PCRF Notification of Bandwidth Restrictions to Application Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IMS systems lack a defined mechanism for notifying the Application Function (AF) of resource restrictions, particularly bandwidth limitations, which can lead to unclear communication and incorrect formatting of available bandwidth information, affecting session quality and charging control.
Innovation Solution
A method where the Application Function (AF) explicitly requests notification of resource restrictions from the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), specifying preferred formats for bandwidth information, allowing the AF to modify session requests and inform user terminals of allowable bandwidth, and enabling the PCRF to provide updates during ongoing sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PCRF does not notify the AF of resource restrictions, then the system operates with simpler signaling, but the AF cannot make informed decisions about session modifications affecting session quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCRF notifies the AF of resource restrictions through standardized signaling messages. The AF receives feedback about bandwidth limitations and other resource constraints, enabling it to make informed decisions about session modifications while maintaining standardized communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new parameters and information elements to existing signaling messages (such as Adding-AVPs to Authorisation-Arrive and Re-authorisation-Request messages) to convey resource restriction information. This allows the system to enhance functionality by modifying message parameters rather than creating entirely new signaling protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If the AF is notified of resource restrictions, then the AF can modify session requests to comply with restrictions, but the signaling protocol becomes more complex requiring additional messages and formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends existing standardized signaling messages to serve multiple functions. The same Authorisation-Arrive and Re-authorisation-Request messages that convey authorisation decisions are also used to notify resource restrictions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated notification messages and reducing overall signaling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides resource restriction information to the AF in advance through the authorisation phase, before the actual data transmission begins. This allows the AF to pre-calculate modified session parameters that comply with restrictions, avoiding the need for complex real-time negotiations during active sessions
3Measurement precision
If bandwidth information is provided without standardized formatting, then the notification can be simpler, but the AF cannot correctly interpret and use the bandwidth information for session adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces standardized parameters and information elements within existing signaling message frameworks to convey bandwidth and resource restriction information in a structured, machine-readable format. This ensures precise interpretation by the AF while maintaining compatibility with existing protocol structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized information elements as intermediaries between the PCRF and AF. These standardized elements act as a common language that both entities understand, ensuring accurate transmission and interpretation of bandwidth information without requiring complex custom formatting protocols
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of notifying an Application Function, AF, in a communications network of resource restrictions relating to a communications session. The network includes a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, for authorising and controlling flows of data in the session. In the method the AF sends an authorisation request to the PCRF for establishing the communication session. The authorisation request includes an indication that the AF is to be notified of resource restrictions for the data flows in the session. The PCRF notifies the AF of the resource restrictions.