Unified PCRF Server for PGW and CSCF QoS Policy Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems face challenges in consistently applying the correct level of Quality of Service (QoS) and network policies across different communication paths between user devices and network sources due to the lack of efficient coordination between Packet Data Network Gateways (PGW) and Call Session Control Function Servers (CSCF) in managing policy charging and rules.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unified policy charging and rules function server (PCRF server) that both PGW and CSCF servers connect to, allowing them to correlate packet data network sessions with Internet Protocol Multimedia System (IMS) sessions and apply consistent QoS and network policies by determining the correct PCRF server based on PGW and CSCF identifier information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate PCRF servers are used for PGW and CSCF, then device complexity is reduced, but QoS policy consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PCRF server resources by allowing both PGW and CSCF to connect to the same PCRF server, eliminating the need for separate PCRF instances. This consolidation ensures that a single policy configuration serves both packet data and IMS sessions, guaranteeing QoS consistency across different communication types while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF server is designed to perform multiple functions by serving both PGW and CSCF connections simultaneously. It handles policy charging and rules for both packet data sessions and IMS sessions through a unified interface, making the PCRF server universal and eliminating the need for specialized separate servers for different session types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PGW and CSCF connect to different PCRF servers, then network flexibility is improved, but coordination efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the policy management function into a single PCRF server that both PGW and CSCF can access. This merger eliminates the coordination overhead between separate PCRF servers while maintaining network flexibility through the PCRF's ability to manage diverse session types through standardized interfaces and protocols.
3Reliability
If a unified PCRF server is used for both PGW and CSCF, then QoS policy consistency is improved, but server load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified PCRF server is designed with multi-functionality to handle both PGW and CSCF connections efficiently. By implementing a single policy framework that serves dual purposes, the server avoids the redundancy of maintaining separate policy engines, actually reducing overall processing load while ensuring consistent QoS policies across different session types.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device is configured to receive a first message from a user device, the first message including an identifier for the user device and a type of information being requested by the user device, and determine a level of quality of service to be applied by a network, based on the type of information being requested by the user device. The first network is further configured to receive a second message from a second network device, the second message including an identifier for a third network device. The first network device is further configured to determine the policy device connected to the third network device. The first network device is further configured to connect with the policy device, and send rules and policies associated with the level of quality of service to the policy device.