Policy Decision Function User Identification via Access Network Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 3GPP IMS network architecture, the lack of unique user identification due to overlapping IP addresses across different mobile packet networks hinders the Policy Control and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) from making accurate policy and charging decisions, as it cannot determine users uniquely based on IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
A Policy Decision Function (PDF) is introduced that receives application session information including access network and user information, allowing it to uniquely identify users and generate policy and charging rules by correlating IP-CAN sessions, thereby enabling precise policy and charging decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP addresses are allocated across different mobile packet networks, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but user identification uniqueness deteriorates due to overlapping IP addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user identification process into multiple components: network identifier (PLMN ID), PDN identifier, and IP address. Instead of relying solely on the IP address for user identification, the system divides the identification task across these segmented elements, where each component contributes to the overall unique identification of the user context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to user identification by introducing network identifier and PDN identifier as additional identification layers. This transforms the identification from a single-dimensional IP address-based system to a multi-dimensional system that considers network context, PDN context, and IP address together.
2Device complexity
If the PCRF uses only IP address for user identification, then the identification process is simple, but the accuracy of policy and charging decisions deteriorates when IP addresses overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The identification process is segmented into multiple discrete steps: first identifying the network context via network identifier, then identifying the PDN context via PDN identifier, and finally identifying the specific IP-CAN session via IP address. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall identification accuracy without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the network identifier and PDN identifier as intermediary elements that mediate between the IP address and the final user identification. These intermediaries provide contextual information that disambiguates overlapping IP addresses, enabling accurate identification without requiring complex direct comparison of IP addresses alone.
3Quantity of substance
If the AF provides only IP address to the PCRF, then the information exchange is minimal, but the PCRF cannot determine the user uniquely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the AF provide network identifier and PDN identifier information before the final user determination is made. This preliminary information exchange prepares the PCRF with the necessary contextual data to accurately determine the user when the IP address is received, enabling unique identification without requiring excessive information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The information exchange is enhanced by adding another dimension of data (network identifier and PDN identifier) to the traditional IP address-based exchange. This multi-dimensional information approach enables the PCRF to uniquely determine users while keeping the overall information exchange volume manageable through structured, hierarchical data provision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A decision-making method, a decision-making system, and a PDF are disclosed herein. The decision-making method includes: receiving application session information that carries access network information and access user information; and making policy and charging decisions according to the application session information. Through the decision-making method, decision-making system, and PDF, the application session information includes access network information and access user information of the UE so that the PCRF can uniquely determine a user according to the access network information or the access user information and the IP address allocated by the network to the UE, and make policy and charging decisions.