Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) is the software node designated in real-time to determine policy rules in a
multimedia
Multimedia is a form of communication that uses a combination of different content forms, such as Text (literary theory), writing, Sound, audio, images, animations, or video, into a single presentation. T ...
network. As a policy tool, the PCRF plays a central role in next-generation networks. Unlike earlier policy engines that were added onto an existing network to enforce policy, the PCRF is a
software component
A software component is a modular unit of software that encapsulates specific functionality. The desired characteristics of a component are reusability and maintainability.
Value
Components allow software development to assemble software ...
that operates at the network core and accesses subscriber
database
In computing, a database is an organized collection of data or a type of data store based on the use of a database management system (DBMS), the software that interacts with end users, applications, and the database itself to capture and a ...
s and other specialized functions, such as a charging system, in a centralized manner. Because it operates in real time, the PCRF has an increased strategic significance and broader potential role than traditional policy engines. This has led to a proliferation of PCRF products since 2008.
The PCRF is the part of the network architecture that aggregates information to and from the network,
operational support systems, and other sources (such as portals) in real time, supporting the creation of rules and then automatically making policy decisions for each
subscriber
The subscription business model is a business model in which a customer must pay a recurring price at regular intervals for access to a product or service. The model was pioneered by publishers of books and periodicals in the 17th century. It i ...
active on the network. Such a network might offer multiple services,
quality of service
Quality of service (QoS) is the description or measurement of the overall performance of a service, such as a telephony or computer network, or a cloud computing service, particularly the performance seen by the users of the network. To quantitat ...
(QoS) levels, and charging rules.
[McDaid, Cathal, "Overview and Comparison of QoS Control in Next Generation Networks," palowireless 3G/UMTS Resource Center. http://www.palowireless.com/3g/qos.asp . Accessed June 15, 2010.] PCRF can provide a network agnostic solution (wire line and wireless) and can also enable multi-dimensional approach which helps in creating a lucrative and innovative platform for operators.
PCRF can also be integrated with different platforms like billing, rating, charging, and subscriber database or can also be deployed as a standalone entity.
PCRF plays a key role in VoLTE as a mediator of network resources for the IP Multimedia Systems network for establishing the calls and allocating the requested bandwidth to the call bearer with configured attributes. This enables an operator to offer differentiated voice services to their user(s) by charging a premium. Operators also have an opportunity to use PCRF for prioritizing the calls to emergency numbers in the next-gen networks.
References
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External links
Mobile Broadband & the Rise of Policy: Technology Review & Forecast"It's all a matter of policy," Telecom TV
Internet Protocol
Network architecture
Telecommunications engineering
Telecommunications infrastructure