Policy Control Entity Selection via Service Type Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, the packet data serving node is unaware of the communication service type requested by a mobile station, leading to inefficiencies in resource request handling, and policy decision functions lack direct access to user profiles, impeding decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate a resource request with an identifier specifying the communication service type, allowing for the selection of a suitable policy control entity to process the request, enabling direct policy control based on the user profile and network policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the packet data serving node forwards resource requests to policy decision functions without service type identification, then the system maintains simplicity in request handling, but the expediency of resource request handling decreases due to inability to select appropriate policy control entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy control function into service-specific policy control entities, where each entity handles a particular type of communication service. The resource request is divided to include a service type identifier that routes the request to the appropriate segmented policy control entity, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and handling expediency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the service type identifier in the resource request - that enables the packet data serving node to select the appropriate policy control entity without requiring complex decision logic. This intermediary element facilitates efficient routing while maintaining system simplicity.
2Device complexity
If the policy decision function is not involved in the user authentication process, then the authentication process remains independent and simple, but the policy decision function lacks direct access to user profiles, impeding decision-making
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user profile information from the authentication process and incorporates it into the resource request handling flow. The user profile is retrieved and attached to the resource request, allowing the policy control entity to access necessary user information without being part of the authentication process itself, thus maintaining authentication independence while enabling efficient policy decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary retrieval of user profile information before the policy control entity needs to make decisions. By obtaining and attaching user profile data in advance to the resource request, the system ensures that all necessary information is available when policy decisions are required, improving decision-making efficiency without complicating the authentication process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service-specific policy decision functions are used, then each service type can be controlled precisely, but the system complexity increases due to multiple specialized entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resource request structure that includes a service type identifier, which can be used across multiple service-specific policy control entities. This universal approach allows each entity to handle its specific service type while using the same request format and selection mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining service-specific control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing policy control in a wireless communication system. A mobile station generates a resource request for a communication service, where the resource request includes an identifier uniquely identifying a type of communication service. A packet data serving node receives the resource request for the communication service and selects a policy control entity to process the resource request. The selection by the packet data serving node is based at least on the identifier. The selected policy control entity performs policy control on the resource request.