Patent Description:
At present, a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, node is the functional element that encompasses policy control decision and flow based charging control functionalities. It provides network and gating control, and manages the flow based charging.

A Gx reference point is located between the Policy Control and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, node and a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, node. The Gx reference point is used for provisioning and removal of Policy and Charging Control, PCC, rules from the PCRF node to the PCEF node and the transmission of traffic plane events from the PCEF node to the PCRF node. The Gx reference point can be used for charging control, policy control or both by applying Attribute Value Pairs, AVPs, relevant to the application.

Via the Diameter Gx interface, using Policy and Charging Control, PCC, rules, the PCRF node may thus instruct the PCEF node regarding the treatment of each service data flow.

Service traffic detection mechanisms help to achieve service awareness. Traffic detection functionality and corresponding notification can be implemented by a Traffic Detection Function, TDF, node over a Diameter Sd interface, as a standalone entity, as well as be collocated with PCEF over Diameter Gx interface. The present disclosure is focussed on the fact that the TDF node is a standalone entity. The above described feature was standardized in 3GPP Rel-<NUM> and comprises the request to detect the specified application traffic, reporting to the PCRF node and application of specified enforcement actions. Both solicited and unsolicited application reporting models to the PCRF node are possible. The present disclosure is directed to Over The Top, OTT, applications. OTT refers to the services you use over the network services of your service provider. A Voice over IP service may be an example of an OTT application as it is a service that is provided over the network services of your telecommunications provider, for example a <NUM> network.

Based on the OTT applications notifications received from the TDF node over the Sd interface, the PCRF node may be instructed to create dedicated bearers in the PCEF node, based on the flow information included within the notifications received from the TDF node, according to the Quality of Service, QoS, the OTT application requires for an improved user experience. The PCEF node notifies the PCRF node about the outcome of the establishment of the dedicated bearers. In this scenario both, the PCEF node and the TDF node, can do enforcement at service level while charging can be done in the PCEF node or the TDF node, but usually not in both simultaneously.

With existing solutions, in those scenarios where the PCEF node cannot allocate the desired resources for OTT applications, the TDF node could apply to the OTT reported application enforcement and charging not aligned with the quality of service provided to the end user for a specific service. Another issue with existing solution is regarding the scenario where the PCRF node cannot properly identify and qualify the notifications received from the TDF node. This would result in a same, or similar, issue as described above.

Document <CIT> discloses a PCRF node with an interface towards an OCS node. The PCRF node can transmit an inquiry to the OCS over said interface regarding a credit validation for a service requested by an end user. The PCRF node is arranged to receive a reply from the OCS to said enquiry. Document <CIT> relates to a policy control method comprising a Traffic Detection Function (TDF).

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a method of enabling a standalone Traffic Detection Function, TDF, node in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application. It is another object to provide for a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, node arranged for enabling a standalone Traffic Detection Function, TDF, node in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application.

Further objects relate to the Traffic Detection Function, TDF , node as well as a corresponding computer program product.

In a first aspect, there is provided a method of enabling a standalone Traffic Detection Function, TDF , node in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application detected by said TDF.

The basic concept of the present disclosure is that the PCRF node notifies the TDF node that resources for the detected particular OTT application can not be successfully allocated. This would allow the TDF node to take appropriate actions. For example, the TDF node can then retry and sent a new notification to the PCRF node that a particular OTT application was detected.

The above is valid for a standalone TDF node. That is, the functionality of the TDF node is not implemented in the same node as the functionality of the PCEF node. As such, the PCEF node communicates directly to the PCRF node and the PCRF node communicates directly to the TDF node.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a PCRF node is a node which may function in real-time to determine policy rules in a multimedia network. As a policy tool, the PCRF node may play a central role in next-generation networks. It is a component that operates at the network core and accesses subscriber databases and other specialized functions, such as a charging system, in a centralized manner.

The PCRF node may be the part of the network architecture that aggregates information to and from the network, operational support system and other sources in real time, supporting the creation of rules and then automatically making policy decisions for each subscriber active on the network. Such a network might offer multiple services, quality of services, QoS, levels, and charging rules.

In an example, the step of determining comprises any of:.

The inventors have found that resources for the detected particular OTT application may not be successfully identified in the PCRF node or allocated in a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, node.

That is, the PCRF node may, for example, be unable to identify the detected particular OTT application. This could mean that the PCRF node can not identify identifications, ID's, or other type of information that was originally present in the notification that was received by the PCRF node.

The PCEF node may, for example not be able to generate PCC rules for the detected particular OTT application, which is also considered that the resources for the detected particular OTT application are not successfully allocated.

In a further example, the step of determining comprises:.

The above described embodiment describes a detailed example of an unsuccessful resource allocation at the PCEF. That is, the PCRF node may generated PCC rules for the detected OTT application, and may provide these PCC rules to the PCEF node. Usually, the resources are correctly allocated for the OTT application by the PCEF node. However, the present scenario describes that the PCEF node has released resources or has unsuccessfully allocated resources for the OTT application by the PCEF node.

In a further example, the method further comprises the step of:.

wherein said step of notifying is performed based on said received subscription request.

The advantage of the embodiment described above is that a TDF node may decide itself whether it desired to be notified on the outcome of the resource allocation for the detected OTT application. More specifically, the embodiment describes the situation in which the PCRF node receives a subscription request from the TDF node for being notified with respect to a status of the resource allocation for the detected particular OTT application. The PCRF node will then notify the TDF node only if the TDF node has subscribed thereto.

The above would be advantageous as this would increase the compatibility of already existing TDF nodes in the field. These TDF nodes do not necessary be updated in accordance with the method of the present disclosure. As such, the TDF nodes that are able to cope with the method in accordance with the present disclosure may be deployed in parallel in the same telecommunication network.

In a further example, the method comprises the initial steps of:.

The TDF node session establishment procedure may be, for example, directed to the Sd Interface application. Such a Sd interface application may provide for the provisioning of Application Detection and Control, ADC, rules from the PCRF node for the purpose of traffic detection and enforcement at the TDF node, and may provide for usage monitoring control of TDF node sessions and of detected application, and may provide for the reporting of the start and/or stop of a detected application's traffic.

The IP-CAN Bearer Establishment procedure may, for example, be directed to the Gx interface. Such a bearer establishment procedure may be initiated by the PCEF node, and any subsequent communications may be communicated over the Gx interface.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, node arranged for enabling a standalone Traffic Detection Function, TDF , node in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application detected by said TDF.

The advantages of the first aspect of the disclosure are also inherently a part of the second aspect of the disclosure. Furthermore, it is pointed out that although the claims read as if all the equipment according to the present disclosure are incorporated into a single node, a person skilled in the art understands that the same disclosure may be implemented by distributing the equipment over several nodes, for example like a cloud-based solution.

In accordance with the present disclosure, equipment may also be interpreted as a module, device, means or anything alike.

In an example, the process equipment is further arranged for:.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a policy and charging control, PCC, rule defines the treatment to be applied to packets associated with specific applications or to specific service data flows.

Two types of rules may exist, predefined PCC rules and dynamic PCC rules. The above described example is directed to dynamic PCC rules, in which the PCRF node is responsible for creating a specific PCC rule and for providing that particular PCC rule to the PCEF node.

In a further example, the receive equipment is further arranged for:.

wherein said notify equipment is further arranged for notifying based on said received subscription request.

In yet another example, the PCRF node further comprises:.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of enabling a standalone Traffic Detection Function, TDF , node in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application detected by said TDF.

The advantages of the first and second aspect of the disclosure are also inherently a part of the third aspect of the disclosure. Furthermore, it is pointed out that although the claims read as if all the equipment according to the present disclosure are incorporated into a single node, a person skilled in the art understands that the same disclosure may be implemented by distributing the equipment over several nodes, for example like a cloud-based solution.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a Traffic Detection Function, TDF, node arranged for operating in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application detected by said TDF.

The advantages of the first, second and third aspect of the disclosure are also inherently a part of the fourth aspect of the disclosure. Furthermore, it is pointed out that although the claims read as if all the equipment according to the present disclosure are incorporated into a single node, a person skilled in the art understands that the same disclosure may be implemented by distributing the equipment over several nodes, for example like a cloud-based solution.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising computer program code which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to any of the methods as disclosed above.

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be best understood from the following description referring to the attached drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote identical parts or parts performing an identical or comparable function or operation.

<FIG> discloses an architecture <NUM> of a telecommunication network in accordance with the prior art.

The telecommunication network comprises a subscription profile repository, SPR, <NUM>, a Radio Congestion Awareness Function, RCAF, <NUM>, an Application Function, AF, <NUM>, a Service Capability Exposure Function, SCEF, <NUM>, an Online Charging System, OCS, <NUM> a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, <NUM>, a Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function, BBERF, <NUM>, a gateway <NUM>, a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, <NUM>, a Traffic Detection Function, TDF , node <NUM>, an Offline Charging System, OFCS, <NUM>, a Packet Flow Description Function <NUM> and a Traffic Steering Support Function, TSSF, <NUM>.

It is trusted that a person skilled in the art is aware of the above described nodes / servers and their functionality such that the above described nodes / servers are not explained in further detail here below.

It is clear from the architecture <NUM> shown in <FIG> that the PCEF node <NUM> may be integrated in a gateway <NUM>, for example a Packet Gateway. The PCEF may also be integrated in other node of the telecommunication network, preferably in a node close to the edge of the network, for example close to the gateway.

It is further indicated that the TDF node <NUM> is a separate entity, i.e. a node which is not combined with the PCEF <NUM> into a single node. As such, there is no direct communication between the TDF node <NUM> and the PCEF node <NUM>. The communication between the TDF node <NUM> and the PCEF node <NUM> flows, in accordance with the present invention, via the PCRF node <NUM>, which will be explained in more detail here below.

It is noted that, currently, an Sd interface <NUM> is to be established between the TDF node <NUM> and the PCRF node <NUM> for communicating between the TDF node <NUM> and the PCRF node <NUM>. A Gx interface <NUM> is to be established between the PCEF node <NUM> and the PCRF node <NUM> for communicating between the PCEF node <NUM> and the PCRF node <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses a high level overview flow chart <NUM> of an example of the method according to the present disclosure.

In accordance with an example of the present disclosure, a PCEF node <NUM>, a PCRF node <NUM> and a TDF node <NUM> are involved in the communication.

First, an IP-CAN session establishment procedure <NUM> may be initiated by the PCEF node <NUM> towards the PCRF node <NUM>, over the Gx interface, for providing a communication channel between the PCEF node <NUM> and the PCRF node <NUM> such that these nodes are able to communicate with each other.

An Sd session establishment procedure <NUM> is similarly established between the PCRF node <NUM> and the TDF node <NUM>, over the Sd interface, for providing a communication channel between the PCRF node <NUM> and the TDF node <NUM> such that these nodes are able to communicate with each other.

It is noted that, in a solicited application reporting mode, i.e. a subscription mode, the PCRF node may initiate the session establishment towards the TDF node. In an unsolicited mode, i.e. without a subscription, the TDF node may initiate the session establishment towards the PCRF node.

The PCRF node may receive <NUM>, from the TDF node <NUM>, a notification that the TDF node has detected a particular Over The Top, OTT, application. The TDF node <NUM> may have detected such an OTT application using Deep Packet Inspection, DPI, techniques.

Subsequently, the PCRF node <NUM> may determine that resources for the detected particular OTT application can not be successfully allocated. Such a step may entail that the PCRF is not able to identify <NUM> the detected particular OTT application at the PCRF node <NUM>. Alternatively, the PCRF node <NUM> may be unable <NUM> to generate PCC rules for the detected particular OTT application, which PCC rules are to be provided to the PCEF node <NUM> comprised by the telecommunication network.

Another option is that the PCRF node <NUM> is able to identify <NUM> the particular OTT application and is able to generate the PCC rules for the detected OTT application, but an issue arises at the PCEF node <NUM>. That is, the PCEF node <NUM> may receive the PCC rules from the PCRF node <NUM> but the PCEF node <NUM> may be unable <NUM> to allocate a resource for the OTT application. In such a case, the PCEF node <NUM> may transmit a notification of a release or unsuccessful resource allocation for the OTT application by the PCEF node <NUM>, to the PCRF node <NUM>.

Finally, the TDF is notified <NUM>, by the PCRF node <NUM>, that the resources for the detected particular OTT application can not be successfully allocated. In that case, the TDF node <NUM> may take corresponding actions, for example retransmit the notification to the PCRF node <NUM> that an OTT application has been detected.

<FIG> discloses a flow chart <NUM> illustrating a further example of the method according to the present disclosure.

Here, the method involves the PCEF node <NUM>, the PCRF node <NUM> and the TDF node <NUM> and is explained in more detail here below. Each step in the flow chart is indicated with a particular reference numeral and will be adhered to in the text below.

<FIG> discloses a flow chart <NUM> illustrating another example of the method according to the present disclosure.

<FIG> discloses a schematic view of a PCRF node <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

The PCRF node <NUM> is arranged for enabling a standalone Traffic Detection Function, TDF, node in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application detected by said TDF node.

The PCRF node <NUM> comprise receive equipment, or a receiving module, <NUM> connected to a receiving terminal <NUM> for receiving messages / packets. The PCRF node <NUM> further comprises transmit equipment, or a transmitting module <NUM>, connected to a transmit terminal <NUM>, for transmitting messages / packets.

The receive equipment <NUM> is, for example, arranged for receiving a notification that the TDF node has detected a particular OTT application.

The PCRF node <NUM> further comprises process equipment <NUM> arranged for determining that resources for said detected particular OTT application can not be successfully allocated, and comprises notify equipment <NUM> arranged for notifying said TDF node that said resources for said detected particular OTT application can not be successfully allocated.

One of the advantages of the present disclosure is that the presented method allows an operator to notify the TDF node about the outcome of the notifications towards the PCRF node over Sd regarding OTT initiation/termination. If TDF node is aware about the notification status and the QoS provided to the OTT application can report new notification to the PCRF node including additional information or do enforcement accordingly.

Claim 1:
A method of enabling a standalone Traffic Detection Function, TDF, node (<NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM>) in a telecommunication network to act on unsuccessful resource allocation for an over-the-top, OTT, application detected by said TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM>), said method comprising the steps of:
- establishing a session with the said TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), for reporting by the TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of detection of a particular OTT application and reporting by the PCRF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of unsuccessful resource allocation for the particular OTT application to the TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
- receiving (<NUM>), by the PCRF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) from said TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM>), a notification that said TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM>) has detected the particular OTT application;
- determining, by said PCRF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), that resources for said detected particular OTT application can not be successfully allocated;
- notifying (<NUM>), by said PCRF node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), said TDF node (<NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM>) that said resources for said detected particular OTT application can not be successfully allocated.