Starent Networks' Policy and Charging Control Solution offers operators a proven 3GPP standards-based end-to-end Policy and Charging Control (PCC) solution that allows operators to improve the quality of experience for their subscribers while restraining network costs resulting from the increase in data traffic.

Starent's PCC services are grouped into three categories:

• Resource management – examples include fair usage, traffic optimization, and time-based differential charging policies
• Personalization services – examples include automated use notification, tiered services, parental control, and roaming management policies
• New services creation – examples include turbo service for a dynamic upgrade, location based differential charging, and on net preferential charging policies

With Starent’s Policy and Charging Control Solution, operators are:

• Deploying a 3GPP Standards based solution ensuring maximum flexibility
• 4G ready with only a software upgrade
• Getting one of the lowest total cost of ownership solutions on the market without compromising performance for functionality. Recent TCO analysis shows 30-40% OpEx savings over a leading compeditor due to Starent's integrated functionality

The Starent PCC solution is featured on Starent's ST-Series multimedia core platforms and leverages Starent's in-line services. The Starent PCC solution delivers three key capabilities: Policy, Enforcement, and Charging.

Policy
The Policy function includes a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) or Policy Server that houses the individual policies, defining network, application, and subscriber conditions that must be met to successfully deliver a service that maintains a Quality of Service (QoS) standard. It also includes the Subscriber Profile Repository (SPR); a database of information such as entitlement, rate plan, etc.

Enforcement
The Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) is responsible for enforcing policies with respect to authentication of subscribers, authorization to access and services, and accounting mobility.

Charging
The Charging Function includes Online Charging (OCS) and Offline Charging (OFCS). The OCS provides real-time credit control and quota management for subscriber data sessions. The OFCS receives charging data from network elements after the subscriber incurs network resource usage.