policy Control Function (NG-PCF) node. The method (300) comprises: communicating (S310) network related parameters with the NG-PCF node via a direct interface between the NG-CCF node and the NG-PCF node.