Abstract: A method for implementing user defined policies in a communication network. In one aspect, a policy function (e.g., an online charging system (OCS)) receives a policy information request having a subscription identifier, SID, identifying a subscription where a set of two or more policies are linked to the SID, and one of the policies included in the set of policies is set as an active policy for the subscription, and where each policy is associated with a different user identifier, UID. The policy function determines the policy that is set as the active policy for the subscription identified by the SID included in the policy information request. Using the determined UID, the policy function obtains and transmits the active policy.

Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for granting network resources for maintaining a communication session for a subscriber in a network. A method is performed by a CTF node. The method includes obtaining, from a gateway in the network, a request for network resources for maintaining the communication session for the subscriber, and requesting, from an OCF node and in response thereto, credit units corresponding to the network resources. The method includes obtaining a grant of the credit units as well as an advance credit indication of additional credit units for the communication session from the OCF node. The method further includes storing the advance credit indication for the communication session and providing, to the gateway, a grant for the network resources for maintaining the communication session in accordance with the obtained grant.

Abstract: A method for implementing user defined policies in a communication network. In one aspect, a policy function (e.g., an online charging system (OCS)) receives a policy information request having a subscription identifier, SID, identifying a subscription where a set of two or more policies are linked to the SID, and one of the policies included in the set of policies is set as an active policy for the subscription, and where each policy is associated with a different user identifier, UID. The policy function determines the policy that is set as the active policy for the subscription identified by the SID included in the policy information request. Using the determined UID, the policy function obtains and transmits the active policy.