PFDF

PFDF

Other →
Introduced in Rel-15 Also in: Services

PFDF is the Packet Flow Description Function, which is a 3GPP network function that provides packet flow descriptions for traffic detection and policy enforcement to the Traffic Detection Function.

Category
Other
Introduced
Rel-15
Where
Core Network › 5G Core
Also touches
1 segments
Specifications
18 specs
PFDF Description Purpose Detected Changes Specifications

Description

Packet Flow Description Function

Purpose & Motivation

Release Timeline

Detected Changes Across Releases

from 3GPP Change Requests

Specific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (2 CRs across 2 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.

Rel-15 1 change

In Release 15, the PFDF (Packet Flow Description Function) was formally introduced as a new function to store Packet Flow Descriptions (PFDs) provided by Application Service Providers. This release defined the key interfaces for PFD management: the Nu reference point between the SCEF and PFDF for third-party provisioning, and the Gw/Gwn reference points for distributing PFDs from the PFDF to the PCEF and TDF, respectively. The specification detailed operational modes ("push" and "pull") for this distribution and enabled the PCEF/TDF to use these externally provided PFDs for enhanced application detection, overriding any local pre-configurations.

  • Corrections of parameters on SCEF-PFDF interface TS 23.682CR0308
Rel-18 1 change

In Release 18, the PFDF gained the new capability to consume Application Detection analytics from the NWDAF. This enhancement allows the PFDF to utilize network data analytics to inform its management and distribution of Packet Flow Descriptions (PFDs) to the PCEF or TDF.

  • PFDF consume Application Detection analytics from NWDAF TS 23.503CR0783

Defining Specifications

3GPP specifications that define or reference PFDF, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.

SpecificationTitleRelease
TS 23.203 vj20 Policy and charging control architecture Rel-19
TS 23.503 vk00 5G Policy and Charging Control Framework Rel-20
TS 23.682 vj30 3GPP TS 23682: MTC Architecture Enhancements Rel-19
TS 26.512 vj10 5G Media Streaming Protocols & APIs Rel-19
TS 26.804 vj10 5G Media Streaming Extensions Study Rel-19
TS 29.122 vj40 T8 Reference Point for Northbound APIs Rel-19
TS 29.212 vj00 Gx/Gxx/Sd/St Diameter Protocol Rel-19
TS 29.213 vj20 PCC Signalling Flows and QoS Mapping Rel-19
TS 29.250 vj00 Nu Reference Point Stage 3 Specification Rel-19
TS 29.251 vj00 Gw/Gwn Reference Points Stage 3 Specification Rel-19
TS 29.512 vj40 5G Session Management Policy Control Service Rel-19
TS 29.513 vj40 5G PCC Signalling Flows & QoS Mapping Rel-19
TS 29.520 vj40 5G Network Data Analytics Services Stage 3 Rel-19
TS 29.522 vj40 5G NEF Northbound APIs Stage 3 Rel-19
TS 29.551 vj30 5G PFD Management Service Stage 3 Rel-19
TS 29.552 vj40 5G Network Data Analytics Signalling Flows Rel-19
TS 29.890 vg00 CT3 5G System Technical Report Rel-16
TS 32.299 vj00 Diameter Charging Applications for 3GPP Rel-19
Patrick Zandl

About the author: Patrick Zandl (b. 1974)

Telecommunications specialist, technology journalist (founder of the Mobil server), and developer who has been running since 2025 — the largest Czech-language resource on AI-assisted programming. Formerly Chief Wizard Architect at Prusa3D and head of development for Turris at CZ.NIC; currently a consultant and instructor on AI implementation in companies.

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