Policy and Charging Control for Heterogeneous Spectrum Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Policy and Charging Control (PCC) solutions are inadequate for managing traffic in heterogeneous access networks that utilize both licensed and unlicensed spectrum resources, leading to unfair charging and potential service quality issues, particularly with new access technologies like LWA, LAA, and standalone LTE-U, which differ significantly from traditional LTE and WLAN access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and apparatus for policy and charging control that generate and enforce traffic routing rules and policy/charging rules based on user equipment (UE) and radio access network (RAN) capabilities, distinguishing between different types of access networks using licensed, unlicensed, and combined spectrum resources, such as standalone LTE-U, LWA, and LAA, to optimize traffic routing and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing PCC mechanisms are used for managing traffic from licensed spectrum access (LTE/LTE-A), then policy and charging control is effective for traditional accesses, but the mechanisms are inadequate for managing traffic from unlicensed spectrum access (WLAN) and new heterogeneous access technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access network into distinct types (licensed spectrum access, unlicensed spectrum access, and heterogeneous access combinations) and applies differentiated PCC mechanisms to each segment. This allows the system to handle diverse access characteristics appropriately, improving adaptability while maintaining reliable service quality control for each access type through specialized handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic PCC mechanisms that can adapt to changing access conditions and network states. The system dynamically adjusts policy and charging control parameters based on real-time access network status, enabling effective management of heterogeneous accesses while maintaining service quality through continuous adaptation rather than static rules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single uniform access network is used to carry various traffic, then network structure is simple, but it is difficult or cost-impossible to fulfill diverse requirements of applications and services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PCC framework that can handle multiple access types (licensed, unlicensed, and heterogeneous combinations) through a common architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the system to fulfill diverse service requirements across different access networks without requiring separate specialized systems for each access type, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring specific PCC policies and charging rules to match the characteristics of each access type and service requirement. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the system applies differentiated quality attributes and control parameters locally to each access network segment, enabling optimal service fulfillment for diverse applications while maintaining overall system coherence.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing PCC solutions are applied to new access technologies (LWA, LAA, standalone LTE-U), then implementation is straightforward, but charging fairness and service quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces new parameters and modifies existing PCC parameters to specifically address the characteristics of new access technologies like LWA, LAA, and standalone LTE-U. By changing and extending the parameter set to include access-type-specific attributes, the system maintains ease of implementation through familiar PCC mechanisms while achieving charging fairness and service quality appropriate for each new access technology through customized parameter values and rules.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and core network nodes for policy and charging control. The method includes: generating policy and charging information based, at least, on User Equipment (UE) and Radio Access Network (RAN) information related to different types of accesses using unlicensed spectrum resource, licensed spectrum resource, and combinations thereof; and performing policy and charging control based on the policy and charging information.