PCRF Preload Mode PCC Rule Repeated Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the Policy Control and Charging (PCC) architecture, the existing preload mode cannot repeatedly enforce PCC rules without specifying a particular date, leading to increased signaling overhead and resource consumption, as the enforcement time is only applied once and not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
The Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) entity records the system time of PCC rule issuance and updates the validation and invalidation times based on a detected time interval, allowing the Packet Gateway (PGW) to enforce PCC rules repeatedly by transmitting new times in a Re-Auth Request message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the validation time and invalidation time of the PCC rule specify a particular date and time in the preload mode, then the PCC rule can be enforced precisely at the specified time, but the PCC rule cannot be enforced repeatedly after the validation date elapses, requiring the PGW to transmit a CCR message again to request issuance of the PCC rule, thereby increasing signaling overhead and system resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by changing the time specification from a fixed static value to a dynamic relative time calculation. The validation time and invalidation time are no longer absolute timestamps but are calculated relative to the current time using a time interval parameter. This allows the PCC rule to be automatically renewed without external intervention, enabling repeated enforcement while maintaining precise time control. The dynamic adjustment of time parameters resolves the contradiction between time precision and signaling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a time interval parameter that defines the duration between validation time and invalidation time. Instead of specifying absolute timestamps, the system uses relative time parameters that can be automatically updated. This parameter transformation enables the PCC rule to remain valid across multiple enforcement cycles without requiring re-issuance, thereby reducing signaling overhead while preserving precise time-based control.
2Reliability
If the PGW transmits a CCR message to request issuance of the PCC rule after the validation date elapses, then the PCC rule can be re-enforced on the service, but the signaling overhead and system resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the time interval parameter that automatically determines when the PCC rule should be renewed. The system proactively calculates the invalidation time based on the current time and the predefined interval, allowing the PCC rule to be automatically extended without requiring the PGW to initiate a new CCR message. This preliminary configuration of time parameters ensures continuous reliable enforcement while avoiding the energy-consuming signaling overhead of repeated rule requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the PGW to automatically manage the PCC rule lifecycle using the pre-configured time interval parameter. The PGW independently calculates whether the current time has reached the invalidation time and automatically re-enforces the PCC rule without needing to communicate with the PCRF entity. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable PCC rule enforcement while eliminating unnecessary signaling overhead and system resource consumption.
3Productivity
If the preload mode is applied to enforce PCC rules for busy and idle time scenarios, then the processing efficiency is improved and signaling interaction is decreased, but the enforcement time preset for the PCC rule can take effect only once instead of being applied repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the time interval parameter to be reusable across multiple enforcement cycles. The same PCC rule with its associated time interval can be applied repeatedly for different time periods (busy time, idle time, etc.) without requiring modification or re-issuance. This universal time parameter design allows the preload mode to maintain high processing efficiency while gaining the adaptability to enforce rules repeatedly across various time scenarios, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for controlling a PPC rule in a Preload mode. The method comprises: in a Preload mode, a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) entity recording system time each time a PCC rule is delivered, and obtaining a Preload mode update time interval; at an interval of one clock period, the PCRF entity checking whether a service currently in a stable session state has a preset execution data, and if the service does not have a preset execution date, detecting an interval between the current time and a time when the previous PPC rule corresponding the service is delivered; when the interval between the current time and the time when the previous PPC rule corresponding to the service is delivered is one Preload mode update time interval, the PCRF entity updating an effective time and an expiration time of the PCC rule corresponding to the service that has been detected to have no preset execution date, so as to solve the problem that the PCC rule cannot be used repeatedly in the prior art.