PCRF Dynamic Traffic Handling for RAN Load Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic handling mechanisms in mobile networks fail to dynamically adjust policies based on varying Radio Access Network (RAN) load, leading to inefficient use of radio network resources and increased load on Core Network devices due to unnecessary P2P traffic detection.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic traffic handling method for the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) that generates policies based on RAN load status, allowing for adaptive management of P2P traffic by blocking or throttling applications when RAN is overloaded and releasing restrictions when load decreases, thereby optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic handling policies are generated statically based on pre-configured information, then policy generation is simple and fast, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic handling policy generation by continuously monitoring RAN load status and adjusting policies in real-time based on current network conditions. The PCRF receives RAN load information from the gateway node and dynamically modifies traffic handling policies accordingly, transforming the static policy generation approach into a dynamic one that adapts to varying network loads, thereby improving network resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the PCRF receives RAN load status information from the gateway node and uses this feedback to adjust traffic handling policies. The system continuously monitors network conditions and feeds this information back to the policy generation function, enabling adaptive policy optimization that responds to actual network state, thus resolving the contradiction between simple policy generation and efficient resource utilization.
2Measurement precision
If P2P traffic detection is performed continuously, then traffic control accuracy is improved, but load on Core Network devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing P2P traffic detection selectively rather than continuously. The system activates enhanced traffic detection only when RAN load exceeds threshold values, and reduces or suspends detection when load is within acceptable ranges. This partial detection approach maintains sufficient traffic control accuracy during critical high-load periods while significantly reducing the energy consumption and device load during normal operating conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a traffic handling method (100) for use in a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF). The method includes: receiving information about load status of a Radio Access Network (RAN) area (110); obtaining information about traffic type of one or more User Equipments (UEs) associated with said RAN area (120); generating a traffic handling policy based on the received information about load status of said RAN area and the obtained information about traffic type (130); and sending the traffic handling policy to a gateway node in the core network, for applying it to said one or more UEs associated with said RAN area (140).