PS Data Off Support in Mobile Systems via Network Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks lack effective support for the 'PS Data Off' feature, which is intended to block non-exempted IP packets, leading to inconsistent charging and user complaints due to unsolicited downlink traffic when the feature is activated.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where User Equipment (UE) sends PS Data Off indications to the Packet Core Network and IMS, with the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) storing lists of exempted services, and the Packet Core Function managing traffic filtering to block non-exempted services, ensuring consistent charging and user control over data traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If PS Data Off feature is activated to block non-exempted IP packets, then user control over data traffic is improved, but charging consistency deteriorates due to unsolicited downlink traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The network introduces intermediary functions (PCRF, PGW, PDSN) that mediate between the user's PS Data Off activation and the actual traffic blocking. These intermediaries receive the user's intent, determine exempted services through interaction with HSS, and enforce selective blocking, ensuring both user control and charging consistency are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network acknowledges PS Data Off activation status to the UE and provides information about exempted services. This feedback loop ensures the user understands what traffic is blocked and what is permitted, maintaining trust and consistency in charging.
2Ease of operation
If all IP packets are blocked when PS Data Off is activated, then data traffic control is improved, but service reliability deteriorates due to blocking of exempted services
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform blocking of all IP packets, the system applies local quality differentiation by identifying and exempting specific services (IMS, MMTel, SMS, USSD, Device Management) from blocking. Each service type is treated differently based on its importance and charging implications, ensuring critical services continue while non-essential traffic is blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments IP traffic into exempted and non-exempted categories based on service type and charging rules. By dividing traffic flow into distinct segments, the network can selectively block only non-exempted traffic while allowing exempted services to proceed uninterrupted.
3Ease of operation
If PS Data Off feature is implemented without network support, then user activation is simple, but system reliability deteriorates due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the PS Data Off activation function with existing network infrastructure and procedures (Attach, TAU, RAU, IMS registration). By combining this new feature with established protocols and entities, the system maintains simple user activation while ensuring reliable network-wide coordination through existing trusted interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE activates a PS Data Off service to block downlink and uplink services except the exempted services determined by the HPLMN. To activate PS Data Off, the UE sends an indication to the MME or SGSN, or additionally to a S-CSCF or an IMS network. The UE may receive a confirmation of the PS Data Off activation and/or a list of exempt services. The MME may contact the HSS to notify about the activation of the PS Data Off and receive indication of support of the service or list of exempted services and send the indication and/or packet filtering per PDN to PDN GW(s). The PDN GW may contact a PCRF to get policy rules. The HSS may provide a list of exempt services to the S-CSCF.