Definition of the Gx Interface

The Gx interface is located between the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) and the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) The Gx interface is used for provisioning and removal of PCC rules from the PCRF to the PCEF and the transmission of traffic plane events from the PCEF to the PCRF. The Gx interface can be used for charging control, policy control or both by applying AVPs relevant to the application.

Figure 1 Gx reference point at the Policy and Charging Control (PCC) architecture

The preceding figure is a copy of Figure 4.1 in 3GPP TS 29.212 V9.7.0.

The PCEF and PCRF are described as follows:

PCEF: checks service data flows, obtains service-based control and charging policies from the PCRF, and enforces the policies.

When functioning as the PCEF, NetEngine 8000 F supports RADIUS accounting but does not support Gy or Gz interfaces.
PCRF: defines control and charging policies based on service characteristics and user attributes and dynamically delivers the policies to the PCEF.

NetEngine 8000 Fcan function only as the PCEF.