PCRF Node Direct Interface for UE-AMBR Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) nodes in communications networks face limitations in effectively managing User Equipment-Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate (UE-AMBR) due to restricted flexibility and lack of direct influence over UE-AMBR values, leading to potential inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation and fair usage policies across multiple PDN connections.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the PCRF node and Mobility Management Entity (MME)/Serving General packet radio service Support Node (SGSN) establish a direct interface to negotiate and dynamically adjust UE-AMBR values based on subscribed limits and policy conditions, allowing for enhanced QoS control and flexible bandwidth management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PCRF node does not have direct influence over UE-AMBR values, then the system maintains simplicity in architecture, but the PCRF node loses flexibility in managing bandwidth allocation and enforcing fair usage policies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct interface between the PCRF node and MME/SGSN as an intermediary communication channel. This interface enables the PCRF node to negotiate and dynamically adjust UE-AMBR values with the MME/SGSN, providing enhanced QoS control while maintaining architectural clarity through a dedicated signaling path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new communication dimension by establishing a direct interface between PCRF and MME/SGSN, separate from the existing Gx interface path. This additional dimension allows the PCRF node to directly influence UE-AMBR values without modifying the core PCC architecture, enabling flexible bandwidth management while preserving system simplicity.
2Productivity
If the PCRF node dynamically adjusts UE-AMBR values, then bandwidth allocation efficiency improves, but the complexity of QoS control mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of UE-AMBR values through the direct interface between PCRF and MME/SGSN. The PCRF node can negotiate and update UE-AMBR values in real-time based on network conditions, subscriber profiles, and service requirements, allowing flexible bandwidth allocation without static configuration limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct interface establishes a feedback mechanism where the PCRF node receives information from MME/SGSN about current UE-AMBR usage and network conditions, then dynamically adjusts UE-AMBR values accordingly. This closed-loop control enables efficient bandwidth allocation while maintaining manageable QoS control through automated decision-making based on policy rules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the PCRF node has direct interface with MME/SGSN for UE-AMBR negotiation, then QoS control flexibility improves, but the number of network interfaces and signaling protocols increases
Solution Approach 1:
The direct interface between PCRF and MME/SGSN is designed to handle multiple functions including UE-AMBR negotiation, QoS parameter updates, and policy enforcement. This multi-functional interface consolidates several control mechanisms into a single communication path, providing enhanced QoS flexibility without proportionally increasing interface complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments herein relate to a method in a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, node (320), for handling User Equipment-Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate, UE- AMBR, for a wireless device (305) in a communications network (300). The PCRF node (320) comprises a direct interface (317) with a Mobility Management Entity/Serving General packet radio service Support Node, MME/SGSN (308). The PCRF node (320) receives a subscribed UE-AMBR from the MME/SGSN (308) using the direct interface (317). The subscribed UE-AMBR is associated with a wireless device subscription. When triggered, the PCRF node (320) calculates a UE-AMBR based on the subscribed UE-AMBR and based policies associated with the wireless device (305). The PCRF node (320) transmitsthe calculated UE-AMBR to the MME/SGSN (308) using the direct interface (317).