PCRF Application Detection Control via Server Capability Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP network architectures face inefficiencies due to redundant activities and extra message exchanges when applying application detection and control (ADC) to traffic between user equipment and application servers, leading to suboptimal network architecture and policy/charging control optimizations.
Innovation Solution
A method within the 3GPP network that involves a policy and charging rules function receiving capabilities from an application server to create application detection and control rules, optimizing ADC application based on received information, thereby reducing redundant activities and enhancing network and charging control efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application detection and control (ADC) is applied to traffic between user equipment and application server, then network control capability is improved, but redundant activities and extra message exchanges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the application server proactively provide capability information and application identifiers to the PCRF before ADC processing occurs. This allows the PCRF to pre-configure detection rules and avoid redundant ADC activities for traffic to known servers, eliminating extra message exchanges while maintaining network control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional ADC approach by shifting the information provision responsibility from the network side to the application server side. Instead of the network detecting and identifying applications through ADC processes, the application server provides its capabilities and identifiers upfront, reversing the control flow and eliminating redundant detection activities
2Loss of information
If application detection and control (ADC) is applied to traffic between user equipment and application server, then policy control visibility is improved, but extra bearer establishments or modifications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the PCRF receive and store application server capability information in advance. This enables the PCRF to make informed policy decisions without triggering bearer establishments or modifications during actual traffic flow, as all necessary information is already available from the application server's initial capability provision
3Productivity
If application servers provide capabilities to policy and charging rules function, then charging control optimization is improved, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the capability information exchange mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same capability information provided by the application server enables both charging control optimization and ADC rule creation, eliminating the need for separate information exchange mechanisms and reducing overall network architecture complexity despite the enhanced functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from application control interworking in a network to expose certain service capabilities. For example, certain communication systems of the third generation partnership project (3GPP) that provide service capabilities that are exposed to application providers, for example, via open mobile alliance-application programming interface, may benefit from application control interworking in a network. Further, an application programming interface and the 3GPP system can act together to expose 3GPP service capabilities. A method may include receiving parameters of capabilities relating to an application server at a policy and charging rules function. The method may also include creating application detection and control rules based on the parameters received.