To core network functions

Abstract

In one aspect, a control plane Interworking Function (IWF-C) is used to establish a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session in a data communications network. A create session request is received, for example from a Mobile Management Entity (MME). A create session management context request is generated by the IWF-C and transmitted to a Session Management Function (SMF). A create session management context request response is received from the SMF. A create session request response is generated by the IWF-C and sent, for example to the MME. In other aspects, control plane policy interworking and user plane interworking is provided between components of 4G and 5G networks.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of controlling a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session in a data communications network, comprising:
 receiving a Policy Control Function (PCF) request from a Session Management Function (SMF);   generating a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) request based on the received PCF request;   transmitting the generated PCRF request to a PCRF;   receiving a PCRF request response from the PCRF;   generating a PCF request response; and   transmitting the PCF request response to the SMF.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method is performed by an interworking function. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the PCF request is received and the PCF request response is transmitted over an N7 interface. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the generated PCRF request is transmitted and the PCRF request response is received by utilizing a Gx interface. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the generating of the PCRF request comprises transforming the received PCF request. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the generating of the PCF request response comprises transforming the received PCRF request response. 
     
     
         7 . Data communications apparatus comprising an interworking function arranged to:
 receive a Policy Control Function (PCF) request from a Session Management Function (SMF);   generate a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) request based on the received PCF request;   transmit the generated PCRF request to a PCRF;   receive a PCRF request response from the PCRF;   generate a PCF request response; and   transmit the PCF request response to the SMF.   
     
     
         8 . A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer-readable instructions for causing a processor to perform the method of:
 receiving a Policy Control Function (PCF) request from a Session Management Function (SMF);   generating a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) request based on the received PCF request;   transmitting the generated PCRF request to a PCRF;   receiving a PCRF request response from the PCRF;   generating a PCF request response; and   transmitting the PCF request response to the SMF.