Time-Based Conditional Presence Reporting in PCEF Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless standards fail to efficiently manage quality of service (QoS) for user equipment (UE) communications by applying location-specific policies based solely on presence in presence reporting areas (PRAs), leading to unnecessary resource degradation and customer dissatisfaction due to lack of time-based conditioning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing time-based conditional presence reporting mechanisms, where UE presence in PRAs is reported and policies applied only during specific event times, using devices like Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) and Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to manage QoS dynamically based on event start and end times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If location-specific policies are applied based solely on UE presence in PRAs, then QoS management is simplified, but unnecessary resource consumption occurs and customer satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic time-based conditioning to the previously static location-only policy application. The PCEF device now dynamically evaluates both location (PRA membership) and time (event occurrence) before applying QoS policies, allowing the system to adapt resource allocation based on actual event conditions rather than applying policies continuously whenever UE is in a PRA.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a time parameter dimension to the policy decision-making process. By introducing event start and end times as additional parameters that must be satisfied alongside location parameters, the system changes from a simple location-based binary decision to a more nuanced spatiotemporal evaluation, reducing unnecessary policy application during non-event periods.
2Ease of operation
If location-specific policies are applied based solely on UE presence in PRAs, then policy application is straightforward, but customer satisfaction deteriorates due to unnecessary QoS degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static location-based policy application to dynamic spatiotemporal policy application. The PCEF device now dynamically checks both the UE's location relative to PRAs and the current time against stored event time windows, applying QoS policies only when both location and time conditions are satisfied, thereby improving customer experience during non-event periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCEF device autonomously performs the time-based conditional evaluation and selective policy application without requiring external intervention. The device stores event time information locally and automatically determines whether to apply QoS policies based on the combination of current time and UE location, enabling intelligent self-service decision-making at the network edge.
3Loss of energy
If time-based conditional presence reporting is implemented, then resource consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCEF device performs preliminary actions by storing event time information (start and end times) in advance during session establishment or policy installation. This pre-stored temporal data enables the device to efficiently perform local time-based conditional evaluations without requiring real-time communication with external systems, reducing ongoing network resource consumption despite the added functional complexity.
4Reliability
If time-based conditional presence reporting is implemented, then customer satisfaction improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic time-based conditional policy application that adapts to actual event occurrences. By evaluating both location and time parameters before applying QoS policies, the system ensures that customers experience degraded service only during actual events when it is necessary, while enjoying normal service quality during non-event periods, thereby improving overall customer satisfaction despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCEF device acts as an intermediary between the PCRF policy decision function and the actual QoS enforcement point. It receives policy information including time conditions from the PCRF, performs local time-based conditional evaluation, and selectively applies policies accordingly. This intermediary role distributes complexity across multiple network functions rather than concentrating it in a single element.
Data Source
AI summary
A device obtains and stores presence reporting area (PRA) data, including an area identifier, an event start time, and an event end time. The device receives, at a first point in time, an indication that a user device is present in an area identified by the area identifier. The device determines whether the first point in time is at or between the event start time and the event end time, and selectively reports a presence of the user device in the area based on a result of determining whether the first point in time is at or between the event start time and the event end time.