Devices and method for guaranteeing quality of service per service data flow through the bearer layer

A method for notifying events detected in a bearer layer, the bearer layer bearing several service data flows, each service data flow (SDF) including at least one Internet Protocol (IP) flow, the method carried out at a network gateway with a Policing and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) in charge of SDF detection, policing enforcement, charging functionality and detection of events in the bearer layer, the method comprising:

• receiving SDF filters, for SDF detection, and events to be notified on an SDF basis from a Policing and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) device, which is in charge of providing network control for SDF detection;
• transporting IP flows in the bearer layer through the network gateway with the PCEF;
• inspecting the IP flows and, by using the SDF filters, inspecting an individual SDF;
• detecting when an event has occurred in the bearer layer for the individual SDF inspected;
• and
• notifying the PCRF device of the event detected for the individual SDF.

A Policing and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) device in charge of providing network control for service data flow (SDF) detection in a bearer layer, the bearer layer bearing several SDFs, each SDF including at least one Internet Protocol (IP) flow, the PCRF device comprising:

• a generator unit configured to determine SDF filters, for SDF detection, and events to be notified on an SDF basis;
• an output unit configured to transmit the SDF filters, for SDF detection, and the events to be notified on an SDF basis, to a network gateway with a Policing and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), which is in charge of SDF detection, policing enforcement, charging functionality and events detection in the bearer layer;
• and
• an input unit configured to receive a notification, from the network gateway with the PCEF, notifying of an event detected for a particular service data flow.

A method for notifying events detected in a bearer layer, the bearer layer bearing several service data flows, each service data flow (SDF) including at least one Internet Protocol (IP) flow, the method carried out at a Policing and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) device in charge of providing network control for service data flow (SDF) detection in the bearer layer, the method comprising:

• determining SDF filters, for SDF detection, and events to be notified on an SDF basis;
• transmitting the SDF filters, for SDF detection, and the events to be notified on an SDF basis, to a network gateway with a Policing and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), which is in charge of SDF detection, policing enforcement, charging functionality and events detection in the bearer layer;
• and
• receiving a notification, from the network gateway with the PCEF, notifying of an event detected for a particular service data flow.