Policy Control Function Background Data Transfer Policy Update

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms for background data transfer (BDT) renegotiation in telecommunication networks lack flexibility, as mobile network operators (MNOs) have limited ability to improve network conditions by renegotiating rate limits and charging policies.

Innovation Solution

A method for updating background data transfer policies in a core network, where a Policy Control Function (PCF) determines the impact of degraded network performance on existing BDT policies and generates updated policy information, including candidate policies and updated conditions, which are then sent to an Application Function (AF).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing BDT renegotiation mechanisms are used, then policy updates can be negotiated between AF and CN, but MNOs have limited flexibility to improve network conditions and signaling delays occur during renegotiation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMNO flexibility to improve network conditionsVSAvoidsignaling delays during renegotiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PCF proactively determines updated BDT policy information based on network performance before the AF requests renegotiation. By preparing candidate policies and updated conditions in advance, the system reduces signaling delays and enables MNOs to flexibly improve network conditions without waiting for AF-initiated renegotiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The PCF continuously monitors network performance and uses this feedback to dynamically determine updated BDT policies. This feedback mechanism enables MNOs to adaptively adjust rate limits and charging policies based on real-time network conditions, improving flexibility and responsiveness while avoiding unnecessary renegotiation signaling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If BDT policy renegotiation is initiated by AF, then policy updates can occur, but MNOs cannot proactively control BDT conditions based on network performance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePolicy update capabilityVSAvoidMNO control over BDT conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the AF initiating policy renegotiation based on its own needs, the PCF inverts the control flow by proactively determining and offering updated policies to the AF. This inversion enables MNOs to control BDT conditions based on network performance while still allowing the AF to receive and act on policy updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCF acts as an intermediary between the network performance monitoring function and the AF. It receives network performance information, determines appropriate policy updates, and communicates these to the AF, thereby enabling MNO control over BDT conditions while maintaining the existing AF-CN interaction framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If traditional renegotiation procedures are used, then BDT policies can be updated, but network resource allocation efficiency is reduced due to signaling overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNetwork resource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidSignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PCF autonomously determines updated BDT policy information based on network performance without requiring the AF to initiate renegotiation. This self-service approach eliminates unnecessary signaling exchanges, reduces overhead, and improves network resource allocation efficiency by allowing the network to self-adjust policies based on current conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12213033B2Updating a background data transfer policy negotiated between an application function and a core network

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments include methods of updating a background data transfer (BDT) policy negotiated between an application function (AF) and a core network (CN) of a telecommunication network. Such methods can be performed by a Policy Control Function (PCF) of the CN and can include, in response to receiving a notification of degraded network performance of a network area, determining that the negotiated BDT policy is affected by the degraded network performance and an Application Service Provider (ASP) associated with the negotiated BDT policy requested a warning notification. Such methods can include determining, at least based on operator policies, updated BDT policy information for the negotiated BDT policy, wherein the updated BDT policy information comprises at least one of the following: at least one candidate BDT policy, and updated conditions for the negotiated BDT policy. Such methods can include sending the updated BDT policy information to the AF.