PCRF-MME Direct Interface for QoS Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication systems, such as mobile networks, face challenges in managing visibility of mobility procedures and UE mobility states, leading to conflicts that can result in the termination of communication sessions due to the lack of efficient information propagation between devices.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a method and system that utilize both direct and indirect interfaces between the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Serving General packet radio service Support Node (SGSN), with the direct interface for Quality of Service (QoS) information and the indirect interface for other types of information, bypassing the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) and Serving Gateway (SGW) when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a direct interface is established between PCRF and MME/SGSN for QoS information, then QoS authorization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoS authorization efficiencyVSAvoidinterface management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication interface into two distinct paths: a direct interface (S5/S8) between PCRF and MME/SGSN for QoS-related messaging, and an indirect interface through PGW and SGW for other communications. This segmentation allows QoS authorization to bypass unnecessary network elements and travel directly between the relevant components, improving efficiency while maintaining clear interface management through defined protocols for each path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a direct signaling path that mediates QoS authorization between PCRF and MME/SGSN without requiring PGW or SGW involvement. This intermediary direct interface acts as a dedicated channel that simplifies the QoS authorization process by eliminating redundant intermediaries while maintaining protocol compatibility through standardized messaging procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If indirect interface through PGW and SGW is used for all communications, then device compatibility is improved, but information propagation speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidinformation propagation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic interface selection mechanism where the system automatically chooses between direct and indirect interfaces based on the message type and network conditions. For QoS authorization messages, the direct interface is dynamically activated to improve propagation speed, while for other communications, the indirect interface through PGW and SGW is used to maintain device compatibility. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the communication path to the specific requirements of each interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by assigning different interface characteristics to different communication needs: the direct interface between PCRF and MME/SGSN is optimized for speed and efficiency in QoS matters, while the indirect interface through PGW and SGW is optimized for broad compatibility and routing flexibility. Each interface path is locally optimized for its specific function, allowing the system to achieve both speed and compatibility without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interfaces are established between PCRF and MME/SGSN, then functional versatility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidinterface management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the direct interface between PCRF and MME/SGSN to handle multiple QoS-related functions including authorization requests, updates, and confirmations. This single direct interface path serves universal QoS communication needs, eliminating the requirement for separate dedicated interfaces for each QoS function. The indirect interface through PGW and SGW simultaneously handles non-QoS communications, creating a universal communication framework that reduces overall interface complexity while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10645710B2Method and apparatus for managing communication interfaces in a communication system

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, facilitating establishing a first interface between a processor and the system where the system performs a policy and charging rules function in a mobile communications network and where the first interface bypasses a packet data network gateway and a serving gateway, facilitating establishing a second interface between the processor and the system where the second interface utilizes the packet data network gateway and the serving gateway, providing a first message from the processor to the system via the first interface where the first message is associated with a quality of service authorization, and receiving a second message from the system via the first interface where the second message is associated with the quality of service authorization. Other embodiments are disclosed.