18517440. POLICY CONTROL FUNCTION FALLBACK simplified abstract (T-Mobile USA, Inc.)

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POLICY CONTROL FUNCTION FALLBACK

Organization Name

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Mallika Deshpande of Sammamish WA (US)

POLICY CONTROL FUNCTION FALLBACK - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18517440 titled 'POLICY CONTROL FUNCTION FALLBACK

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a method for policy control function (PCF) fallback in a 5th Generation (5G) core network setup, where a request for a policy is received, the unavailable PCF is identified, and a modified request is sent to an alternative PCF.

  • Systems, methods, and devices for policy control function (PCF) fallback in a 5G core network setup
  • Method involves receiving a request for a policy from a session management function (SMF)
  • Identifying an unavailable PCF and replacing its identifier with an alternative PCF identifier in the request
  • Transmitting the modified request to the alternative PCF for policy control

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in telecommunications networks to ensure seamless policy control function fallback in 5G core network setups.

Problems Solved

1. Ensures continuity of policy control function in case of unavailability of the primary PCF 2. Improves session setup reliability in 5G networks

Benefits

1. Enhanced network reliability and resilience 2. Efficient utilization of policy control functions in 5G core networks

Potential Commercial Applications

1. Telecommunications companies implementing 5G networks 2. Network equipment manufacturers providing solutions for 5G core networks

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of fallback mechanisms in previous generations of mobile networks to ensure continuous service availability.

Unanswered Questions

How does this method impact network latency in 5G setups?

The article does not delve into the potential effects on network latency that may arise from implementing the described PCF fallback method.

What are the potential security implications of switching between PCFs during session setup?

The article does not address the security considerations associated with switching between different policy control functions in a 5G core network.


Original Abstract Submitted

Systems, methods, and devices can be utilized for policy control function (PCF) fallback during the set up of a session utilizing a 5th Generation (5G) core network. An example method includes receiving, from a session management function (SMF), a request for a policy corresponding to a session. The request includes a first policy identifier corresponding to a first policy control function (PCF). The example method further includes determining that the first PCF is unavailable, generating a modified request by replacing the first policy identifier with a second policy identifier in the request. The second policy identifier corresponds to a second PCF. The example method also includes transmitting, to the second PCF, the modified second request.