Implementation Of Policy And Charging Control In GPRS/UMTS Network

As the evolution of IP network, packet networks will be the basic platform bearing services and applications in the future. In this case, operators need to improve the support on business of perception, control and charging in packet networks.PCRF (Policy and Charging Rule Function) is the response to this situation as a policy and charging control system. It is developed according to 3GPP PCC (Policy and Charging Control) structure. Operators can maintain a unified, multi-dimensional policy planning and control network based on PCC structure. Meanwhile operators can also enhance their competitiveness through optimizing the use of network resources and enhancing the users'experience.Based on GPRS/UMTS network architecture and basic functions of network elements, PCC property is mainly used in PS core networks. Through the basic business process analysis, it is pointed out that PCEF (Policy and Charging Enforcement Function) is the mainly network element on which PCC property takes effect. Therefore, this paper focuses on the service control function, content parsing, and billing properties and other characteristics, as well as delivery strategies and the effectiveness of policy and charging rules.By the application of PCEF configuration, content parsing feature and different charging ways for different subscribers were carried out, including charging property and CDR format. Through environment building, PCEF integrated with PCEF successfully. And following features and applications for PCEF were carried out:applying rules for new subscribers, handling static/dynamic rules correctly, gating and event-trigger functions. The accuracy of CDRs was validated. Based on the research and demonstration, PCC feature has been carried out successfully in lab environment.