PCC Rule Distribution Among IP-CAN Bearers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3GPP standards for LTE networks do not provide clear guidance on how the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) should interpret application requests or create Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules, leading to challenges in establishing application sessions, charging subscribers, and ensuring quality of experience (QoE) in IP-CAN networks with multiple bearers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically distributing PCC rules among IP-CAN bearers, involving a Policy and Charging Rules Node (PCRN) that processes application requests to generate PCC rules, binds service data flows to select bearers, and controls the distribution of these rules through a Policy and Charging Enforcement Node (PCEN), using interfaces like Gx and Gxx for efficient resource management and user experience enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PCC rules are distributed among multiple IP-CAN bearers, then resource usage on PCEF is improved and user experience is enhanced, but the complexity of rule distribution and bearer binding management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments PCC rules into multiple instances distributed across different IP-CAN bearers based on service data flow characteristics. Each bearer receives a subset of PCC rules relevant to its specific traffic flow, enabling parallel processing and improving resource utilization while managing complexity through structured segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary bearer binding and PCC rule distribution before actual data traffic flows. The PCRN pre-establishes the mapping between service data flows and IP-CAN bearers, and pre-distributes appropriate PCC rules to each bearer, eliminating the need for dynamic reallocation during traffic bursts and simplifying runtime management
2Reliability
If multiple IP-CAN bearers are used for different service data flows, then service quality and charging accuracy are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring bearer-state changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCRN continuously monitors the state of IP-CAN bearers and automatically redistributes PCC rules in response to detected changes. When bearer state changes are detected (such as bearer establishment, modification, or release), the system receives notifications and triggers appropriate PCC rule reallocation, ensuring service quality is maintained while automating the monitoring process
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRN is designed as a universal node that handles multiple functions: it manages PCC rule creation, distribution, modification, and deletion across multiple IP-CAN bearers simultaneously. It also performs bearer binding, service data flow identification, and state monitoring through a unified interface, reducing the overall system complexity despite managing multiple bearers
3Adaptability or versatility
If PCC rules are dynamically redistributed among IP-CAN bearers, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but the processing time and complexity of rule management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing application-specific PCC rules only to the relevant IP-CAN bearers that handle corresponding service data flows. Each bearer receives a customized subset of rules tailored to its specific traffic characteristics and application requirements, improving adaptability while reducing the processing burden on each individual bearer compared to centralized rule management
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and system for distributing policy and charging control (PCC) rules among a plurality of IP-Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) bearers. The method may include one or more of the following: receiving, at a PCRN, an UE request (CCR) message, processing the UE message to generate one or more PCC rules, determining one or more requested service data flows (SDFs) from the UE message, and for each requested SDF, generating a new PCC rule based on the UE message. The method may further include, providing each new PCC rule to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Node (PCEN), controlling distribution of the generated PCC rules among a plurality of IP-CAN bearers, and binding each requested service data flow to select ones of IP-CAN bearers of the plurality of IP-CAN bearers.