PCRN Home Network Identity Subscriber Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In telecommunications networks, identifying subscribers and processing session establishment requests efficiently becomes complex, especially for large service providers with multiple Mobile Country Codes (MCC) and Mobile Network Codes (MNC) or those using non-3GPP technology, leading to challenges in providing reliable data services and charging subscribers accurately.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a network node determines whether a session establishment request is for a home network subscriber by comparing the called station ID and subscription ID with predefined network identifiers and emergency access point names, and if a match is found, it fulfills the request. This involves using a Policy and Charging Rules Node (PCRN) configured to process requests based on home network identities, including MCC/MNC combinations, domain names, and emergency APNs, and forwarding requests to roaming partners via an S9 interface when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a service provider uses multiple MCC and MNC or non-3GPP technology to expand network coverage and service capability, then the network's adaptability and versatility improve, but the complexity of identifying subscribers and processing session establishment requests increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage and service capabilityVSAvoidsubscriber identification and request processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PCRN is designed to handle multiple types of session establishment requests (3GPP and non-3GPP) through a single unified interface and processing mechanism. The network node can process requests from different network types using the same core logic, eliminating the need for separate processing paths for different technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential identifying features (MCC-MNC combinations, domain names) from complex subscriber identifiers and creates a simplified matching mechanism. By focusing only on the critical identification elements rather than processing complete subscriber profiles, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining accurate subscriber identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional subscriber identification methods are used in dual core networks, then voice services can be carried over dedicated voice channels, but the network architecture becomes less elegant and charging mechanisms become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice service deliveryVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges voice service handling with data service handling by routing all session establishment requests through the PCRN, regardless of service type. This unified approach eliminates the need for separate voice and data processing paths, simplifying the network architecture while maintaining reliable voice service delivery through the same policy control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the network processes all session establishment requests through a unified PCRN, then the network architecture is simplified, but the processing speed and efficiency may decrease due to increased request volume at a single node

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork architecture simplicityVSAvoidrequest processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PCRN functionality into distributed network nodes that can independently process session establishment requests. Each node contains the necessary logic to identify subscribers and make routing decisions, allowing parallel processing of requests across multiple nodes rather than creating a single processing bottleneck.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network nodes perform preliminary identification of subscriber type (home or roaming) and routing decisions at the point of request receipt. By making these decisions locally rather than forwarding all requests to a central authority, the system maintains architectural simplicity while improving processing efficiency through distributed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9906887B2PCRN home network identity

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 ALCATEL LUCENT SA

AI summary

Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method of determining by a network node whether a session establishment request is for a subscriber of a home network. The method may include: defining a home network identity including a network identifier and an emergency access point name (APN); receiving a session establishment request; comparing a called station ID of the session establishment request with the emergency APN; comparing a subscription ID of the session establishment request with the network identifier; and if either the called station ID matches an emergency APN or the subscription ID matches a network identifier: determining that the subscriber is a subscriber of the home network, and fulfilling the session establishment request. Various exemplary embodiments relate to a system for determining the home network of a subscriber. The system may include a policy and charging rules node (PCRN) configured to process a session establishment request.