Policy Control Function for Real-Time Subscriber Rule Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network management systems are inefficient in identifying and resolving network problems, particularly in monitoring and managing performance metrics such as bandwidth utilization, packet drop, and network loss, leading to a need for an improved Policy Control Function (PCF) that can effectively manage network functions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing an advanced Policy Control Function (PCF) that integrates with various network functions via HTTP2-based interfaces, supports network slicing, roaming, and mobility management, and includes features like high resilience, scalability, and geo-redundancy, with real-time policy rule creation based on subscriber profiles and parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network management systems are used to monitor performance parameters, then basic monitoring capability is provided, but the systems are inefficient in identifying and resolving network problems
Solution Approach 1:
The PCF implements continuous monitoring of performance parameters (bandwidth utilization, packet drop, network loss) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust policy rules. The system correlates performance data with policy effectiveness, enabling automated identification of network problems and efficient resolution through policy optimization without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The PCF acts as an intermediary between network performance monitoring and policy management. It receives performance parameters from the network, processes this information, and generates appropriate policy rules that are then enforced by network elements, thereby mediating between raw performance data and actionable network control
2Productivity
If real-time policy rule creation is implemented based on subscriber profiles and parameters, then network control efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Subscriber profiles containing policy parameters, service preferences, and quality requirements are pre-configured in the PCF before actual network operations. When a subscriber connects, the PCF quickly retrieves and applies relevant pre-defined policy rules based on the subscriber's profile, enabling rapid real-time policy enforcement without complex on-the-fly decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by parameterizing policy rules with subscriber-specific attributes (service area restrictions, RFSP index, GPSI, group identifiers). Instead of complex rule logic, the system varies policy parameters based on subscriber profiles and current network conditions, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining flexible real-time control
3Adaptability or versatility
If the PCF integrates with multiple network functions via HTTP2 interfaces, then network management capability is enhanced, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCF implements a universal HTTP2-based interface architecture that can interact with multiple different network functions (AMF, SMF, PCRF, UDM, NRF, NSSF, NEF, CHF, PCF, UDR, NLM, LMF, GW, LADN, SMSF, LBSMF, SCEF, MMS, EIR, HSS, PCU, SGSN, GGSN, P-GW, S-GW, eNodeB, gNodeB, RAN, Core Network, 5G Network, 4G Network, 3G Network, 2G Network) through a common protocol framework. This universal interface design enables the PCF to adapt to various network functions without requiring function-specific integration logic, thereby enhancing versatility while managing integration complexity through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
A policy control function (PCF) to provide a plurality of policy rules for control plane functions of a network is disclosed. The PCF is configured to receive, by an access management function (AMF), at least one registration request message from at least one terminal device. The PCF is further configured to selecting, by the AMF, a PCF currently serving the at least one terminal device based on the received at least one registration request. The PCF is further configured to retrieve, from a subscriber profile repository (SPR), at least one subscriber's profile associated with the at least one terminal device. The PCF is further configured to create at least one policy rule for the subscriber in real-time based on the at least one subscriber's profile. The PCF is further configured to send, to the AMF, a response message comprising the at least one created policy rule.