Policy and Charging Control Bearer Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face inefficiencies in managing bearer resources due to the lack of support for dedicated bearers in most user equipment (UEs), leading to 'free rides' in Quality of Service (QoS) for non-sponsored services, as all data traffic is routed through a default bearer, resulting in suboptimal resource allocation and usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that obtain bearer support information to determine if a UE supports dedicated bearers, setting a time period for service sessions based on this information, and modifying reserved bearer resources when the time period expires, allowing for flexible and efficient control of bearer resources, including QoS, depending on the type of UE and services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all data traffic is routed through a default bearer, then compatibility with UEs that do not support dedicated bearers is maintained, but QoS resource allocation becomes inefficient and 'free rides' occur for non-sponsored services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bearer configuration adaptive rather than static. The network dynamically determines whether to establish a dedicated bearer or use the default bearer based on UE capability information. This allows the system to transition between different bearer configurations depending on the specific UE, resolving the contradiction between maintaining compatibility and optimizing resource allocation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the bearer configuration for different UEs based on their individual capabilities. Instead of applying a uniform default bearer configuration to all UEs, the network provides customized bearer configurations - dedicated bearers for capable UEs and default bearers for incapable UEs. This localized adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing optimal QoS allocation for each UE while maintaining overall system compatibility.
2Productivity
If dedicated bearers are established for service sessions, then QoS control and resource allocation are improved, but device complexity increases due to bearer management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to automatically indicate its bearer support capability to the network. The UE performs self-assessment of its capabilities and communicates this information to the network node, which then autonomously decides on the appropriate bearer configuration. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex manual bearer management and configuration procedures, resolving the contradiction between improved QoS control and reduced management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining and processing UE capability information about dedicated bearer support before establishing service sessions. The network proactively determines the appropriate bearer configuration based on pre-acquired capability data, avoiding the need for complex runtime bearer management decisions. This preliminary determination simplifies the overall bearer management process while maintaining efficient QoS control.
3Reliability
If bearer resources are reserved for service sessions, then QoS is guaranteed for sponsored services, but non-sponsored services also benefit unfairly from improved QoS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating sponsored and non-sponsored services into different bearers. When a UE supports dedicated bearers, the network can create a dedicated bearer specifically for sponsored services with guaranteed QoS parameters, while non-sponsored services continue to use the default bearer with standard QoS. This segmentation prevents non-sponsored services from unfairly benefiting from QoS reservations made for sponsored services, resolving the contradiction between QoS guarantee and preventing free rides.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling bearer related resources by a policy and charging system in a communication network and a node for controlling bearer related resources, as well as to a system comprising the node, and to a computer program configured to make effective use of bearer resources of a telecommunication network. The method for controlling bearer related resources by a policy and charging system in a communication network comprises the steps of obtaining, at a network node, bearer support information indicating whether a user equipment, UE, supports a dedicated bearer of a plurality of bearers, which is a bearer dedicated to a service session; setting a time period for the service session according to the obtained bearer support information; and instructing a modification of a reserved bearer resource assigned to the service session when the set time period expires.