Policy Broker for Wireless-Wireline Roaming Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) systems lack support for policy rules, such as quality of service (QoS) rules, when a subscriber roams between wireless and wireline networks, leading to complex and costly architectures due to the need for two-way communications between policy servers.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a policy broker that translates and exchanges policy/QoS parameters between wireless and fixed access networks, enabling seamless connectivity by translating parameters and reserving resources as needed, and releasing them if modifications are not accepted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct two-way communication between policy servers is implemented, then policy rules can be exchanged between wireless and wireline networks, but the architecture becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a policy broker as an intermediary component that mediates between the wireless policy server (PCRF) and wireline policy server (BPCF). The broker receives policy parameters from one network, translates them to the appropriate format for the other network, and facilitates the exchange without requiring direct complex communication between the policy servers. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall architecture while maintaining full policy exchange capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mapping between wireless-specific and fixed broadband-specific policy parameters is implemented, then policy compatibility is achieved, but the system requires complex translation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The policy broker is designed as a universal translation mechanism that can handle multiple types of policy parameters (QoS, charging, service flow specifications) between different network domains. It maintains mapping tables and translation rules for various parameter types, enabling it to translate between wireless (3GPP) and wireline (BBF) parameter formats using a single multi-functional component rather than separate translation mechanisms for each parameter type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If counter offer mechanisms are implemented when resource requirements cannot be met, then service flexibility is improved, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The policy broker implements a feedback mechanism where it monitors whether the target network can meet the translated policy requirements. When resources are insufficient or parameters cannot be satisfied, the broker generates a counter-offer by adjusting the policy parameters within acceptable limits and sends it back to the originating network. This automated feedback loop enables flexible service negotiation without requiring complex manual intervention or multi-layer communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A device receives policy parameters for a user equipment moving from a first access network to a second access network. The device also translates the policy parameters to parameters understood by the second access network, and provides the translated policy parameters to the second access network. When the translated policy parameters are accepted by the second access network, the user equipment connects to the second access network in accordance with the translated policy parameters.