Policy Decision Apparatus Dynamic Data Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing policy control systems in 3G mobile networks lack flexibility in managing data flow based on charging relevant information, leading to poor service experience for subscribers.
Innovation Solution
A policy control method and system that involves a policy decision apparatus receiving a control policy request from a gateway device, sending a session request to a charging system, receiving a response, and generating a service data flow control policy based on charging relevant events, allowing for dynamic policy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a policy control system is implemented based on traffic accumulation, then service data flow control can be achieved, but flexibility in managing data flow based on charging relevant information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing event subscriptions with the charging system before policy control is needed. The PCRF subscribes to charging events (such as balance changes, credit changes) in advance, so that when charging events occur, the system can immediately respond with appropriate policy adjustments without delay or information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring charging relevant events from the charging system and using this information to dynamically adjust service data flow control policies. The PCRF receives notifications about charging events (balance, credit, thresholds) and feeds this information back into policy decision-making, enabling flexible adaptation of data flow management based on real-time charging status.
2Ease of operation
If real-time policy control is implemented, then service experience can be improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality by separating the policy control logic (PCRF) from the charging system and the gateway device. Each component has a specific role: the charging system generates events, the PCRF subscribes to events and makes policy decisions, and the gateway enforces policies. This segmentation allows real-time control without requiring every component to be complex, as each handles a specific aspect of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF acts as an intermediary between the charging system and the gateway device. It receives charging events from the charging system, processes this information, and generates appropriate control policies for the gateway. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized decision-making point that translates charging events into actionable policies, reducing the complexity burden on other components.
3Speed
If traffic accumulation monitoring is performed, then data flow control can be enforced, but responsiveness to charging events is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing event subscriptions in advance. The PCRF subscribes to charging events before they occur, so when events like balance changes or threshold breaches happen, the system immediately receives notifications without delay. This preliminary subscription mechanism eliminates the time lag that would otherwise exist between charging events and policy responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the charging system actively notifies the PCRF of charging events in real-time. Instead of the PCRF periodically checking for changes, the charging system pushes event notifications (such as balance updates, credit changes, threshold breaches) to the PCRF as they occur. This feedback loop ensures immediate responsiveness and minimizes time delay in policy adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a policy control method and system, and a relevant apparatus. The method includes: receiving, by a policy decision apparatus, a control policy request sent by a gateway device, where the control policy request carries a subscriber identifier; sending, by the policy decision apparatus, a session request message carrying the subscriber identifier to a charging system; receiving, by the policy decision apparatus, a response message; receiving, by the policy decision apparatus, a notification message sent through an established session by the charging system, and generating a service data flow control policy according to information of an occurred charging relevant event; and sending, by the policy decision apparatus, the control policy to the gateway device. The method may implement, based on charging relevant information of a subscriber, policy control of a data flow, flexibility is desirable, and service experience of the subscriber is good.