Abstract: There is provided a Congestion Prediction Engine “CPE” of a Policy and Charging Control “PCX”’ architecture. The PCC architecture also has a congestion database, a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function “PCEF” device and a Policy and Charging Roles Function “PCRF” node. The CPE includes a processing unit of the CPE which defines a currently applicable congestion prediction. The CPE includes a network; interface unit of the CPE which defines from the congestion database actual congestion data for a latest time period. The processing unit of the CPE determines a subsequent congestion prediction for a subsequent time period by comparing the currently applicable congestion prediction with the actual congestion data and by applying machine learning techniques. The CPE includes a memory of the CPE in which the currently applicable congestion prediction is replaced with the subsequent congestion prediction.

Abstract: A method of delivering data to user terminals connected to an Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network, IP-CAN, wherein the IP-CAN implements a Policy and Charging Control, PCC, architecture. The method comprises caching data within an IP-CAN cache server upon a decision made by a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, of the PCC architecture. The cached data is then identified to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, of the PCC architecture. At the PCEF, data requests made by user terminals are monitored and a determination made as to whether or not a request relates to cached data. If a request does relate to cached data, then that cached data is delivered from the IP-CAN cache server to the requesting user terminal.

Abstract: A multi-domain network comprises a first network domain, e.g., a fixed access domain, and a second network domain, e.g., a cellular network domain. The first network domain includes a gateway (24) providing a first access to a packet network. The second network domain includes a further gateway (14) providing a second access to the packet network. A policy controller determines an anchoring rule for controlling whether the gateway (24) selects a first route (25) or a second route (15) for data traffic of a user equipment. The first route extends between the gateway (24) and the first access, and the second route extends, via the further gateway (14), between the gateway (24) and the second access. Further, the policy controller sends control data to control application of the anchoring rule by the gateway (24).

Abstract: A Mediation Entity (ME) provides a single policy server common to the BroadBand Forum (BBF) fixed domain and the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) mobile domain. A Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) in the mobile domain provides policy control for both fixed and mobile domains. The ME in the 3GPP domain enables such PCRF approach. The ME may be introduced as a 3GPP mobile domain-based network function or element between a fixed domain-based Border Network Gateway (BNG) and the PCRF. With regard to the BBF fixed domain, the ME acts before the BNG as a Broadband Policy Control Function (BPCF), and with regard to the 3GPP mobile domain, the ME acts before the PCRF as a gateway implementing a Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function (BBERF) or as a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF).

Abstract: A technique for introducing a real-time congestion status in a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) policy decision in a cellular network is presented. A method embodiment performed by the PCRF comprises the steps of obtaining, from one of a Policy Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) and a database, at least one cell identifier; sending, to a Performance Manager network element, a request for checking congestion status, the request comprising the at least one cell identifier; receiving, from the Performance Manager network element, a retrieved congestion status for the at least one cell identifier; generating at least one of a QoS Class Identifier and a QoS Profile based on the at least one cell identifier and the received congestion status; and sending, to the PCEF, a message comprising the at least one of the Class Identifier and QoS Profile.

Abstract: There is provided a Congestion Prediction Engine “CPE” of a Policy and Charging Control “PCX”' architecture. The PCC architecture also has a congestion database, a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function “PCEF” device and a Policy and Charging Roles Function “PCRF” node. The CPE includes a processing unit of the CPE which defines a currently applicable congestion prediction. The CPE includes a network; interface unit of the CPE which defines from the congestion database actual congestion data for a latest time period. The processing unit of the CPE determines a subsequent congestion prediction for a subsequent time period by comparing the currently applicable congestion prediction with the actual congestion data and by applying machine learning techniques. The CPE includes a memory of the CPE in which the currently applicable congestion prediction is replaced with the subsequent congestion prediction.

Abstract: A technique for introducing a real-time congestion status in a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) policy decision in a cellular network is presented. A method embodiment performed by the PCRF comprises the steps of obtaining, from one of a Policy Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) and a database, at least one cell identifier; sending, to a Performance Manager network element, a request for checking congestion status, the request comprising the at least one cell identifier; receiving, from the Performance Manager network element, a retrieved congestion status for the at least one cell identifier; generating at least one of a QoS Class Identifier and a QoS Profile based on the at least one cell identifier and the received congestion status; and sending, to the PCEF, a message comprising the at least one of the Class Identifier and QoS Profile.

Abstract: A Mediation Entity (ME) provides a single policy server common to the BroadBand Forum (BBF) fixed domain and the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) mobile domain. A Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) in the mobile domain provides policy control for both fixed and mobile domains. The ME in the 3GPP domain enables such PCRF approach. The ME may be introduced as a 3GPP mobile domain-based network function or element between a fixed domain-based Border Network Gateway (BNG) and the PCRF. With regard to the BBF fixed domain, the ME acts before the BNG as a Broadband Policy Control Function (BPCF), and with regard to the 3GPP mobile domain, the ME acts before the PCRF as a gateway implementing a Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function (BBERF) or as a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF).

Abstract: A method of delivering data to user terminals connected to an Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network, IP-CAN, wherein the IP-CAN implements a Policy and Charging Control, PCC, architecture. The method comprises caching data within an IP-CAN cache server upon a decision made by a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, of the PCC architecture. The cached data is then identified to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, of the PCC architecture. At the PCEF, data requests made by user terminals are monitored and a determination made as to whether or not a request relates to cached data. If a request does relate to cached data, then that cached data is delivered from the IP-CAN cache server to the requesting user terminal.

Abstract: The present invention faces the issue of racing conditions occurring during the establishment of an IP-CAN session in PCC architecture and a TDF session between a PCRF and a TDF of the PCC architecture. To overcome this issue, the present invention provides for cooperating apparatuses carrying out a method of establishing a Traffic Detection Function “TDF” session in a Policy and Charging Control “PCC” architecture with a Policy and Charging control Rules Function “PCRF”, a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function “PCEF” and a TDF, the method comprising the steps of: signalling an IP-CAN session establishment from a PCEF towards a PCRF; selecting at the PCRF a TDF for detecting and reporting traffic through the IP-CAN session; initiating from the PCRF establishment of a TDF session with the TDF; submitting from the PCRF towards the TDF the ADC rules to be installed for the IP-CAN session; and submitting from the PCRF towards the PCEF the PCC rules to be installed for the IP-CAN session.

Abstract: This invention provides a method intended to solve Number Portability in origin for calls to ported subscribers at a destination classical network, an inter-working function intended to provide the means to support said method, and a hierarchical DNS structure able to provide a new URI indicating interworking with an external database where routing data for said ported subscribers reside. This new URI specifies the Global Title address of the external database and the access protocol to said external database. The NAPTR resolution for that URI implies the use of an Inter-working Feature (IWF) placed in the DNS-resolver part of an S-CSCF, or in a close association, in the originating network. This IWF comprises a Protocol Translator and Controller adapting between DNS format and the external database access protocol format, at least one of a plurality of Application Protocol Handling Modules, and an SS7 Protocol Stack.

Abstract: This invention provides a method intended to solve Number Portability in origin for calls to ported subscribers at a destination classical network, an inter-working function intended to provide the means to support said method, and a hierarchical DNS structure able to provide a new URI indicating interworking with an external database where routing data for said ported subscribers reside. This new URI specifies the Global Title address of the external database and the access protocol to said external database. The NAPTR resolution for that URI implies the use of an Inter-working Feature (IWF) placed in the DNS-resolver part of an S-CSCF, or in a close association, in the originating network. This IWF comprises a Protocol Translator and Controller adapting between DNS format and the external database access protocol format, at least one of a plurality of Application Protocol Handling Modules, and an SS7 Protocol Stack.