Policy-Based Local Breakout Using PCRF for Dynamic Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Local Breakout (LBO) architectures are static and not session- or subscriber-aware, lacking dynamic management capabilities and appropriate charging and accounting models, which limits their effectiveness in optimizing network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing policy-based LBO using a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to dynamically manage network traffic by installing subscriber-specific policies at evolved Node B (eNodeB) components, allowing for optimized traffic offloading and reduced media path nodes, thereby enhancing network efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static LBO procedures are used, then LBO can be implemented at serving gateway and small cells, but the system lacks session- and subscriber-aware dynamic management capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static LBO procedure into a dynamic one by introducing the PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) that can adaptively make routing decisions based on real-time network conditions, subscriber profiles, and session characteristics. The PCRF dynamically determines whether to enforce LBO or route traffic through the home network, replacing fixed procedural logic with flexible policy-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF acts as an intermediary between the eNodeB and the core network elements (PGW, PCSCF). It receives routing requests from eNodeB, consults subscriber data and network policies, and returns appropriate routing instructions. This intermediary layer adds dynamic management capability while maintaining a relatively simple implementation at the eNodeB level.
2Productivity
If LBO is implemented without policy-based control, then traffic routing can occur at eNodeB, but charging and accounting models are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the PCRF continuously monitors network conditions, subscriber usage patterns, and policy compliance. The PCRF receives routing requests from eNodeB, processes them according to stored policies and real-time conditions, and returns routing decisions. This closed-loop control ensures that LBO enforcement is optimized for network efficiency while maintaining accurate charging and accounting information through proper signaling with PGW and PCSCF.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a system for controlling local breakout using a policy infrastructure. The system includes a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) configured to receive an admission request associated with a subscriber from an evolved node B (eNode B) and, in response to the admission request, to install a subscriber-specific policy on the eNode B for implementing local breakout at the eNode B for the subscriber.