Hierarchical Relay Server for PCRF Session Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of Packet Data Network Gateways (P-GWs) increases, the load on the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) and selector PCRF server grows due to an increase in sessions, leading to processing load issues in charging control systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical charging control system where a relay means connects the charging control function to multiple gateways, aggregating information and reducing the number of direct sessions with the PCRF, using a relay server or switch with packet count functions to simulate PCRF and PCEF functions and aggregate packet count information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of P-GWs is increased to expand network capacity, then the network coverage and service capability are improved, but the number of sessions between PCRF and PCEFs increases, resulting in increased processing load on the PCRF
Solution Approach 1:
An aggregation relay server is introduced as an intermediary component between multiple P-GWs and the PCRF. The relay server receives charging information from multiple PCEFs in different P-GWs, aggregates this information, and forwards it to the PCRF as a single consolidated data stream. This mediator approach allows the network to support more P-GWs while maintaining a limited number of sessions to the PCRF, thus resolving the contradiction between network expansion and PCRF load.
2Productivity
If a selector PCRF server architecture is implemented to reduce load, then the processing load distribution is improved, but the number of sessions to the selector PCRF server increases, resulting in increased load on the selector PCRF server
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple charging information streams from different P-GWs into a single aggregated data flow through the relay server. Instead of having each P-GW establish separate sessions with the selector PCRF server, the relay server merges all these streams and presents them as one consolidated session to the PCRF, thereby reducing the total number of sessions and the load on the selector PCRF server.
3Measurement precision
If direct connections between PCRF and each PCEF are maintained for accurate charging control, then the charging control precision is improved, but the number of sessions increases, resulting in increased processing load on the PCRF
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into three functional layers: multiple P-GWs at the access layer, a relay server at the aggregation layer, and the PCRF at the control layer. This segmentation allows charging information to be collected accurately at the source (PCEFs), aggregated efficiently at the relay server, and processed centrally at the PCRF, maintaining charging precision while reducing the number of direct sessions required.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging control method and system are provided that can reduce the processing load on a function of performing charging control. The charging control system includes a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), a plurality of gateways (P-GWs) each including a policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF), and a relay section including a relay server and a switch that connects the PCRF and the plurality of PCEFs in a hierarchical manner. The PCRF is directly connected to the relay section, whereby the number of sessions is reduced.