Dynamic Service Function Chaining via PCRF Policy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile service deployment models are inflexible, requiring static service function insertion on data paths, lacking dynamic control, and failing to provide real-time charging information, leading to high operational complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) determines policy rules based on flexible conditions, transmitting these rules to the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) and Charging Systems, enabling dynamic service function chaining and flexible tariffs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service functions are statically inserted on the data path between PGW and PDN, then service delivery is guaranteed, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service function chaining where the service path is not fixed but can be dynamically selected and modified based on real-time conditions. The system determines service function chains dynamically rather than using static insertion, allowing the network to adapt service paths according to current network state, subscriber requirements, and service policies, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of service path configuration from static to dynamic by introducing policy-based control mechanisms. Service function chains are selected based on varying parameters such as subscriber category, APN, time of day, and network conditions, allowing the network to optimize service delivery without requiring complex manual configuration and maintenance of static service paths.
2Reliability
If service functions are always active in the data path, then service enforcement is ensured, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic activation and deactivation of service functions based on real-time conditions. Service functions are activated only when specific conditions are met (such as particular APN, subscriber category, or network state), and deactivated when not needed, thereby ensuring service enforcement when required while minimizing network resource consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where service functions automatically activate and deactivate based on pre-configured policies and real-time condition evaluation, without requiring continuous manual intervention or keeping all service functions permanently active. This allows the network to enforce services selectively based on actual needs.
3Ease of operation
If static service chains are used based on APN and subscriber category, then service delivery is simplified, but adaptability to varying conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends static service chain configuration by introducing multiple dynamic parameters for service chain selection. Beyond basic APN and subscriber category, the system considers additional parameters such as time of day, network congestion status, service type, and real-time network conditions to dynamically select appropriate service chains, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from purely static service chain configuration to a dynamic model where service chains can be selected and modified based on real-time conditions. The patent enables the network to adapt service delivery to varying conditions such as network congestion, time-based policies, and service-specific requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through automated policy-based control.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated control plane interfaces are deployed for service policy information, then service control precision is improved, but device complexity and scaling issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing multi-functional interfaces (Gx, Gy, Gz interfaces between PCRF, PCEF, and charging systems) to carry both traditional charging information and service function chain information. This universal approach allows the system to achieve precise service control without deploying dedicated control plane interfaces, as the existing interfaces are enhanced to handle multiple functions including service policy provisioning, charging, and service chain management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) as an intermediary that consolidates the control of service policies and charging rules. Instead of deploying multiple dedicated interfaces from different network elements, the PCRF acts as a central mediator that provides service function chain information to PCEF and charging systems through existing standardized interfaces, thereby achieving precise control while avoiding interface complexity and scaling issues.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a control method and apparatus of service a function chain based on PCC architecture, the method includes receiving policy rule information of an IP flow from PCRF, the policy rule information includes at least service function chain information; and adding policy rule information header in the uplink IP packet of the IP flow from user side. Based on the policy rule information, the service function execution unit performs service functions for the uplink IP packet and transmits to SFCEF unit the uplink IP packet in which the service functions have been executed. SFCEF unit deletes and stores the policy rule information header, SFCEF unit may be an independent entity or may be integrated in PGW. Similar method applies to a downlink IP packet of the corresponding IP flow. The technical solution of the present application enables service function chain to be updated dynamically, and also provides capability of defining more flexible tariff and business charging model for operators.