PCRF APN Restriction for Static IP Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication networks, restricting user groups to a single access point name (APN) for static IP address requirements is not practical, as changes at the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) or Home Location Register (HLR) are often impractical across multiple user groups, and existing solutions do not efficiently support static IP addresses without affecting existing services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an access point name control solution within the Policy Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to enforce APN restrictions by prioritizing a new feature that blocks services if the APN is not equal to the required one, ensuring static IP addresses are assigned correctly without requiring user configuration changes to the HSS/HLR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If APN restrictions are enforced at HSS or HLR to support static IP addresses, then static IP address assignment is enabled, but configuration changes become complex and impractical across multiple user groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PCRF as an intermediary component between the user equipment and the HSS/HLR. The PCRF receives session requests, determines whether static IP addresses are required, and enforces APN restrictions dynamically without requiring configuration changes at the HSS/HLR. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling static IP functionality while avoiding the complexity of updating multiple subscriber databases.
2Reliability
If user equipment is hardcoded with specific APN for static IP addresses, then static IP assignment is achieved, but flexibility to add or change static IP capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic APN restriction enforcement at the PCRF based on real-time session analysis. Instead of static hardcoding in user equipment or fixed configurations in HSS/HLR, the system dynamically determines whether a session requires static IP addressing and applies appropriate APN restrictions during session establishment. This dynamic approach maintains reliability while enabling flexible addition and modification of static IP capabilities.
3Reliability
If changes are made at HSS or HLR to restrict user groups to single APN, then static IP requirements are met, but service disruption to existing users occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of session requests at the PCRF to determine whether static IP addressing is required before enforcing APN restrictions. By evaluating each session request individually and applying restrictions only when necessary, the system enables static IP functionality for requiring users while allowing existing users to continue accessing multiple APNs without disruption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user groups are supported across several APNs, then service versatility is improved, but restricting specific groups to single APN becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enforcing APN restrictions selectively at the PCRF based on individual user group requirements and session characteristics. Instead of applying uniform restrictions across all users or configuring each user group individually in HSS/HLR, the system analyzes each session request and applies appropriate APN restrictions locally at the PCRF, maintaining multi-APN support for general users while restricting specific groups to single APN as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular communication system uses a policy control rule function (PCRF) to allow or deny a particular user or user group access to a given access point name (APN). An allowed APN may support static IP address assignment for that user/user group. By restricting requested APNs via a test in the PCRF, frequent changes to the user's home service server (HSS)/home location registry (HLR) supporting static IP address can be avoided while ensuring that designated users will have access to an APN that supports the needed IP address pool.