Policy Control for Multi-Subflow Applications in 3GPP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current policy control methods in 3GPP LTE/SAE networks are inadequate for managing multiple sub-flows belonging to the same application, as they are designed for single service flows and fail to accurately process applications with data transmitted via multiple channels.
Innovation Solution
A policy control method and device that obtain and process description information of multiple sub-flows, including IP addresses and QoS requirements, to generate and transmit corresponding PCC rules for each sub-flow, enabling accurate policy control across different interfaces and access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the current flow-based policy control solution is used, then single service flow control is simple and effective, but multiple service flows from the same application cannot be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy control by introducing sub-flow concepts within a service flow. Each sub-flow is identified by a tuple (service flow identifier, IP address, port number), allowing multiple sub-flows to be managed individually under a single service flow. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple service flows from the same application while maintaining organized control structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional granularity to policy control by introducing the sub-flow level between service flow and packet levels. This intermediate dimension allows the system to distinguish and control multiple data streams from the same application based on their specific IP addresses and port numbers, thereby managing multiple service flows effectively.
2Reliability
If policy control is performed for each service flow individually, then control precision is high, but applications with multiple channels cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each service flow into multiple sub-flows based on destination IP addresses and port numbers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high control precision for each individual data stream while grouping them under the same service flow identifier, thereby supporting applications that use multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of data packets into sub-flows based on their IP addresses and port numbers before applying policy control. By pre-organizing packets into sub-flow groups, the system can efficiently apply appropriate policies to each sub-flow while maintaining overall service flow coherence, thus supporting multi-channel applications with accurate control.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple sub-flows are managed separately, then resource allocation precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource allocation at the sub-flow level while maintaining hierarchical management. Each sub-flow can receive precise resource allocation based on its specific requirements (IP address, port number), while the overall service flow structure provides a management framework that prevents system complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to resource allocation, operating at both service flow and sub-flow levels. This multi-dimensional approach allows precise resource allocation for each sub-flow while maintaining overall system coherence through the service flow hierarchy, thereby managing complexity effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a policy control method, a related device and a policy and charging control system in a mobile communication system. The policy control method includes: obtaining description information of two or more sub-flows, wherein the two or more sub-flows belong to a same application; respectively generating policy and charging control PCC rules for the two or more sub-flows according to the description information of the two or more sub-flows; and transmitting at least one generated PCC rule to a PCEF entity or a bearing binding and event report function BBERF entity, so as to perform policy control for the sub-flows by the PCEF entity or the BBERF entity. With the policy control method, the related device, and the policy and charging control system according to embodiments of the present invention, a network side entity of the 3GPP network learns that the same application includes multiple sub-flows, and learns the description information of each sub-flow, such as IP address information, related information of QoS and so on, so that policy control for multiple sub-flows can be performed correctly.