Radio Network Routing Policy Application Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio networks lack mechanisms for dynamic routing policies and flexible distribution of data flows over multiple interfaces, particularly in multi-mode mobile stations, leading to inefficient handling of uplink and downlink traffic and lack of aggregation or distribution of flows.
Innovation Solution
An application function capable of processing and analyzing routing policies from mobile stations, enabling bi-directional signaling to enforce routing policies across selected interfaces, allowing flexible distribution of data flows between mobile stations and mobility anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple PDN connections are used simultaneously to route data flows, then network resilience and load sharing are improved, but device complexity and routing policy management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) as an intermediary component that centralizes routing policy management. The PCRF receives routing policy information from the mobile station and distributes it to relevant network components, thereby simplifying the complexity of managing multiple PDN connections while maintaining network resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both Quality-of-Service control and routing policy enforcement. By consolidating these functions in a single entity, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple interface operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If routing policies are synchronized between mobile station and network components, then flow distribution consistency is improved, but signaling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing routing policies at the PCRF before actual data flow occurs. The PCRF pre-processes routing policy information and makes it available to network components in advance, reducing the time required for synchronization during active data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile station provides feedback to the PCRF regarding its routing policy capabilities and current state. The PCRF uses this feedback to optimize synchronization timing and content, ensuring consistency while minimizing signaling overhead and processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio network allows a flexible distribution of data flows between a mobile station and a mobility anchor of the network over different interfaces. Data flows are routed between at least one mobile station and a mobility anchor of the network. The mobile station can connect to the mobility anchor using multiple network interfaces simultaneously, the radio network including an application function capable of processing and/or analyzing information about routing policies contained in a signalling received from a mobile station, which is able to push or signal the processed and/or analyzed information from the application function to an entity that can enforce routing policies to forward the data flows to one or more selected interfaces and which is able to signal routing policies received from the network to the mobile station. Further, an according method for operating a radio network, especially for routing data flows within the network, is disclosed.