PCRF Policy Enforcement Correlation Across Diverse Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Policy enforcement in telecommunication networks faces challenges in correlating information from different types of policy enforcement points, which have varying capabilities, use different communication protocols, and operate at different levels, making it difficult for a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node to make unified policy decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method and network entity for policy enforcement correlation, where a PCRF node receives and correlates policy and charging related information from multiple sources, including policy enforcement points and non-enforcement points, using different protocols, and issues control instructions to enforce policies and charging rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PCRF node communicates with multiple types of policy enforcement points using different protocols, then the system can gather comprehensive policy information from diverse sources, but the complexity of information correlation and processing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized information model and correlation mechanism that acts as an intermediary layer between diverse policy enforcement points and the PCRF decision-making core. This intermediary standardizes different protocols (Gx, Gxx, Rx) and information formats into a unified structure, enabling the PCRF to process policy information from multiple sources without being overwhelmed by protocol diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms policy information from different sources by changing its parameters and representation format. It converts protocol-specific information into a standardized information model with unified parameters, allowing the PCRF to correlate and process policy data from diverse enforcement points using consistent criteria and decision logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If policy enforcement is performed at multiple levels (layer 3-4 and layer 7), then more comprehensive policy control is achieved, but the difficulty of correlating information from different enforcement levels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments policy information into distinct standardized components that correspond to different enforcement levels (layer 3-4 and layer 7). By dividing the information model into modular segments, each handling specific enforcement level data, the system can process and correlate information from multiple levels without confusion, maintaining clear boundaries between different policy domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal information model that can handle both layer 3-4 and layer 7 policy enforcement requirements. This multi-functional standardized model accommodates different enforcement levels within a single framework, enabling the PCRF to correlate information across levels using the same correlation mechanisms rather than requiring separate handling for each level.
3Adaptability or versatility
If subscriber-aware and subscriber-agnostic enforcement points are integrated, then more flexible policy decisions can be made, but the complexity of unifying subscriber information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the information model to handle subscriber information differently based on the enforcement point type. Subscriber-aware enforcement points contribute detailed subscriber profile information, while subscriber-agnostic points contribute traffic flow information. The standardized model accommodates these different local qualities without requiring uniform treatment of all information sources.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for policy enforcement correlation are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for policy enforcement correlation includes, at a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) node: receiving, from a first network node, first policy and charging related information associated with a first user of a telecommunication network; receiving, from a second network node, second policy and charging related information; correlating the first and second policy and charging related information; and, in response to correlating the first and second policy and charging information, issuing a policy and charging control (PCC)-related instruction. In one embodiment, the PCC-related instruction may be sent to the first network node, the second network node, a third network node, or some combination of the above. In one embodiment, the PCRF may receive policy and charging related information from, and may issue PCC related instructions to, policy and charging enforcement functions (PCEFs), deep packet inspection (DPI) nodes, or Diameter signaling routers (DSRs).