Policy Control Function PLMN-Specific Data Off Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 3GPP Data Off solution in LTE Rel-14 only supports a common list of 3GPP Data Off Exempt Services (DOES) for all Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs, which is insufficient, and the proposed solution for Rel-15 to configure PLMN-specific 3GPP DOES by the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) introduces extensive complexity and impact on existing network procedures.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for providing PLMN-specific 3GPP Data Off Exempt Services by configuring a list of uplink filters in a policy controlling device, such as a PCRF, and provisioning them to terminal devices during registration, session establishment, or session modification procedures, minimizing impact on existing networks and avoiding complexity in interworking scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the HSS is used to configure PLMN-specific 3GPP DOES, then per-PLMN configuration capability is improved, but network procedure complexity and implementation impact increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveper-PLMN configuration capabilityVSAvoidnetwork procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the PCRF as an intermediary component between the HSS and the terminal device. The PCRF retrieves PLMN-specific DOES lists from the HSS and stores them locally, acting as a mediator that reduces the HSS's direct involvement in terminal configuration procedures. This intermediary approach maintains per-PLMN configuration capability while significantly simplifying network procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCRF performs preliminary action by retrieving and storing PLMN-specific DOES lists from the HSS in advance during network setup. This preliminary configuration allows the terminal device to receive DOES information directly from the PCRF during registration or session establishment, eliminating the need for complex real-time HSS involvement and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the HSS configures PLMN-specific 3GPP DOES, then service customization is improved, but interworking scenario complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice customizationVSAvoidinterworking scenario complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PCRF serves as an intermediary that handles PLMN-specific DOES configuration in interworking scenarios. It retrieves the appropriate DOES list from the HSS based on the terminal's PLMN identification and stores it locally, enabling service customization without requiring the terminal to directly interact with the HSS. This significantly simplifies interworking scenarios while maintaining service customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCRF implements local quality by storing and utilizing PLMN-specific DOES lists locally in its database. Each PCRF instance maintains the DOES information relevant to its serving PLMN, enabling customized service configuration for each PLMN independently. This local storage approach maintains service customization while reducing the complexity of interworking scenarios by eliminating the need for real-time HSS queries during interworking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a common list of 3GPP DOES is used for all PLMNs, then network simplicity is maintained, but PLMN-specific service requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork simplicityVSAvoidPLMN-specific service support

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the universal DOES list into PLMN-specific subsets. The PCRF maintains a database of PLMN-specific DOES lists and selects the appropriate list based on the terminal's PLMN identification. This segmentation enables PLMN-specific service support while maintaining network simplicity, as the PCRF handles the segmentation logic centrally without requiring complex terminal-side implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements parameter changes by dynamically selecting different DOES lists based on the PLMN parameter. The PCRF changes the DOES list parameter according to the terminal's PLMN identification, allowing the network to adapt to different PLMN requirements. This parameter-based approach enables PLMN-specific service support while maintaining overall network simplicity through centralized parameter management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11304053B2Methods and apparatuses for supporting data off exempt services in a communication system

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present disclosure proposes a method of a policy controlling device in a communication network, for supporting Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) specific 3GPP Data Off Exempt Services (DOES), the method comprises providing one or more uplink filters associated with a PLMN specific list of 3GPP DOES to a terminal device in the communication network. According to various aspects and embodiments of the method, per PLMN 3GPP DOES may be supported with a simplified scheme, and/or impact to existing network can be reduced.