Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for multi-protocol stateful routing are provided. One method of routing is performed at a multi-protocol stateful router and includes receiving a first message of a client session that is communicated using a first protocol. The method includes obtaining, from the first message, one or more client identifiers, determining a policy server that is assigned to the client session, and storing the one or more client identifiers and a policy server identifier that is associated with the policy server assigned to the client session as a multi-protocol binding record. The method also includes receiving a second message that is communicated using a second protocol that is different from the first protocol, using the multi-protocol binding record to determine that the second message is in the client session, and route the second message to the policy server that is assigned to the client session.

Abstract: A method for assigning new Diameter sessions to policy and charging rules functions (PCRFs) may be performed at a Diameter routing agent including at least one processor. The method includes receiving input regarding central processing unit (CPU) and session utilization of each of a plurality of PCRFs. The method further includes receiving Diameter message traffic requiring processing by one of the PCRFs. The method further includes identifying, from the Diameter message traffic, traffic for new sessions that have not been assigned to one of the PCRFs. The method further includes assigning the new sessions to the PCRFs based on the input regarding the CPU and session utilizations of the PCRFs. The method further includes routing the received Diameter message traffic for the new sessions to the PCRFs assigned to the new sessions.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for implementing intelligent PCRF overload control. A method may be performed at a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) including at least one processor. The method includes receiving an indication of a first overload level for at least a first PCRF of a plurality of PCRFs and determining, from the first overload level, a first routing rule for routing message traffic to the first PCRF. The method further includes receiving message traffic requiring processing by the first PCRF and performing a first action specified by the first routing rule to accept the message traffic, reject the message traffic, or send a response on behalf of the first PCRF.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for multi-protocol stateful routing are provided. One method of routing is performed at a multi-protocol stateful router and includes receiving a first message of a client session that is communicated using a first protocol. The method includes obtaining, from the first message, one or more client identifiers, determining a policy server that is assigned to the client session, and storing the one or more client identifiers and a policy server identifier that is associated with the policy server assigned to the client session as a multi-protocol binding record. The method also includes receiving a second message that is communicated using a second protocol that is different from the first protocol, using the multi-protocol binding record to determine that the second message is in the client session, and route the second message to the policy server that is assigned to the client session.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for implementing intelligent PCRF overload control. A method may be performed at a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) including at least one processor. The method includes receiving an indication of a first overload level for at least a first PCRF of a plurality of PCRFs and determining, from the first overload level, a first routing rule for routing message traffic to the first PCRF. The method further includes receiving message traffic requiring processing by the first PCRF and performing a first action specified by the first routing rule to accept the message traffic, reject the message traffic, or send a response on behalf of the first PCRF.

Abstract: A method for assigning new Diameter sessions to policy and charging rules functions (PCRFs) may be performed at a Diameter routing agent including at least one processor. The method includes receiving input regarding central processing unit (CPU) and session utilization of each of a plurality of PCRFs. The method further includes receiving Diameter message traffic requiring processing by one of the PCRFs. The method further includes identifying, from the Diameter message traffic, traffic for new sessions that have not been assigned to one of the PCRFs. The method further includes assigning the new sessions to the PCRFs based on the input regarding the CPU and session utilizations of the PCRFs. The method further includes routing the received Diameter message traffic for the new sessions to the PCRFs assigned to the new sessions.

Abstract: Control Plane and User plane packet data are collected within the Radio Access Network using a plurality of network devices. Consolidation and summarization of this information is then performed to present a unified picture of RAN through abstract APIs to management and analytics applications. The invention identifies methods of retaining the collected network data, such as control and application protocol headers at the collection points, and consolidation and exporting this network data to management/reporting/analytics application using application driven rules for consolidation and summarization. Real-time statistical analysis tools, which may be used to predict failure and degradation trends and proactively control the underlying causes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Diameter based network that includes nodes and accommodates Diameter communication sessions between nodes establishes a first Diameter communication session between a first node and a second node, and at some point determines that the first Diameter communication session is lost. The first node generates a query using a second Diameter communication session that is a different session than the first Diameter communication session. The first node transmits the query to the second node, where the query includes a session type and key identifiers for the first Diameter communication session. The second node re-establishes the first Diameter communication session with the first node and transmits, in response to the query, an indication that the first Diameter communication session exists.

Abstract: A policy and charging rules function (PCRF), generates a Diameter audit message concerning an application level Diameter session for which local resources are maintained by the PCRF. The PCRF includes, in the audit message, a fake parameter value. The PCRF sends the audit message with the fake parameter value to the OCS or the AF over an Sy or Rx interface. The PCRF receives a response to the audit message from the OCS or AF. The PCRF determines, based on the response, whether the application level session comprises and orphan session. The PCRF, in response to determining that the application level Diameter session comprises an orphan session frees the local resources maintained by the PCRF for the orphan session.

Abstract: Control Plane and User plane packet data are collected within the Radio Access Network using a plurality of network devices. Consolidation and summarization of this information is then performed to present a unified picture of RAN through abstract APIs to management and analytics applications. The invention identifies methods of retaining the collected network data, such as control and application protocol headers at the collection points, and consolidation and exporting this network data to management/reporting/analytics application using application driven rules for consolidation and summarization. Real-time statistical analysis tools, which may be used to predict failure and degradation trends and proactively control the underlying causes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing a user record deletion notification are disclosed. In one example, the method comprises determining, at a subscriber data management (SDM) node, that a service subscription to an access network is to be terminated, wherein the service subscription is associated with a subscriber user, generating, at the SDM node, a notification message that includes a deletion notification attribute, and sending the Diameter notification message to an application server associated with the access network. The method further includes terminating, at the application server, a communication service connection established between the subscriber user and the access network in response to detecting the deletion notification attribute in the notification message and deleting, in the SDM node, a user record associated with the service subscription after receiving notification of the connection termination.

Abstract: A Diameter based network that includes nodes and accommodates Diameter communication sessions between nodes establishes a first Diameter communication session between a first node and a second node, and at some point determines that the first Diameter communication session is lost. The first node generates a query using a second Diameter communication session that is a different session than the first Diameter communication session. The first node transmits the query to the second node, where the query includes a session type and key identifiers for the first Diameter communication session. The second node re-establishes the first Diameter communication session with the first node and transmits, in response to the query, an indication that the first Diameter communication session exists.

Abstract: The present invention identifies methods and procedures for correlating control plane and user plane data, consolidating and abstracting the learned and correlated data in a form convenient for minimizing and exporting to other network devices, such as those in the Core Network and the Access Network, or the origin server, CDN devices or client device. These correlation methods may use Control Plane information from a plurality of interfaces in the RAN, and User plane information from other interfaces in the RAN or CN. IF the device is deployed as an inline proxy, this information may be exported using in-band communication, such as HTTP extension headers in HTTP Request or Response packets, or another protocol header, such as the IP or GTP-U header field. Alternatively, this information can be exported out-of-band using a separate protocol between the RAN Transit Network Device (RTND) and the receiving device.

Abstract: A policy and charging rules function (PCRF), generates a Diameter audit message concerning an application level Diameter session for which local resources are maintained by the PCRF. The PCRF includes, in the audit message, a fake parameter value. The PCRF sends the audit message with the fake parameter value to the OCS or the AF over an Sy or Rx interface. The PCRF receives a response to the audit message from the OCS or AF. The PCRF determines, based on the response, whether the application level session comprises and orphan session. The PCRF, in response to determining that the application level Diameter session comprises an orphan session frees the local resources maintained by the PCRF for the orphan session.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for PCRF node selection. According to one aspect, a system for PCRF node selection is provided. The system includes a first PCRF selection node for receiving a first request message for which PCRF node selection is required. The first PCRF selection node determines whether to select the PCRF or to delegate selection of the PCRF. In response to a determination to delegate the selection of the PCRF, the first PCRF selection node generates and sends a second request message related to the first request message. The system further includes a second PCRF node for, in response to receiving the second request message from the first PCRF selection node, determining whether to select the PCRF or to delegate selection of the PCRF. In response to determining to select the PCRF, the second PCRF selection node selects the PCRF.

Abstract: A method implemented by a gateway device which handles sessions over a network to which the gateway device is connected and which also enforces conditions of service provided to those network sessions, the method involving: receiving from a policy server a policy rules package, wherein the policy rules package specifies a set of rules that are to be applied to certain sessions handled by the gateway device and a set of criteria for identifying among a plurality of subscribers a group of all subscribers to which the rules are to be applied by the gateway device; based on set of criteria in the policy rules package identifying all subscribers with currently active sessions to whom the policy rules are to be applied; and applying the set of rules to the sessions of the identified subscribers.

Abstract: Control Plane and User plane packet data are collected within the Radio Access Network using a plurality of network devices. Consolidation and summarization of this information is then performed to present a unified picture of RAN through abstract APIs to management and analytics applications. The invention identifies methods of retaining the collected network data, such as control and application protocol headers at the collection points, and consolidation and exporting this network data to management/reporting/analytics application using application driven rules for consolidation and summarization. Real-time statistical analysis tools, which may be used to predict failure and degradation trends and proactively control the underlying causes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method implemented by a gateway device which handles sessions over a network to which the gateway device is connected and which also enforces conditions of service provided to those network sessions, the method involving: receiving from a policy server a policy rules package, wherein the policy rules package specifies a set of rules that are to be applied to certain sessions handled by the gateway device and a set of criteria for identifying among a plurality of subscribers a group of all subscribers to which the rules are to be applied by the gateway device; based on set of criteria in the policy rules package identifying all subscribers with currently active sessions to whom the policy rules are to be applied; and applying the set of rules to the sessions of the identified subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention identifies methods and procedures for correlating control plane and user plane data, consolidating and abstracting the learned and correlated data in a form convenient for minimizing and exporting to other network devices, such as those in the Core Network and the Access Network, or the origin server, CDN devices or client device. These correlation methods may use Control Plane information from a plurality of interfaces in the RAN, and User plane information from other interfaces in the RAN or CN. IF the device is deployed as an inline proxy, this information may be exported using in-band communication, such as HTTP extension headers in HTTP Request or Response packets, or another protocol header, such as the IP or GTP-U header field. Alternatively, this information can be exported out-of-band using a separate protocol between the RAN Transit Network Device (RTND) and the receiving device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing a user record deletion notification are disclosed. In one example, the method comprises determining, at a subscriber data management (SDM) node, that a service subscription to an access network is to be terminated, wherein the service subscription is associated with a subscriber user, generating, at the SDM node, a notification message that includes a deletion notification attribute, and sending the Diameter notification message to an application server associated with the access network. The method further includes terminating, at the application server, a communication service connection established between the subscriber user and the access network in response to detecting the deletion notification attribute in the notification message and deleting, in the SDM node, a user record associated with the service subscription after receiving notification of the connection termination.