PCRN PCC Rule Instantiation Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP standards introduce latency in generating Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules due to the use of timers in the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), which delays processing and consumes system resources.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the Policy and Charging Rules Node (PCRN) determines whether to wait for a mate message, and if unlikely to receive one, it immediately generates and pushes PCC rules without using a timer, thereby reducing latency and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PCRF uses a timer to wait for a mate message before generating a PCC rule, then the PCC rule generation is more reliable (ensuring both messages are received), but the processing time increases (latency) and system resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the timer mechanism flexible and adaptive. The PCRF dynamically decides whether to use a timer based on the type of message received (AN message vs. gateway message) and the subscription profile. This allows the system to switch between waiting for mate messages and immediate processing, optimizing both reliability and latency under different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of timer usage based on message type and subscription profile. When an AN message is received, the PCRF checks the subscription profile to determine whether to wait for a mate message from the gateway. This parameter change (timer activation/deactivation) allows the system to balance reliability and latency by adjusting behavior based on contextual information.
2Manufacturing precision
If the PCRF waits for a mate message from the gateway before generating a PCC rule, then the PCC rule is more complete and accurate, but the processing speed decreases and system resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the message type received. When a gateway message is received, the PCRF checks the subscription profile to determine whether to wait for a mate AN message. This dynamic decision-making allows the system to maintain high PCC rule completeness when needed while enabling faster processing when the subscription profile indicates immediate action is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameter (waiting for mate message) based on the subscription profile and message type. The PCRF modifies its behavior by activating or deactivating the timer based on contextual information, allowing it to balance PCC rule completeness with processing speed according to the specific service requirements.
3Loss of information
If the PCRF continuously monitors for mate messages using a timer, then the system ensures complete information gathering, but the system resources are consumed and processing other requests is slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the timer activation based on subscription profile and message type. The PCRF changes the monitoring parameter (timer activation) from continuous to selective, reducing system resource consumption while maintaining information completeness for services that require it. This is achieved by checking the subscription profile to determine whether the PCRF should wait for mate messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its monitoring behavior based on the specific service requirements indicated in the subscription profile. When a service requires complete information gathering, the PCRF activates the timer and monitors for mate messages. When the subscription profile indicates that immediate processing is sufficient, the PCRF skips the waiting period, thereby reducing resource consumption while maintaining adequate information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method, policy and charging rules node (PCRN) and machine-readable storage medium for creating policy and control charging rules with minimal rule instantiation latency. Embodiments may include one or more of the following: receiving at a PCRN from an application node a first service request message, determining whether the PCRN should wait for a mate message for the service flow, if the PCRN should not wait for a mate message, immediately generating at least one PCC rule, and immediately pushing the first PCC rule to at least one gateway. Various exemplary embodiments may further include using subscriber preferences and/or a record of previous decisions to determine whether the PCRN should wait for a mage message. In various embodiments, the PCRN may disable a timer when it determines it should not wait for a mate message.