Simplifying Policy Control for a Multi-Generational Network Era with Mavenir’s Combo PCF

In today’s fast-paced telecom environment, managing network policies across different generations of technology is like juggling while running a marathon. It demands control, agility, and seamless integration – all at once. That’s where Mavenir’s Combo PCF steps in, combining the power of Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) and Policy Control Function (PCF) into a single, unified platform. Whether it’s ensuring consistent service quality across 5G or keeping legacy 2G/3G/4G systems running smoothly, the Combo PCF raises the bar for operators seeking simplified, future-ready policy control without the hassle of maintaining fragmented solutions.

Mavenir’s Combo PCF isn’t just another policy control product – it’s a smart fusion of the PCRF and the PCF. Designed to deliver seamless compatibility across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, this platform is a versatile solution for operators managing multi-generational technologies. With its ability to be deployed as a standalone PCF or PCRF, the Combo PCF stands out as a flexible tool that’s as ready for today’s challenges as it is for tomorrow’s opportunities.

As 5G adoption accelerates, operators often wonder how to evolve their networks without being weighed down by the complexities of legacy 2G/3G policy products and interfaces. Transitioning to a fully service-based interface (SBI) architecture becomes even more challenging when older systems remain critical to operations. Integrating telecom-native protocols-based interfaces (2G/3G) to maintain compatibility with next-generation policy control systems results in fragmented infrastructures, driving up complexity and costs due to the effort required to manage disparate systems. Mavenir’s Combo PCF tackles these challenges directly by enabling operators to transition gradually, without needing to overhaul their entire legacy setup. By seamlessly integrating legacy functionalities onto a modern 5G SA platform and supporting 2G/3G, 4G, and 5G-SA, the Combo PCF paves the way to a cloud-native network while significantly reducing the operational burden of managing multiple systems.

Unlike repurposed solutions built on outdated principles, Mavenir’s product is a fresh approach from the ground up. Fully cloud-native and designed with microservices, the Combo PCF is both stateless and scalable, allowing for rapid resource allocation. This is crucial in environments where traffic needs can change instantaneously. The small size of the microservices enables quick start-up and shut-down times, providing operators with the agility needed to stay ahead. Free from technology debt, Mavenir has infused innovation into every layer, ensuring that legacy functionalities are seamlessly adapted into this cutting-edge platform making the Combo PCF panoptic, flexible, diverse, agile and lean.

As Mavenir’s Senior Director of Product Management Anurag Mehndiratta puts it: “The Combo PCF was designed with innovation in mind, not as an afterthought. By focusing on a truly cloud-native architecture and eliminating the baggage of older technologies, we’ve created a platform that is not only ready to meet the demands of today’s networks but is also future-ready.”

Mavenir’s Combo PCF is more than just a policy control function – it’s a strategic asset for operators looking to future-proof their networks and roll out emerging use cases such as those related to ATSSS, FMC, IoT (RedCap), NTN and similar applications. By combining PCRF and PCF into a single platform that supports both legacy and modern technologies, Mavenir has created a solution that’s as flexible as it is powerful. The lightweight, microservices-based architecture and cloud-native design ensure that operators can adapt to changing needs with speed and confidence. This isn’t just about surviving the transition to 5G – it’s about thriving in it.

Learn more about how the Combo PCF can transform your network. Download our product brief or get in touch with our sales team today to see how Mavenir can help you lead the charge into the future of telecom.

*This blog is co-authored by Anurag Mehndiratta and Manali Acharya.