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Summa Networks introduces its Converged Policy Suite
Madrid, Spain, May 14th, 2024. - Summa Networks, the market specialist in Subscribers Data, Policy, Identity and Connectivity management solutions, has announced the availability of its complete Policy suite, as the existing PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules function) has been extended to a PCF (Policy Control Function) to offer a Converged Policy solution across 2G/3G/4G/5G NSA and 5G bearers.
Summa Networks’ PCRF is a modular software suite designed with ease as a main driver as it includes two different flavours of the product: a simple Voice PCRF for VoLTE, VoWiFi and basic data capabilities and a full data policy control version, both extensible to a 5G PCF. The product suite is designed as a set of Cloud Native functions and micro-services, although they can be flexibly deployed as CNF, VNF or even bare metal solutions giving customers full underlying technology independence.
Summa Networks Policy solutions work as standalone NF’s including its own subscribers database but can as well be plugged into existing SPRs. Besides, PCRF can be bundled with our HSS acting as the subscribers database, creating operational efficiencies by saving hardware and both operational and integration costs.
Policy suite offers a fully converged solution that can work as a policy centre for both 4G and 5G, simplifying the transition into 5G networks. It provides a unified platform for configuring and managing policy decisions based on various network parameters, user subscriptions, and usage to deliver the policies. In addition, its rest API and GUI are secured by predefined roles.
VOICE PCRF
Regarding the two different product flavours, the Voice PCRF version is specifically designed for VoLTE / VoWiFi deployments, with a simple set of static rules, QoS and ARP control. This version aims to be an easy and cost-effective solution for voice networks transition to VoLTE/VoWiFi. It also includes a user-friendly GUI for creating and managing policy rules.
FULL PCRF
The Full PCRF version encompasses all Voice PCRF functionalities and incorporates additional robust data features. It also includes features expected from a 3GPP compliant PCRF, including extensive policy use cases and a carefully designed GUI interface for policy rules creation and management, which aims to give carriers independence at the time of managing their policies. Finally, it involves subscriber and plan management.
VOICE PCRF
The Smart Choice for Simplicity and Efficiency
Voice PCRF focuses on the essentials of Policy for VoLTE/VoWiFi/VoNR, providing core policy and charging control functionalities that are perfect for voice deployments. It's all about efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Here is why Voice PCRF version might be your best choice:
- Core Focus: Voice PCRF specialises in essential policy enforcement, charging, and QoS management. No frills, just the key functionalities.
- Easy to Deploy: It's designed for simplicity. You can have it up and running in no time, and it's a breeze to maintain.
- Efficient in resources usage: Voice PCRF is light on system resources, making it suitable for environments with resource constraints.
- Budget-conscious: Cost-effective and perfect for operators who want to get the job done without breaking the bank.
- Additional Function: Voice PCRF supports 5G NSA.
Voice PCRF Use Cases:
- VoLTE calls made without the need for any provisioning: Voice PCRF enables VoLTE calls dynamically without requiring the provisioning of the subscribers.
- Filter calls by location: Voice PCRF allows to filter voice calls based on the geographical location of the user. This can be useful for optimising network resources and providing location-specific call policies.
- Filter calls by IMEI: Voice PCRF permits to apply filtering rules to voice calls based on the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This helps in controlling and managing voice services based on the device's unique identifier.
- Apply roaming rules: Voice PCRF enables the application of roaming policies for voice calls based on the Mobile Network Code (MNC) and Mobile Country Code (MCC). This ensures that specific rules are enforced when users are connected from specific networks.
- Filter calls by device model: Voice PCRF permits to implement the ability to filter voice calls based on the model of device used by the user. This allows for differentiated policies based on the capabilities and characteristics of the device.
- Apply rules based on the time of the day or days of the week (happy hour): Voice PCRF manages voice call rules dynamically based on the time of the day or specific days of the week. This is particularly useful for implementing special policies during designated periods like "happy hour."
- IMS applies rules based on the media type of the session: Voice PCRF enables extending policy control to IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) sessions and applies rules based on the type of media being used, such as audio or video.
- Filter emergency traffic: Voice PCRF prioritises or handles emergency voice traffic differently by implementing filters and rules specifically for emergency calls.
- Filter by charging characteristics: Voice PCRF facilitates applying policies to voice calls based on specific charging characteristics. This may include differentiating billing or quality of service based on certain charging parameters.
FULL PCRF
Unleash the Full Power of Policy and Charging Control
For those looking to supercharge their network with an extensive feature set and scale, the Full PCRF is the way to go. It offers a comprehensive range of capabilities and is ready to handle large-scale deployments. Here is why you should consider the Full PCRF, which includes all Voice PCRF features and adds rich data features:
- Extensive feature set: Get ready for a feature-rich experience. Full PCRF covers advanced policy management, dynamic rule creation, and robust charging and billing capabilities.
- High Scalability: Designed for large-scale deployments, it can handle high-traffic network environments with ease.
- Advanced Use Cases: Full PCRF supports advanced use cases like network slicing, enterprise services, and IoT applications.
- Customization: Enjoy a wide range of policy rules and criteria, like custom fields, offering flexibility and customization options to meet your unique needs.
- Integration Ready: As it is compliant with 3GPP standards, PCRF seamlessly integrates with other network elements and services, making your network management more comprehensive.
Full PCRF Use Cases:
- Provision and Management of Plans: The full PCRF Facilitates real-time tracking of subscriber quotas based on time and volume for efficient plan provisioning.
- Provision and Management of Subscribers: The full PCRF enables personalised management per IMSI, including Home Zone, QoS, and PCCs for effective subscriber control.
- Plan Subscription for Subscribers: With the full version, users can simultaneously subscribe to multiple plans, offering flexibility with different start and end dates.
- Bill Cycle Management: The full PCRF efficiently manages billing cycles for recurrent plans, resetting usage limits within periodicity.
- Quota Management: This version offers versatile ways to limit plan usage, including time-based and volume-based restrictions.
- Categories per user: Apply rules per category.
PCRF New Features:
- It will apply policies based on IMSI ranges. This strategic enhancement ensures more efficient network management and tailored service delivery.
- It will have the ability to test policies in production without affecting normal traffic. This capability ensures seamless policy management and minimizes disruptions for end-users.
- It will provide the option to set up customized user fields for consideration in policies.
These functionalities will allow for greater personalization and adaptability in policy implementation, addressing a wide range of user requirements.
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