Failover to a backup policy and charging rules function (PCRF) node

A computer-implemented method performed by one or more processors configured with specific instructions, the computer-implemented method comprising:

• receiving, at a routing agent, a message from a node in a cellular network;
• in response to receiving the message:
• transmitting, by the routing agent, the message to a primary Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node at a first location within the cellular network;
• and
• transmitting, by the routing agent, a copy of the message to a backup PCRF node at a second location within the cellular network, wherein the backup PCRF node maintains information independently from the primary PCRF node;
• after transmitting the message and the copy of the message, determining a failure condition of the primary PCRF node;
• and
• transmitting, by the routing agent, an answer received from the backup PCRF node to the node.

A non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors of a computing device to perform acts comprising:

• receiving, at a routing agent, a message from a node in a cellular network;
• in response to receiving the message:
• transmitting, by the routing agent, the message to a primary Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node at a first location within the cellular network;
• and
• transmitting, by the routing agent, a copy of the message to a backup PCRF node at a second location within the cellular network, wherein the backup PCRF node maintains information independently from the primary PCRF node;
• after transmitting the message and the copy of the message, determining a failure condition of the primary PCRF node;
• and
• transmitting, by the routing agent, an answer received from the backup PCRF node to the node.