ericsson PCC (Policy and Charging Control )

Ericsson's Policy and Charging Control (PCC) solution is a critical component within telecommunications networks, especially in 4G LTE and 5G architectures. PCC enables operators to dynamically control and manage subscriber sessions in real-time based on policies defined by the operator's business rules and network conditions. Let's delve into the technical details of Ericsson's PCC:

Components of Ericsson's PCC:

1. Policy Control (PCRF - Policy and Charging Rules Function):
   • The PCRF acts as the brain of the PCC solution. It is responsible for:
     • Policy Decision: Based on predefined policies, it decides how to handle a specific subscriber's session. These policies can define bandwidth allocation, service prioritization, quality of service (QoS), etc.
     • Policy Enforcement: After making the decision, the PCRF ensures that the policy is enforced across the network elements. It communicates policy decisions to other network nodes using the Diameter protocol, specifically using the Gy (credit control) and Gx (policy control) interfaces.
     • Policy Charging: The PCRF interacts with the charging system to ensure that subscribers are billed correctly based on their usage and the policies applied.
2. Charging Control (OFCS - Online Charging System):
   • The OFCS is responsible for:
     • Real-time Charging: It monitors and controls the charging for subscribers in real-time, allowing operators to apply charges dynamically based on the service usage.
     • Credit Management: The OFCS ensures that subscribers do not exceed their allocated credit or quota, notifying them or taking appropriate actions when necessary.
     • Interface with PCRF: The OFCS communicates with the PCRF using the Gy interface for credit control and the Ro interface for online charging operations.

Key Functionalities:

1. Dynamic Policy Enforcement:
   • Based on the operator's policies and network conditions, the PCC solution can dynamically adjust the subscriber's session parameters. For example, during network congestion, the solution can prioritize critical services or limit bandwidth-intensive applications.
2. Quality of Service (QoS) Management:
   • Operators can define and enforce specific QoS parameters for different services or subscriber tiers, ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience.
3. Charging and Billing Control:
   • PCC enables operators to apply flexible charging models, such as tiered pricing, volume-based charging, time-based charging, etc. This flexibility allows operators to design innovative pricing plans and monetize their network efficiently.
4. Subscriber Personalization:
   • Using PCC, operators can offer personalized services and experiences to subscribers based on their preferences, usage patterns, and subscription plans.

Technical Aspects:

1. Diameter Protocol:
   • Ericsson's PCC solution utilizes the Diameter protocol for communication between the PCRF, OFCS, and other network nodes. Diameter is an evolution of the RADIUS protocol and provides enhanced security, scalability, and functionality required for modern telecommunications networks.
2. Integration with Network Elements:
   • The PCC solution integrates seamlessly with various network elements, such as the Packet Gateway (PGW), Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), and others, ensuring end-to-end policy and charging control.
3. Scalability and Redundancy:
   • Ericsson's PCC solution is designed for scalability and high availability, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and optimal performance even under high load conditions.

+++Ericsson's Policy and Charging Control (PCC) solution is a comprehensive platform that enables operators to manage subscriber sessions, enforce policies, control charging, and deliver personalized services effectively. By leveraging advanced technologies and protocols, such as Diameter, PCC empowers operators to optimize network resources, enhance user experience, and monetize their networks efficiently.