PCRF Bearer Control Mode Adaptation in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP specifications do not provide clear methods for the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to determine and handle changes in the bearer control mode for IP-CAN sessions, leading to difficulties in adapting resource allocations to the needs of mobile devices and serving hardware.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the PCRF receives request messages, determines if they involve modifications to IP-CAN sessions, compares current and previous bearer control modes, and modifies the sessions accordingly, ensuring compliance by removing non-compliant rules and ensuring only valid sessions remain after a mode change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PCRF follows traditional 3GPP specifications for handling IP-CAN sessions, then the network maintains stability and compatibility with existing standards, but the system lacks the ability to dynamically adapt bearer control modes to changing network conditions and device needs
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF dynamically determines bearer control modes based on current network conditions, device capabilities, and service requirements rather than using fixed modes. The system can switch between UE_ONLY and UE_NW modes as needed, making the bearer control mechanism flexible and adaptive to changing circumstances
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF receives feedback from multiple sources including UE capabilities, network conditions, and service requirements to intelligently determine the appropriate bearer control mode. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt its behavior based on real-time information about the network state and device needs
2Productivity
If the PCRF implements dynamic bearer control mode determination, then resource allocation adaptability improves, but the risk of non-compliant sessions and configuration errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF performs preliminary validation of the determined bearer control mode against 3GPP specifications before applying it to the IP-CAN session. This pre-validation step ensures that dynamic mode selection does not result in non-compliant configurations, maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF automatically validates and ensures compliance of its own bearer control mode determinations against stored 3GPP specifications. The system self-corrects potential configuration errors and maintains session validity without external intervention, ensuring reliability through autonomous compliance checking
3Measurement precision
If the PCRF stores and references 3GPP specification data locally, then compliance checking capability improves, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF extracts only the essential bearer control mode specification data from the complete 3GPP specifications for local storage and validation. By taking out only the critical compliance-checking elements rather than storing entire specifications, the system achieves accurate compliance determination with minimal memory overhead
Data Source
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AI summary
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node and machine-readable storage medium including one or more of the following: receiving, at the PCRN, a request message from an Evolved Packet Core node; determining whether the request message includes a request for a modification to an IP-CAN session; and if the request message includes a request for a modification to the IP-CAN session: determining a current bearer control mode for the IP-CAN session, determining a previous bearer control mode for the IP-CAN session, comparing the current bearer control mode to the previous bearer control mode, and if the current bearer control mode is different from the previous bearer control mode, modifying the IP-CAN session according to the current bearer control mode.