PCRF-DPI SDF Event Notification via Rx Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for methods and systems to effectively communicate service data flow (SDF) event information between a Policy Charging and Rules Function (PCRF) node and a Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) node over an Rx interface, enabling real-time policy decisions and quality of service management in multimedia networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the PCRF node requests and receives notifications from the DPI node regarding SDF events via an Rx interface, utilizing protocols like Diameter, XML, SIP, or SOAP messages, to facilitate timely policy decisions and charging rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PCRF node utilizes DPI capability to detect SDF events in real-time, then the network operator can make timely policy decisions and enforce quality of service, but the system complexity and information processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification mechanism where the PCRF node subscribes to SDF event notifications from the DPI node via the Rx interface. The DPI node acts as an intermediary that detects SDF events and notifies the PCRF node, which then makes policy decisions. This separates the detection function (DPI) from the decision function (PCRF), reducing system complexity while maintaining real-time reliability.
2Loss of information
If the PCRF node requests notification for every SDF event from the DPI node, then complete service detection information is obtained, but the communication overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based notification system where the PCRF node sends subscription requests to the DPI node specifying which SDF events it wants to be notified about. The DPI node then provides feedback notifications only when those specific events occur. This selective feedback mechanism ensures complete information for subscribed events while reducing communication overhead compared to notifying all possible events.
3Measurement precision
If the PCRF node processes all incoming traffic information through DPI, then accurate service detection is achieved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deep packet inspection function into a separate DPI node that operates independently from the PCRF node. The DPI node extracts and detects SDF events from traffic, then notifies the PCRF node of detected events. This extraction allows accurate service detection to be performed by specialized hardware/software while the PCRF node focuses on policy decision-making, reducing overall processing time.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for communicating service data flow (SDF) event information. The method includes steps occurring at a policy charging and rules function (PCRF) node. The method also includes communicating, via an Rx interface, a request to a deep packet inspection (DPI) node to be notified when an SDF event occurs. The method further includes receiving notification from the DPI node that the SDF event has occurred.