Service Redirection Authorization in PCC Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Policy and Charging Control (PCC) architecture is unable to effectively handle service redirections, including determining which services require redirection, applying appropriate policies, and charging for such services, especially when service authorization depends on actions during the redirection process.
Innovation Solution
A new method and system for authorizing service redirections within the PCC architecture, where a PCRF server determines control rules and redirection information based on policy criteria and submits them to a PCEF device, which enforces these rules, including sending redirection messages to users and verifying service authorization after redirection is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PCC architecture uses standard control rules for service authorization, then the authorization process is simple and follows existing procedures, but it cannot handle service redirection scenarios where authorization depends on actions during redirection
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization procedure is segmented into distinct phases: initial service request handling, redirection execution, and post-redirection authorization verification. The PCRF separates control rule generation from redirection management, allowing each component to handle its specific function independently while maintaining overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing control rules and redirection parameters before the actual service delivery. The PCRF pre-configures authorization parameters and redirection information that will be applied during service execution, enabling seamless handling of redirection scenarios without ad-hoc decision-making.
2Productivity
If the PCC architecture implements autonomous redirection handling at PCEF, then redirection execution is faster and more efficient, but the PCEF requires additional complexity to verify authorization after redirection
Solution Approach 1:
The PCEF implements feedback mechanisms to communicate with the PCRF during and after redirection. After autonomously executing redirection based on received parameters, the PCEF verifies authorization by checking against pre-configured rules and reporting status back to the PCRF, creating a closed-loop control system that balances autonomy with centralized oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCEF performs self-service by autonomously executing redirection operations using parameters received from the PCRF without requiring real-time intervention. It independently verifies authorization using locally stored control rules and manages the redirection process, reducing latency while maintaining authorization integrity through pre-configured verification criteria.
3Measurement precision
If the PCRF determines control rules per service basis, then authorization precision is improved for different services, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF performs preliminary determination of control rules during service setup or session establishment, before actual service delivery begins. By pre-calculating and configuring service-specific authorization parameters in advance, the system eliminates real-time computation delays during service execution while maintaining precise per-service authorization control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control rule determination process is made dynamic by allowing the PCRF to adjust the level of per-service analysis based on service type, user profile, and network conditions. For standardized services, simplified rule templates are applied, while for complex services requiring custom authorization logic, full per-service analysis is performed, optimizing the balance between precision and processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention faces the issue of authorizing redirection services in PCC architecture and provides for a PCRF server adapted to determine redirection per service in an IP-CAN session, a PCEF device adapted to receive redirection information per service basis, to determine redirection per service request and to trigger the redirection; and a method of authorizing a redirection service in a PCC architecture, comprising: upon an IP-CAN session establishment or modification, a PCEF device requesting control rules; a PCRF server determining services requiring redirection and answering with control rules and redirection information per service basis; installing at the PCEF device the control rules and redirection information; upon a first request for a service, the PCEF device determining the service redirection and returning a redirection message with a redirection identifier; and upon completion of the service redirection, the first request for the service reaching the PCEF, the PCEF verifying the service is authorized and submitting a service allowance towards the service server in charge of the service.