Policy Function
Smart policy and charging control for next-generation networks
In today’s multimedia networks, policy control is essential. It ensures that each subscriber receives the right services, at the right quality level, and under the right business rules — in real time.
As defined by industry standards, the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) acts as a central brain that dynamically enforces policy decisions across the network. The PCRF helps operators manage quality of service (QoS), charging, and service differentiation in an automated way. It can work standalone or be integrated with billing, rating, and subscriber management systems - becoming a powerful tool for building innovative, revenue-generating services.
In voice networks, the PCRF is especially critical. It enables bearer management for VoLTE/VoWiFi, emergency call prioritization, and bandwidth allocation. And as networks evolve, so must the policy function: that’s where the Policy Control Function (PCF) comes in, providing the same policy intelligence in 5G architectures - both Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA).
At Summa Networks, our Policy Function suite includes three modular options:
- Voice PCRF: Lightweight policy control focused on VoLTE and VoWiFi, with seamless IMS integration
- Full Voice and Data PCRF: Comprehensive solution for enforcing data policies, quotas, and advanced use cases
- Combo PCF: Unified policy engine for 4G and 5G networks, supporting full interworking and future-ready control
Each option is cloud-native, standards-compliant, and designed to give operators full control over service quality and evolution.
Voice PCRF
Smart and simplified policy control for VoLTE, VoWiFi and VoNR readiness.
Description:
Summa Networks´ Voice PCRF enables operators to deploy VoLTE and VoWiFi with minimal complexity. It ensures dynamic bearer allocation, emergency call handling, and voice quality prioritization.
Use Cases:
- Launching VoLTE or VoWiFi services in IMS environments
- Prioritizing emergency calls and voice quality
- Enabling VoNR as part of 5G migration strategies
- Deploying voice in private or mission-critical networks
Key Features:
- Dynamic PCC rules for voice sessions
- Seamless integration with Summa Networks HSS
- Standalone or bundled deployment
Benefits:
- Low TCO and fast deployment
- Voice-first strategy aligned with 5G goals
- Lightweight solution ideal for small and mid-size operators
- Simplifies regulatory compliance (emergency services)
Full Voice and Data PCRF
Take full control of data traffic, user experience and monetization
Description:
As users consume more data across diverse use cases, having real-time, granular control is crucial. Summa Networks´ Full Voice and Data PCRF enables you to enforce usage policies, manage QoS levels, apply roaming and APN-based rules, and support custom plans - all through a flexible and powerful engine.
Use Cases:
- Tiered data plans and volume-based management
- Blocking/allowing specific services per user, per profile
- Family/shared plans with shared counters
- Policy rules based on roaming status, access network or APN
- Preventing bill-shock with usage thresholds
Key Features:
- Policy editor with GUI & REST API
- Throttling and session re-evaluation
- Multi-tenancy and flexible subscriber grouping
- Online notifications (top-up, usage warnings)
Benefits:
- Scales to millions of subscribers
- Enables personalized, revenue-generating plans
- Full visibility and control over user sessions
- Adapts to all deployment environments (VMs, containers, bare metal)
Combo PCF
One policy engine for both 4G and 5G networks
Description:
Summa Networks' Combo PCF enables operators to control policy consistently across non-standalone and standalone 5G networks while maintaining compatibility with 4G. It supports static and dynamic rules, inter-RAT mobility, IMS integration and ensures a smooth transition toward 5G SA.
Use Cases:
- Deploying converged 4G/5G policy control in a single platform
- Managing VoNR and VoLTE from the same system
- Seamless mobility across network types (e.g. 4G ⇄ 5G)
- Cloud-native greenfield 5G deployments with full PCF compliance
Key Features:
- Supports N5 and N7 interfaces (5G-compliant)
- Unified dashboard for policy rule management
- Access mobility and session continuity management
- VoLTE and VoNR integration
Benefits:
- Converged solution for lower operational complexity
- Faster and smoother migration to 5G SA
- Standards-compliant and future-proof
- Unified policy for voice and data across generations
Architecture and deployment
Summa Networks PCRF can be deployed on off-the shelf hardware. A standard deployment to ensure High Availability, would have 2 servers for the Business logic (Front-ends) including the GUI, plus two Back-end servers for the configuration DB (MySQL) and the sessions DB (Redis).
