KR102648245B1 - A method and apparatus for improving the pcc(policy and charging control) performance in a core network with separate functions - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and device for improving Policy and Charging Control (PCC) performance in a core network with separated functions.
According to one aspect of this embodiment, the control plane node method for improving PCC (Policy and Charging Control) performance in a core network whose functions are separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes is an IP flow filter based on predetermined conditions. A process of adjusting an entry, a process of creating at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter item, and information about the created at least one IP flow filter set to a user plane node. Including the transmission process.

Description

Method and apparatus for improving PCC (Policy and Charging Control) performance in a core network with separated functions

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving PCC performance in a functionally separated core network.

The content described in this section simply provides background information about the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

Generally, a user who purchases a terminal subscribes to the mobile communication provider's network. At this time, the user selects the type of service and rate plan to subscribe to. The mobile communication service provider configures a subscription profile based on the user's subscription information to support and control the user's service use.

When a user uses a service, an EPS session (Evolved Packet System session) is created or changed with the APN (Access Point Name) for each service. When creating or changing an EPS session, the mobile communication service provider determines how to allocate network resources and control billing and applies them while the EPS session is maintained. This is called Policy and Charging Control (PCC), and the main entities that perform this function include the Policy and Charging Control Function (PCRF) and the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF).

When creating or changing an EPS session, PCRF sets a PCC rule for each SDF (Service Data Flow) and transmits it to PCEF. PCC rules are determined based on the policy of the mobile communication service provider to which the user subscribes. PCEF (or P-GW) detects the SDF and applies the PCC rules of the SDF to the user data packet. In other words, PCEF detects packets belonging to the SDF, identifies which service it is, and provides charging parameters to apply to the SDF. These PCC rules are divided into dynamic PCC rules and predefined PCC rules. Dynamic PCC rules are dynamically provided from PCRF to P-GW when creating/changing an EPS session, and predefined PCC rules are preset in P-GW and are activated or deactivated by PCRF. PCC rules may consist of policy rule name, service ID, SDF template, gate status, QoS parameters, charging parameters, etc.

Creation, modification, and termination of an EPS session are performed by a PCC procedure, and the EPS session modification process includes creation, modification, and termination of an EPS bearer.

The main purpose of this embodiment is to provide a method and device for improving the function of PCC in a core network whose functions are separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes.

According to one aspect of this embodiment, the control plane node method for improving PCC (Policy and Charging Control) performance in a core network whose functions are separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes is an IP flow filter based on predetermined conditions. A process of adjusting an entry, a process of creating at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter item, and information about the created at least one IP flow filter set to a user plane node. Including the transmission process.

According to another aspect of this embodiment, the control plane node device for improving PCC (Policy and Charging Control) performance in a core network whose functions are separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes is configured to use IP flow filter items based on set conditions. A control unit that adjusts (entry) and creates at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter item, and transmits information about the created at least one IP flow filter set to the user plane node. Includes transmitter and receiver.

According to another aspect of the present embodiment, in combination with hardware, a process of adjusting IP flow filter entries based on predetermined conditions and generating at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter entries. A computer program stored in a recording medium is provided to execute the process and the process of transmitting information about the generated at least one IP flow filter set to the user plane node.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the PCC performance of the user plane can be improved by dynamically adjusting the items of the IP flow filter. Additionally, according to this embodiment, it is possible to configure an IP flow filter set including IP flow filter items considering various situation conditions.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a 5G core network with functions separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes, as an example.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart of control plane nodes for improving PCC performance according to the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing a flow chart of user plane nodes for improving PCC performance according to the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing an IP flow filter set reconfigured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing an IP flow filter set in which IP flow filter items are rearranged according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

Additionally, when describing the components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to 'include' or 'have' a certain component, this means that it does not exclude other components but may further include other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary. . In addition, ‘…’ stated in the specification. Terms such as 'unit' and 'module' refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

In the 5G network environment, IP (Internet Protocol) data services include various IoT (Internet of Things) services, mission-critical services such as autonomous driving, AR (Augmented Reality)/VR (Virtual Reality), etc. in addition to existing streaming and web-based data services. The service portfolio is being segmented and diversified through large-capacity data traffic services. As the service portfolio is segmented and diversified, complex and sophisticated QoS control is required according to various situation conditions, such as QoS (Quality of Service) control under specific conditions and allowing non-charged traffic. Accordingly, IP flow filters and policy rules for service IP flow control are subdivided, and the number of rules and filter entries that must be managed at the user plane increases.

Below, it is explained by dividing it into multiple configurations, but multiple configurations may be integrated and implemented as one configuration, or one configuration may be implemented by dividing into multiple configurations.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a 5G core network with functions separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes, as an example.

Referring to Figure 1, the 5G core network includes control plane nodes, user plane nodes, EMS (Element Management System)/NMS (Network Management System), and OSS (Operating Support System)/E2E (End-to-End) NO, etc. It can be composed of: In the 5G core network, it can be divided into control plane nodes and user plane nodes according to function. A control plane node may be connected to at least one user plane node, and a user plane node may also be connected to at least one control plane node.

The control plane node specifically includes Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), 5G e-MME, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Session Management Function (SMF), PDN-Gateway Control (PGW-C), and It may be composed of Serving-Gateway Control (SGW-C), User Data Management (UDM), etc., or it may simply be composed of a control unit and a transmitter/receiver unit.

The user plane node may also be composed of UPF (User Plane Function), PGW-U (PDN-Gateway User), Policy Rule/Filter, IP packet Filter optimization module, etc., depending on detailed functions, or simply as a control unit. It may be composed of a transmitter and receiver. As an example, the function for improving PCC performance according to the present disclosure may be performed by the UPF. The IP packet filter optimization module cooperates with the UPF to statistics the frequency and cycle of use of IP flow filter items and manages thresholds. In addition, the IP packet filter optimization module can periodically generate and transmit statistical information and log information, and can generate and transmit alarm information when transmitting the threshold value. The IP packet filter optimization module can dynamically rearrange IP flow filter items or/and IP flow filter sets. For example, you can change the filtering conditions of infrequently used filters, optimize by integrating Rule/Filter, etc., and periodically automatically detect long-term unused filters and delete them from the filter items. The function of the filter can be improved by dynamically rearranging IP flow filter items and IP flow filter sets.

The EMS/NMS can be optimized by deleting the IP flow filter item or changing the index depending on the frequency of use of the IP flow filter item in the user plane node. Additionally, the EMS/NMS can optimize IP flow filter items by analyzing alarm information received from the user plane node. The EMS/NMS can automatically or manually optimize IP flow filter items.

The OSS/E2E NO can manage PCC rules in the long term to improve PCC performance.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart of control plane nodes for improving PCC performance according to the present disclosure.

The control plane node adjusts IP flow filter entries based on predetermined conditions (210). Specifically, the control plane node can adjust the IP flow filter items by creating new IP flow filter items or rearranging the order of existing IP flow filter items. For example, the control plane node can adjust infrequently used IP flow filter items or periodically detect long-term unused IP flow filter items and delete them from the IP flow filter set. The set condition may be a condition considering information related to the IP flow filter item used in the user plane node. For example, the set condition may be a condition that takes into account at least one of the usage time zone of the IP flow filter item and the cycle of the service to which the IP flow filter item is applied.

The control plane node creates at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter item (220).

The control plane node transmits information about the created at least one IP flow filter set to the user plane node (230). The information about the generated at least one IP flow filter set may be index information of the IP flow filter set.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a flow chart of user plane nodes for improving PCC performance according to the present disclosure.

The user plane node receives information about at least one IP flow filter set (310). At this time, the at least one IP flow filter set may be created based on predetermined conditions. The information about the at least one IP flow filter set may be index information of the IP flow filter set, and may be information of an IP flow filter set that is not stored in the user plane node.

The set condition may be a condition that takes into account at least one of the usage time period of the IP flow filter item and the cycle of the service to which the IP flow filter item is applied.

The user plane node controls IP flow based on the received at least one IP flow filter set (320). Specifically, the user plane node rearranges IP flow filter items included in the received at least one IP flow filter set and controls IP flow based on the IP flow filter set including the reordered IP flow filter items. You can. Additionally, the user plane node may reconfigure the received at least one IP flow filter set according to at least one of a usage pattern for each subscriber and a pattern for each device.

Afterwards, the user plane node can further generate information related to the IP flow filter item used in the process of controlling the IP flow, and transmit the generated information.

2 and 3, it is described that processes 210 to 230 and processes 310 to 320 are sequentially executed, but this is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of an embodiment of the present invention. In other words, a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which an embodiment of the present invention pertains may change the order shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and perform steps 210 to 230 without departing from the essential characteristics of an embodiment of the present invention. , one or more of processes 310 to 320 may be applied in various modifications and variations by executing in parallel, so FIGS. 2 and 3 are not limited to the time series order.

Meanwhile, the processes shown in Figures 2 and 3 can be implemented as computer-readable codes on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. In other words, computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage media (e.g. ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical read media (e.g. CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), and carrier waves (e.g. Internet It includes storage media such as transmission through . Additionally, computer-readable recording media can be distributed across networked computer systems so that computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an IP flow filter set reconfigured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, (a) in FIG. 4 is an IP flow filter set configured before the usage pattern for each device is analyzed, and the first IP flow filter set (Filter Set #1) is used for sensor terminals rather than automotive terminals. It is an IP flow filter set that can be used in cases where it is mainly used, and the second IP flow filter set (Filter Set #2) represents an IP flow filter set that can be used in cases where automotive terminals are mainly used rather than sensor terminals. will be. Figure 4(b) shows a new IP flow filter set added when the usage patterns for each device were analyzed. The newly added IP flow filter set may include IP flow filter items in the form of a zero-rating filter group.

For example, as a result of analysis of usage patterns for each device, if it is determined that the usage of Zero-Rating (non-chargeable) services increases between 22:00 and 02:00, IP flow filter items related to Zero-Rating target services You can configure a new IP flow filter set (Filter Set #21) by making it a group (Filter Group A). Even within the group (Filter Group A), the index of the IP flow filter item indicating the more frequently used server may be given priority. The performance of PCC operation can be improved by giving priority to frequently used IP flow filter items in the IP flow filter set. The result of adjusting the index of the IP flow filter item for Zero-Rating is shown in (b) of Figure 4. In addition, Figure 4 shows that in addition to the zero-rating filter group (Filter Group A), a filter group (Filter Group B) to be controlled at 200K ~ 1MBps/QCI 1 has been added.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an IP flow filter set in which IP flow filter items are rearranged according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Specifically, FIG. 5 shows an IP flow filter set in which the IP flow filter items constituting the IP flow filter set (Filter Set #21) of the embodiment described in FIG. 4 are rearranged. The Zero-Rating filter group (Filter Group A) configured in Figure 4 includes a number of IP flow filter items. Since the multiple IP flow filter items do not all have the same frequency of use, they may be reorganized (or rearranged) according to the frequency of use. Figure 5(a) shows that the zero-rating filter group (Filter Group A) is included in the IP flow filter set (Filter Set #21), as shown in Figure 4(b), and Figure 5(b) For example, it was analyzed that among servers providing Zero-Rating services, OKSUSU Media Streaming Server and Battleground Server were most used in that order, and a new IP flow filter item constituting the Zero-Rating filter group (Filter Group A) was rearranged. It shows a filter group (Filter Group A-1), and (c) in Figure 5 is another example, analyzing that among servers providing Zero-Rating services, IP address 10.20.20.101 was used more than OKSUSU Media Streaming Server. In this case, it represents a new filter group (Filter Group A-2) in which the IP flow filter items constituting the Zero-Rating filter group (Filter Group A) are rearranged. Although FIG. 5 only illustrates the case where IP flow filter items are rearranged, IP flow filter items that have not been used for a certain period of time or have been used below a standard value may be deleted from the filter group or filter set. Conversely, if IP flow filter items that are not used or used below the standard are used, they may be added to the filter group or filter set. The efficiency of PCC operation can be improved by rearranging or deleting/adding IP flow filter items.

The IP flow filter set disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be an IP flow filter set created by a control plane node, or may be an IP flow filter set reordered in a user plane node.

The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of the present embodiment, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present embodiment, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present embodiment is not limited by these examples. The scope of protection of this embodiment should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this embodiment.

Claims (7)

In the control plane node method for improving PCC (Policy and Charging Control) performance in a core network with functions separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes,
The process of adjusting IP flow filter entries based on set conditions,
A process of creating at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter item, and
A method of a control plane node including transmitting information about the generated at least one IP flow filter set to a user plane node. According to paragraph 1,
A method of a control plane node, characterized in that the adjustment process is a process of adding new IP flow filter items or rearranging the order of existing IP flow filter items. According to paragraph 1,
The adjustment process is a method of a control plane node, characterized in that the process of rearranging IP flow filter items according to the frequency of use or deleting IP flow filter items that have not been used for a certain period of time. According to paragraph 1,
The method of a control plane node, characterized in that the set condition is a condition that takes into account at least one of the usage time of the IP flow filter and the period of the service to which the IP flow filter is applied. According to paragraph 1,
A method of a control plane node, wherein the information about the generated at least one IP flow filter set is index information of the IP flow filter set. In a control plane node device to improve PCC (Policy and Charging Control) performance in a core network whose functions are separated into control plane nodes and user plane nodes,
A control unit that adjusts IP flow filter entries based on predetermined conditions and generates at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter entries,
A control plane node device including a transmitter and receiver that transmits information about the generated at least one IP flow filter set to a user plane node. Combined with hardware,
The process of adjusting IP flow filter entries based on set conditions,
A process of creating at least one IP flow filter set including the adjusted IP flow filter item, and
A process of transmitting information about the generated at least one IP flow filter set to the user plane node
A computer program stored on a recording medium to execute.

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