PCRF Default Access Determination for Multi-Access PDN Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The detailed procedure for establishing a multi-access PDN connection in the Network-based IP flow Mobility (NBIFOM) is not stipulated, and the means for a network to accept a request for establishing such a connection from a terminal device supporting NBIFOM functions are not clarified.

Innovation Solution

The Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) plays a crucial role in determining the default access for establishing a multi-access PDN connection, enabling communication control procedures in response to connectivity requests from terminal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If NBIFOM function is implemented to allow simultaneous utilization of 3GPP and non-3GPP interfaces, then communication versatility is improved, but the complexity of establishing multi-access PDN connection increases due to lack of detailed procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidconnection establishment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs preliminary actions by determining its own default access (3GPP or non-3GPP) before establishing the multi-access PDN connection. This preliminary determination simplifies the overall connection establishment process by pre-resolving the default access selection, eliminating the need for complex runtime negotiation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the terminal device's predetermined default access determination acts as a mediator between the 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks. This intermediary decision simplifies the interaction between network elements by providing a clear default access designation upfront, reducing the complexity of coordination required during connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If default access determination procedure is not standardized, then flexibility in implementation is improved, but communication control reliability deteriorates due to unclear network acceptance procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of default access determination from a network-side decision to a terminal-side predetermined decision. This parameter change improves reliability by establishing a clear, standardized procedure where the terminal device determines its default access before connection establishment, providing a reliable basis for network acceptance procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If multi-access PDN connection establishment procedure is not detailed, then ease of deployment is improved, but measurement precision of communication control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment easeVSAvoidcommunication control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the default access determination process into a distinct preliminary step performed by the terminal device before PDN connection establishment. This segmentation provides precise measurement and control of the default access parameter, improving communication control precision while maintaining deployment ease through clear procedural separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3306961B1Terminal device and pcrf
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 SHARP KK
  • EP3306961B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3306961B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3306961B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of communication control and the like accompanied with a multi-access PDN connectivity establishment request from a terminal device. Communication control for establishing a multi-access PDN connection is performed based on a response to a PDN connectivity establishment request from the terminal device. Communication control is performed for transmitting and/or receiving user data by using one or more default bearers for a multi-access PDN connection.