PCRF OCS Interoperability via Event Filter Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3GPP networks, the existing quota expiration mechanisms in IMS systems limit the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to incorrect or incomplete policy decisions due to the inability of the Online Charging System (OCS) to deliver complete Policy and Charging Control (PCC) charging rules, and the PCRF's lack of awareness about quota changes, which is exacerbated by the separation of PCRF and OCS functionalities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an event filter in the PCRF that notifies the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) upon OCS events, allowing the PCRF to make policy decisions and return new charging rules, or enabling direct OCS-PCRF communication to maintain centralized policy control while preserving their independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PCRF and OCS are separated into independent functions, then system modularity and vendor independence are improved, but the PCRF becomes unaware of quota changes and cannot make complete policy decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the OCS sends notifications to the PCRF about quota expiration events. When the OCS detects that a subscriber's quota has been exhausted, it actively notifies the PCRF, which then updates its policy decisions accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the PCRF remains informed about charging status without requiring functional integration between the two systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an event filter mechanism as an intermediary between the OCS and PCRF. The event filter subscribes to OCS events and selectively forwards relevant information (such as quota expiration) to the PCRF. This intermediary enables information flow between separated systems while maintaining their independence, allowing the PCRF to make informed policy decisions based on charging status without being functionally integrated with the OCS.
2Device complexity
If the OCS returns only limited actions (terminate, redirect, restrict) via the Gy interface, then interface simplicity is maintained, but complete PCC charging rules cannot be delivered to the PCEF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy control functionality into two parts: the OCS handles charging authorization and quota management, while the PCRF handles complete PCC rule generation and policy decisions. When quota is exhausted, the OCS notifies the PCRF, which then generates and delivers complete PCC charging rules to the PCEF. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in its function while maintaining overall system capability through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The event filter mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables the PCRF to receive notifications from the OCS and subsequently deliver complete PCC charging rules to the PCEF. This intermediary relationship allows the system to overcome the limitation of the Gy interface's restricted response options, as the PCRF can now deliver comprehensive policy rules through the Gx interface based on notifications from the OCS.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the PCRF makes policy decisions without awareness of OCS quota status, then system independence is preserved, but incorrect or incomplete policy decisions are made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the OCS actively notifies the PCRF about quota expiration events. This feedback ensures the PCRF has accurate information about charging status when making policy decisions, improving decision reliability while preserving system independence. The PCRF receives timely notifications and can adjust its policy decisions accordingly without requiring functional integration with the OCS.
Solution Approach 2:
The event filter serves as an intermediary that bridges the information gap between the independent OCS and PCRF systems. It subscribes to OCS events and forwards relevant quota status information to the PCRF, enabling accurate policy decisions while maintaining system independence. This intermediary mechanism allows the PCRF to make informed decisions without being functionally coupled to the OCS.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described whereby interoperability is facilitated in a 3GPP network environment in combination with DIAMETER policy controls. Such interoperability enables updated policy rules to be fully communicated in on-line charging situations where quota expirations occur. This invention maintains centralized policy control in a 3GPP network with on-line charging.