Unified PCRF Policy Control for Fixed Mobile Convergence
Solution Overview
Problem
In Fixed Mobile Convergence environments, the independent operation of PCRF entities for different data flows leads to incorrect policy control, causing bandwidth exceptions and poor service quality due to inconsistent bandwidth allocation across correlated data flows.
Innovation Solution
A policy control method that selects a single PCRF entity for correlated data flows under the same fixed-line access identifier, ensuring consistent policy control by using a gateway access identifier to synchronize control status across all data flows passing through the residential gateway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate PCRF entities are used for different data flows, then policy control can be performed separately for each flow, but bandwidth allocation becomes inconsistent and service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate PCRF entities into a single unified PCRF entity that handles policy control for all data flows (mobile terminal data flows and fixed-line device data flows) passing through the residential gateway. This unification ensures that the PCRF entity has a global view of all data flows and can perform coordinated bandwidth allocation and policy control, preventing the inconsistency that occurs when separate PCRF entities operate independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified PCRF entity performs multiple functions: it handles policy control for both mobile terminal data flows and fixed-line device data flows, manages bandwidth allocation across all correlated data flows, and maintains session information for the residential gateway. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized PCRF entities while ensuring consistent policy control.
2Reliability
If a single PCRF entity is used for all data flows, then bandwidth allocation consistency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy control functionality into distinct modules within the unified PCRF entity: session management for the residential gateway, data flow identification and correlation, bandwidth allocation and policy control, and charging control. This internal segmentation allows the complex functions to be organized and managed separately, reducing the operational complexity despite the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified PCRF entity acts as an intermediary between the residential gateway and the core network, centralizing all policy control decisions. By positioning a single PCRF entity as the intermediary for all data flows, the system simplifies the interaction model while maintaining comprehensive control, rather than having multiple PCRF entities that would require complex coordination mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If independent policy control is performed for each data flow, then individual flow control is precise, but overall service quality and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines policy control for individual data flows under a single unified PCRF entity that maintains a global view of all flows. This allows the system to perform precise control for each individual flow while simultaneously considering the overall bandwidth allocation across all flows, ensuring that individual precision does not compromise overall service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified PCRF entity implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the bandwidth usage and allocation status of all data flows. When policy control changes are made for one data flow, the PCRF entity automatically adjusts the allocation for other correlated flows to maintain consistency. This feedback loop ensures that individual flow control precision is maintained while overall service quality is preserved through automatic coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a policy control method, including: after a gateway is connected to a network, receiving a first gateway access identifier; selecting a PCRF entity for the gateway accordingly, and establishing a first session for the gateway to implement policy control on the gateway; when a mobile terminal or a fixed-line device is connected to the network through the gateway to perform service data flow access, receiving a second gateway access identifier; if the second gateway access identifier and the first gateway access identifier are the same, selecting, for a service data flow of the mobile terminal or the fixed-line device, a same PCRF entity, and establishing a second session to implement policy control on the service data flow of the mobile terminal or the fixed-line device. The foregoing manner is used to prevent incorrect policy control from causing an exception.