PCRF Management Entity Dynamic Mapping for Session Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing network architectures with Policy and Charging Control (PCC) functions, the management of mapping relations between data connections and Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) servers is inadequate, leading to failures in setting up policy control sessions due to stale or incorrect mapping information, especially during user handover or when the previously selected PCRF becomes unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A PCRF management method and network system that acquires and manages information about policy control sessions, including session release and setup results, to dynamically update and correct the mapping relations between data connections and PCRFs, ensuring that only successful PCRFs are used for data connections, and deleting stale mappings when sessions fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PCRF management entity retains the mapping relation between data connection and PCRF that was selected previously, then the setup of policy control session fails when the previously selected PCRF is unavailable, but the management entity cannot select a new available PCRF
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF management entity monitors the availability status of PCRF servers and uses this feedback information to dynamically update mapping relations. When a PCRF is found to be unavailable, the management entity receives failure notifications and subsequently selects alternative available PCRF servers, ensuring continuous operational reliability while adapting to changing network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping relation between data connections and PCRF servers is made dynamic rather than static. The management entity continuously updates the mapping based on real-time PCRF availability status, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions. When a previously selected PCRF becomes unavailable, the mapping is automatically updated to point to a new available PCRF, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable connections and adapting to server availability changes
2Reliability
If the PCRF management entity returns previously stored PCRF information after data connection release, then the mapping relation becomes stale and causes session setup failure, but clearing the mapping prevents successful reconnection to the same PCRF
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to determine when to retain or clear mapping information. The management entity monitors whether a PCRF is still available and operational. Only when positive confirmation is received that the PCRF remains available does the system retain the mapping relation, preventing both stale information retention and unnecessary clearing of valid mappings
Solution Approach 2:
Before returning previously stored PCRF information after data connection release, the management entity performs a preliminary check to verify the PCRF's current availability status. This preliminary action ensures that only currently valid and available PCRF information is returned, preventing the return of stale mappings that would cause session setup failures while preserving useful historical routing information
3Reliability
If multiple PCRFs are deployed in a PCC network for load distribution, then the system achieves better service continuity, but the complexity of managing mapping relations between data connections and PCRFs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCRF management entity implements self-service mechanisms by automatically monitoring PCRF availability, detecting failures, and performing dynamic reselection of alternative PCRF servers without manual intervention. This automation handles the complexity of managing multiple PCRF mappings, enabling service continuity across multiple servers while keeping the management process simple and autonomous
Solution Approach 2:
The management entity uses feedback loops to continuously monitor the status of multiple PCRF servers and automatically adjust mapping relations based on real-time conditions. This feedback-driven approach simplifies the management of complex multi-PCRF environments by enabling automatic load distribution, failure detection, and dynamic reselection, thereby maintaining service continuity without requiring complex manual management procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) management method includes: acquiring information about a policy control session corresponding to a data connection, where the information about the policy control session includes information about policy control session release or result information about policy control session setup, and managing a mapping relation between the data connection and a PCRF according to the information about the policy control session corresponding to the data connection. A management network element includes: a policy control session information acquiring unit, adapted to acquire the information about a policy control session corresponding to a data connection, where the information about the policy control session includes information about policy control session release or result information about policy control session setup; and a managing unit, adapted to manage a mapping relation between the data connection and a PCRF according to the information about the policy control session corresponding to the data connection.