PCRF Bulk Subscription via SLR Command
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for managing subscription to policy counters in a 3GPP communication network, particularly between the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) and the Online Charging System (OCS), lead to a signalling burst when adding or removing subscriptions for multiple ongoing sessions, which can negatively impact network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows the PCRF to send a single Spending Limit Request (SLR) command to the OCS, specifying the application of subscription changes to all ongoing Sy sessions with a subscription to a reference network policy, using new Attribute Value Pairs (AVPs) such as Reference-Policy-Counter-Identifier and Action Type, enabling bulk subscription or un-subscription without individual requests for each session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Individual Spending Limit Report Requests are sent to the OCS for each subscriber affected by a promotional offer, then the PCRF can manage subscription to policy counters for multiple users, but a signalling burst occurs which negatively impacts network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual Spending Limit Report Requests into a single bulk request mechanism. The PCRF can now send one SLR command with a list of multiple policy counter identifiers, which the OCS processes in a single transaction, thereby merging multiple signalling operations into one and eliminating the signalling burst that degrades network performance
Solution Approach 2:
The SLR command is enhanced to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it can subscribe to, un-subscribe from, or modify multiple policy counters in a single message. The command includes a versatile parameter structure that accepts either a single policy counter identifier or a list of identifiers, allowing the same message format to handle both individual and bulk subscription management scenarios
2Productivity
If a single Spending Limit Request command is sent to the OCS for bulk subscription changes, then the signalling burden is reduced and network performance improves, but the device complexity increases due to new Attribute Value Pairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SLR command structure into distinct, well-defined Attribute Value Pairs (AVPs), each with a specific function. The command is divided into: action type AVP (indicating subscribe/unsubscribe), policy counter identifier AVP (specifying which counter), and optional list AVP (for bulk operations). This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable, standardized components that are easier to process and validate than an undifferentiated message structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces parameter changes to the existing SLR command format by adding new AVPs with specific data types and validation rules. The action type parameter distinguishes between subscription and unsubscription operations, while the policy counter identifier parameter provides a standardized format for referencing counters. These parameter changes extend the existing protocol in a controlled manner, adding functionality while maintaining compatibility with the original command structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, performed in a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), for managing subscription to policy counters maintained at an Online Charging System (OCS) is disclosed. The PCRF is operable to communicate with the OCS over an Sy reference. The method comprises receiving a Multiple Users subscription trigger from a network operator (202), the Multiple Users subscription trigger identifying a reference network policy and a subject network policy. The method further comprises sending a Spending Limit Request (SLR) command to the OCS (214), the SLR command specifying an identifier of a subject policy counter for the subject network policy and specifying application of the SLR command with respect to the subject policy counter to all ongoing Sy sessions between the PCRF and the OCS which already include a subscription to a policy counter for the reference network policy. Also disclosed is a method, performed in an OCS, for managing subscription by a PCRF to policy counters maintained at the OCS. The method comprises receiving an SLR command from the PCRF (302), the SLR command specifying an identifier of a subject policy counter for a subject network policy and specifying application of the SLR command with respect to the subject policy counter to all ongoing Sy sessions between the PCRF and the OCS which already include a subscription to a policy counter for a reference network policy. The method also comprises applying the received SLR command with respect to the subject policy counter to each ongoing Sy session between the OCS and the PCRF which already includes a subscription to a policy counter for the reference network policy (304 – 322). Also disclosed are a PCRF, an OCS and a computer program product.