PCEF Service Event Trigger for Dynamic QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DPI technology in GGSN nodes does not allow differentiation of services based on service classification, limiting the ability to modify Quality of Service (QoS) parameters dynamically in response to changes in user sessions.
Innovation Solution
A Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) node with a service traffic detector, processor, and interface that notifies the Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of service start, stop, or update conditions via the Gx reference point, allowing dynamic installation and modification of PCC rules to adjust QoS settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DPI technology is used in GGSN for service classification, then packet inspection and service classification can be performed, but service differentiation based on service classification is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Event Trigger mechanism as an intermediary between the PCEF (which performs DPI) and the PCRF (which makes policy decisions). This mediator captures service classification events from DPI, formats them as standardized Event Trigger AVPs, and transmits them over the Gx reference point to the PCRF, enabling service differentiation without requiring direct complex integration between DPI and policy control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the service differentiation functionality into distinct modular components: (1) Service Traffic Detector for DPI and event detection, (2) Event Trigger generator for event formatting, (3) Gx reference point for communication, and (4) PCRF for policy decision-making. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve service differentiation
2Adaptability or versatility
If PCC rules are dynamically installed and modified to adjust QoS settings, then Quality of Service can be optimized for detected services, but the complexity of rule management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the PCEF continuously monitors service traffic, detects service start/stop conditions, and sends Event Trigger notifications to the PCRF. The PCRF receives these feedback events and dynamically installs, modifies, or removes PCC rules accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism enables dynamic QoS adjustment without manual rule management, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic PCC rule management where rules are not statically configured but dynamically installed, modified, and removed based on real-time service detection events. The system transitions from static to dynamic rule management, allowing QoS parameters to adapt automatically to changing service conditions through the Event Trigger mechanism
3Speed
If service event triggers are implemented for real-time service detection, then real-time service condition monitoring is enabled, but the signaling overhead on the Gx reference point increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing Event Triggers only for specific service start and stop conditions rather than continuously reporting all traffic details. The PCEF detects and reports only the critical events (service start, service stop) that require QoS changes, rather than transmitting continuous service state information. This selective event reporting reduces signaling overhead while maintaining real-time detection capability for critical QoS-related events
Data Source
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AI summary
A Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) node for a telecommunications network has a service traffic detector, for performing service traffic detection during a session. A processor detects a predetermined service condition from said service traffic detection. The PCEF notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the detected service condition by means of a service event defined in an Event Trigger AVP over a Gx reference point. The PCRF receives the notification of the detected service condition, and controls the service provision in response to the detected service condition, for example by controlling the Quality of Service applied to the service.