WLAN Controller PCRF Interface QoS Policy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area networks (WLANs) struggle to provide differentiated quality of service (QoS) to user equipment (UE), leading to inconsistent user experiences and challenges for carrier operators in managing network resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a new interface between the WLAN controller and the Policy Charging and Rules Function (PCRF) within the core network, allowing for the authentication of UE and the retrieval of QoS policies subscribed by users, enabling the WLAN controller to manage resources based on these policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users access different wireless networks simultaneously to decrease carrier network load, then network traffic distribution is improved, but quality of service consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting QoS parameters (such as bandwidth allocation, priority levels, and resource reservations) based on the user's subscription profile and current network conditions. The WLAN controller retrieves QoS parameters from the PCRF and applies them to maintain consistent service quality across different network access points, resolving the contradiction between traffic distribution and service consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the QoS management function into distinct components: the PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) that stores subscription-based QoS policies, the WLAN controller that retrieves and applies these policies, and the authentication system that identifies users. This segmentation allows centralized policy management while enabling distributed QoS enforcement across multiple wireless networks, maintaining service consistency regardless of which network the user accesses.
2Reliability
If WLAN controller manages resources based on QoS policies, then differentiated service quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PCRF as an intermediary component that centralizes QoS policy storage and management. Instead of embedding complex QoS decision logic in each WLAN controller, the PCRF acts as a mediator that stores subscription-based policies and provides them to WLAN controllers upon request. This intermediary approach enables differentiated service quality while keeping individual WLAN controllers relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal QoS management architecture where the PCRF serves multiple functions: storing QoS policies for all users, authenticating users against the core network, retrieving QoS parameters for active users, and providing centralized policy management. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity by consolidating QoS management capabilities in a single centralized component rather than duplicating logic across multiple WLAN controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications system comprises wireless local area network (WLAN), WLAN controller coupled to the WLAN, a core network, a RADIUS based interface, and an interface between the WLAN controller and the PCRF. The WLAN controller is configured to transmit, via the RADIUS based interface, to the AAA, a request to authenticate a user equipment (UE) currently accessing the core network, wherein the first message comprises an identifier identifying the UE. The PCRF is configured to transmit, via the interface between the WLAN controller and the PCRF, a policy associated with the UE, wherein the policy indicates a quality of service (QoS) subscribed for by a user of the UE in the core network. The WLAN controller is further configured to manage resources within the WLAN, based on the policy, to establish a session between the UE and the WLAN.