Dynamic Radio Access Network Congestion Control via PCRF
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless operators face challenges in managing congestion in radio access networks due to increased data usage and the introduction of Machine to Machine devices, lacking mechanisms for dynamic admission control based on subscriber and service information to prioritize radio resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
Extending the policy control infrastructure into the radio access network to integrate with existing admission control functions, allowing dynamic control of radio resources by setting subscriber-specific policies to manage congestion based on tier and network conditions, enabling differentiated service delivery and reducing signaling congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dynamic admission control mechanisms are implemented in the radio access network, then radio resource allocation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and network infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) as an intermediary component that mediates between the radio access network and the core network. The PCRF receives admission requests, evaluates them against subscriber profiles and network conditions, and makes admission decisions. This intermediary approach improves radio resource allocation efficiency by enabling dynamic, policy-based control while centralizing the complexity in a dedicated network element rather than distributing it across multiple devices.
2Reliability
If differentiated service delivery is enabled based on subscriber information, then service quality for premium subscribers is improved, but network control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by associating specific service qualities with different subscriber profiles and access point names (APNs). Each subscriber profile contains service-specific parameters that define the quality of service (QoS) characteristics. The PCRF retrieves the appropriate profile based on the subscriber and APN combination, and applies the corresponding service quality parameters. This allows differentiated service delivery where premium subscribers receive higher priority and better quality without requiring complex centralized control for each service decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring subscriber profiles with service quality parameters before admission requests arrive. The PCRF stores profiles containing QoS parameters, service priorities, and access conditions in advance. When an admission request is received, the system quickly retrieves the pre-configured profile and applies the predetermined service quality settings, avoiding complex real-time calculations and reducing control mechanism complexity during actual service delivery.
3Productivity
If congestion control policies are dynamically installed on radio access nodes, then network overload is reduced, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the event-triggered architecture where the PCRF monitors network conditions and subscriber usage patterns, and dynamically installs or updates congestion control policies on radio access nodes only when specific events occur (e.g., network overload detected, subscriber quota exceeded). This event-driven approach reduces signaling overhead compared to continuous policy updates, while still maintaining effective congestion control by reacting promptly to actual network conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically controlling congestion in a radio access network are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system for dynamically controlling congestion in a radio access network includes a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) for receiving, from a node for communicating with user equipment via a radio access network, admission requests, and, in response to receiving the admission requests, installing, on the node, subscriber-specific policies to control congestion in the radio access network.