Charging method and system based on signaling interworking gateway and gateway equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging method based on a signaling interworking gateway, a public and private convergence network system, a charging method and gateway equipment. The method comprises the following steps: in a process that target UE accesses a private network service, a private network UPF reports service usage information of the target UE to a private network SMF; the private network SMF generates charging information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and sends the charging information to a signaling intercommunication gateway; the signaling intercommunication gateway hides key information of a private network SMF in the charging information to obtain target charging information, and sends the target charging information to a large network CHF; and the large network CHF completes a charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information. By adopting the method, flexible charging of a single UE by a large network CHF can be realized; the signaling intercommunication gateway hides key information of a private network SMF, can meet the requirement that a sinking network element and a public network element need to be safely isolated, and improves the safety of a charging process; and the adaptation work is completed by the signaling intercommunication gateway, and customized development and upgrading of other core network elements are not needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a billing method based on a signaling intercommunication gateway, a public-private converged network system, a billing method and a gateway device. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) private network services, the need for interoperability between private networks and operators' public networks has become increasingly urgent, but this has also brought about a series of issues such as network security and operator control.

[0003] In the scenario of deploying 5GC (5G core network) in enterprise parks, since SMF (Session Management Function) and UPF (User plane Function) are dedicated to private networks, that is, deployed in enterprise parks, user traffic statistics and other billing information are all local in the enterprise. As a result, operators can only charge for the entire enterprise, and the billing method is too single, and it is impossible to flexibly charge private network users. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a billing method based on signaling intercommunication gateway, a public-private converged network system, a billing method and a gateway device to address the above technical problems, which can realize flexible billing of a single UE by the large network CHF and improve the security of the billing process.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a billing method based on a signaling intercommunication gateway, the method being applied to a public-private converged network system, the public-private converged network system comprising a private network UPF, a private network SMF, a signaling intercommunication gateway and a large network CHF; the method comprising:

[0006] When the target UE accesses the private network service, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF;

[0007] The private network SMF generates the target UE's billing information based on the service usage information and sends the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway;

[0008] The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information, and sends the target billing information to the large network CHF;

[0009] The large network CHF completes the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, after the large network CHF completes the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information, the method further includes:

[0011] The large network CHF feeds back response information to the signaling intercommunication gateway;

[0012] The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, obtains the target response information, and sends the target response information to the private network SMF.

[0013] In one embodiment, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information and obtains the target billing information, including:

[0014] The signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information.

[0015] In one embodiment, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, and obtains the target response information, including:

[0016] The signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain the target response information.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF, including:

[0018] The private network UPF receives the policy information issued by the private network SMF, and reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF based on the policy information.

[0019] In one of the embodiments, the private network SMF is configured to send billing information to the target CHF, wherein the target CHF is configured based on the address of the signaling intercommunication gateway.

[0020] In the second aspect, the present application also provides a public-private converged network system, which includes a private network UPF, a private network SMF, a signaling intercommunication gateway and a large network CHF; wherein:

[0021] The private network UPF is used to report the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF when the target UE accesses the private network service;

[0022] Private network SMF, used to generate the billing information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and send the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway;

[0023] Signaling intercommunication gateway, used to hide the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtain the target billing information, and send the target billing information to the large network CHF;

[0024] The large network CHF is used to complete the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a billing method, which is applied to a signaling intercommunication gateway, and the signaling intercommunication gateway is arranged in the public-private converged network system as described in the first aspect above, and the method includes:

[0026] When receiving the billing information sent by the private network SMF, hide the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtain the target billing information, and send the target billing information to the large network CHF;

[0027] When receiving the response information sent by the large network CHF, the key information of the large network CHF in the response information is hidden, the target response information is obtained, and the target response information is sent to the private network SMF.

[0028] In one of the embodiments, the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information is hidden to obtain the target billing information, including:

[0029] Identify and delete the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information;

[0030] Hide the key information of the large network CHF in the response information and obtain the target response information, including:

[0031] Identify and delete the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain the target response information.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a gateway device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method described in the second aspect above are implemented.

[0033] In the above-mentioned billing method based on the signaling intercommunication gateway, the public-private converged network system, the billing method and the gateway device, when the target UE accesses the private network service, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF; the private network SMF generates the billing information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and sends the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information, and sends the target billing information to the large network CHF; the large network CHF completes the billing process for the target UE based on the target billing information. In the above-mentioned manner, the signaling intercommunication gateway forwards the billing message, realizes the flexible billing of a single UE by the large network CHF, and enriches the billing methods of the operator. The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF, which can meet the requirement of secure isolation between the sinking network elements and the public network elements, and improves the security of the billing process. The adaptation work is completed by the signaling intercommunication gateway, and there is no need for customized development and upgrades of other core network elements. It has high compatibility with the existing network and can ensure the stability of the network system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application or related technical descriptions will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a public-private fusion network system in an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 A flowchart of a charging method based on a signaling intercommunication gateway in an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a charging method based on a signaling intercommunication gateway in another embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of signaling interaction in a public-private converged network system in one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a billing method in one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a gateway device in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0042] Before introducing the specific embodiments of the present invention, the professional terms involved in the present invention are explained first:

[0043] SMF (Session Management Function): responsible for interacting with the separated user plane, establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions, IP address allocation and management, etc.

[0044] UPF (User plane Function): includes routing and forwarding of user data packets, data interaction with the external data network (DN), QoS (Quality of Service) processing of the user plane, implementation of flow control rules (such as gating, redirection, and traffic steering), etc.

[0045] CHF (Charging Function): It is a key component in the 5G network and is mainly responsible for billing-related functions, including online billing, offline billing, and converged billing.

[0046] UE (User Equipment): refers to user equipment, that is, terminal equipment in the mobile communication system, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc. These devices can be connected to the network through wireless networks and mobile networks to achieve functions such as data transmission and voice communication.

[0047] The signaling intercommunication gateway-based charging method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to Figure 1 In the application environment shown. Among them, the public-private converged network system includes a public network and at least one private network. The private network network elements interact with the public network through the signaling intercommunication gateway 105. The network elements or devices involved in this embodiment include private network UPF102, private network SMF104, signaling intercommunication gateway 106 and large network CHF108; the signaling intercommunication gateway 105 forwards the billing message of the private network to the public network to realize the flexible billing of the large network CHF for a single UE. By deploying the signaling intercommunication gateway 106 between the signaling plane of the private network and the operator's public network, the signaling messages between the two networks need to be forwarded through the signaling intercommunication gateway 106, so as to realize network isolation, topology hiding, network security and other functions, which not only ensures the security of the operator's public network and private network, but also simplifies the complexity of network docking.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, in combination Figure 1 , refer to Figure 2 , provides a billing method based on signaling intercommunication gateway, which is applied to Figure 1 The public-private converged network system shown in the figure is used as an example for explanation, including:

[0049] Step 202: During the process of the target UE accessing the private network service, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF.

[0050] Among them, the target UE refers to the user equipment using the private network, that is, the private network user. The target UE establishes a session with the private network element (including the private network UPF and the private network SMF), and accesses the private network service normally based on the session. Private network services refer to network services established for enterprises or specific purposes. These services are isolated from the public network to ensure the security and privacy of data. Private network services may include internal enterprise communications, data storage, application services, Internet of Things management, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0051] The private network UPF obtains the target UE's service usage information by recording the establishment, modification and release process of the session, as well as the QoS flow information, number of data packets, number of bytes, etc. in the session. The obtained target UE's service usage information is reported to the private network SMF.

[0052] In an optional implementation, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the UE to the private network SMF according to the received policy information. The policy information is issued by the private network SMF to inform the UPF how to report the usage statistics of the private network service.

[0053] Step 204: The private network SMF generates the billing information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and sends the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway.

[0054] Among them, after receiving the service usage information, the private network SMF calculates the billing information according to the billing policy and sends it to the signaling intercommunication gateway.

[0055] Step 206, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information, and sends the target billing information to the large network CHF.

[0056] Among them, after receiving the billing information, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF. Optionally, the signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and encrypts the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information including encrypted content and non-encrypted content, and hides the key information of the private network SMF. Optionally, the signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the processed target billing information, and hides the key information of the private network SMF. By hiding the key information of the private network SMF, only the part related to the billing of the target UE is retained in the target billing information, ensuring the isolation of the public and private networks.

[0057] The key information of the private network SMF refers to sensitive information related to the SMF network element itself or the private network structure, including network topology, the name (ID) of the private network SMF, the address (IP) of the private network SMF, session records, etc.

[0058] Step 208: The large network CHF completes the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information.

[0059] Among them, the large network CHF supports the billing process of multiple UEs at the same time, realizing flexible billing for a single UE in the same private network or different private networks.

[0060] It is understandable that as 5G empowers vertical industries, more and more corporate customers choose 5G technology to build internal networks. Some large enterprises often choose to deploy a complete set of 5G core networks. Currently, operators can only charge for the entire enterprise, and the billing method is too simple. This embodiment, by setting a signaling intercommunication gateway, can collect the billing information of a single UE under the premise of satisfying the isolation of public and private networks, providing a solution for the operator's flexible billing.

[0061] In the above-mentioned billing method based on the signaling intercommunication gateway, when the target UE accesses the private network service, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF; the private network SMF generates the billing information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and sends the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information, and sends the target billing information to the large network CHF; the large network CHF completes the billing process for the target UE based on the target billing information. Through the above-mentioned method, the signaling intercommunication gateway forwards the billing message, realizes the flexible billing of a single UE by the large network CHF, and enriches the billing means of the operator. The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF, which can meet the requirements of security isolation between the sinking network elements and the public network elements, and improves the security of the billing process. The adaptation work is completed by the signaling intercommunication gateway, and there is no need to customize and upgrade other core network elements. It has high compatibility with the existing network and can ensure the stability of the network system.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, a charging method based on signaling intercommunication gateway is provided, and the method is applied to Figure 1 The public-private integrated network system shown in the figure is used as an example for explanation, including:

[0063] Step 302: During the process of the target UE accessing the private network service, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF.

[0064] Step 304: The private network SMF generates the billing information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and sends the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway.

[0065] Step 306, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information, and sends the target billing information to the large network CHF.

[0066] Step 308: The large network CHF completes the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information.

[0067] The description of steps 302 to 308 can refer to the explanation of the aforementioned steps 202 to 208, which will not be repeated here.

[0068] Step 310: The large network CHF feeds back response information to the signaling intercommunication gateway.

[0069] Step 312, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, obtains the target response information, and sends the target response information to the private network SMF.

[0070] Among them, after the large network CHF completes the user billing process, it needs to reply to the private network SMF through the signaling intercommunication gateway. Specifically, the large network CHF replies with response information to the signaling intercommunication gateway. After receiving the response information, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF. Optionally, the signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and encrypts the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, obtains the target response information including encrypted content and non-encrypted content, and realizes the hiding of the key information of the large network CHF. Optionally, the signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, obtains the processed target response information, and realizes the hiding of the key information of the large network CHF. By hiding the key information of the large network CHF, only the part related to the response is retained in the target response information, ensuring the isolation of the public and private networks.

[0071] The key information of the large network CHF refers to the sensitive information related to the CHF network element itself or the public network structure, including network topology, the name (ID) of the large network CHF, the address (IP) of the large network CHF, etc.

[0072] In this embodiment, the signaling intercommunication gateway forwards the response information, and the billing response feedback between the public network and the private network is realized under the premise of satisfying the isolation of the public and private networks, thereby improving network security and ensuring the integrity and traceability of the billing process.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information, including: the signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information.

[0074] Among them, the signaling intercommunication gateway deletes the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to ensure that only the billing-related part of the target UE is retained in the target billing information, thereby reducing the data transmission volume between the signaling intercommunication gateway and the large network CHF and improving the billing efficiency.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain the target response information, including: the signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain the target response information.

[0076] Among them, the signaling intercommunication gateway deletes the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to ensure that only the response-related part is retained in the target response information, thereby reducing the data transmission volume between the signaling intercommunication gateway and the private network SMF and improving billing efficiency.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF, including: the private network UPF receives the policy information issued by the private network SMF, and reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF based on the policy information.

[0078] The private network SMF sends policy information, namely the usage reporting rule (URR), to the private network UPF to inform the UPF how to report usage statistics of private network services. Based on the policy information, the private network UPF can report the service usage information of the target UE.

[0079] In an optional implementation, refer to Figure 4The interaction process between network elements and devices includes: 1. The private network user UE establishes a session and accesses the private network service normally; 2. The private network UPF reports the UE's service usage information to the private network SMF according to the URR policy information sent by the SMF; 3. The private network SMF generates the UE's billing information; 4. The private network SMF sends the UE's billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; 5. The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, such as the network topology; 6. The signaling intercommunication gateway sends the processed billing information to the large network CHF; 7. The large network CHF completes the user billing process; 8. The large network CHF returns the response information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; 9. The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF in the response message, such as the network topology; 10. The signaling intercommunication gateway sends the processed response message to the private network SMF.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the private network SMF is configured to send charging information to the target CHF, wherein the target CHF is configured based on the address of the signaling intercommunication gateway.

[0081] Among them, the signaling interconnection gateway supports the forwarding of N40 interface (CHF) signaling. Under normal circumstances, the private network SMF sends billing information to its target CHF. In this embodiment, the IP address of the signaling interconnection network management is configured as the target CHF of the private network SMF. It can be compatible on the basis of the existing network architecture without the need for customized development and upgrades of other core network elements, thereby ensuring the stability of the network system.

[0082] It should be understood that, although the various steps in the flowcharts involved in the above-mentioned embodiments are displayed in sequence according to the indication of the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in sequence according to the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear explanation in this article, the execution of these steps does not have a strict order restriction, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a part of the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above-mentioned embodiments can include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and the execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily to be carried out in sequence, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a part of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0083] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiment of the present application also provides a public-private converged network system for implementing the above-mentioned billing method based on the signaling intercommunication gateway. The implementation solution provided by the system to solve the problem is similar to the implementation solution recorded in the above-mentioned method, so the specific limitations in one or more public-private converged network system embodiments provided below can refer to the above limitations on the billing method based on the signaling intercommunication gateway, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, a public-private converged network system is provided, which includes a private network UPF 102, a private network SMF 104, a signaling intercommunication gateway 106 and a large network CHF 108; wherein:

[0085] The private network UPF 102 is used to report the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF 104 during the process of the target UE accessing the private network service;

[0086] The private network SMF 104 is used to generate the billing information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and send the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway 106;

[0087] Signaling intercommunication gateway 106, used to hide the key information of the private network SMF104 of the billing information, obtain the target billing information, and send the target billing information to the large network CHF108;

[0088] The large network CHF 108 is used to complete the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the large network CHF 108 is also used to feed back response information to the signaling intercommunication gateway 106;

[0090] The signaling intercommunication gateway 106 is also used to hide the key information of the large network CHF108 in the response information, obtain the target response information, and send the target response information to the private network SMF104.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the signaling intercommunication gateway 106 is also used to identify and delete key information of the private network SMF 104 in the billing information to obtain target billing information.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the signaling intercommunication gateway 106 is further used to identify and delete key information of the large network CHF 108 in the response information to obtain target response information.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the private network UPF 102 is also used to receive policy information issued by the private network SMF 104, and report the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF 104 based on the policy information.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the private network SMF 104 is configured to send charging information to a target CHF, wherein the target CHF is configured based on an address of the signaling interworking gateway 106 .

[0095] In the above-mentioned public-private converged network system, when the target UE accesses the private network service, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF; the private network SMF generates the billing information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and sends the billing information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; the signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information, and sends the target billing information to the large network CHF; the large network CHF completes the billing process for the target UE based on the target billing information. In the above-mentioned manner, the signaling intercommunication gateway forwards the billing message, realizes the flexible billing of a single UE by the large network CHF, and enriches the billing methods of the operator. The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF, which can meet the requirements of secure isolation between the sinking network elements and the public network elements, and improves the security of the billing process. The adaptation work is completed by the signaling intercommunication gateway, and there is no need to customize and upgrade other core network elements. It has high compatibility with the existing network and can ensure the stability of the network system.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, in combination Figure 1 , refer to Figure 5 , provides a billing method, which is applied to Figure 1 Taking the signaling intercommunication gateway shown in the figure as an example, the method includes:

[0097] Step 502, when receiving the billing information sent by the private network SMF, hide the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtain the target billing information, and send the target billing information to the large network CHF.

[0098] Step 504, when receiving the response information sent by the large network CHF, hide the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, obtain the target response information, and send the target response information to the private network SMF.

[0099] The specific limitations in the billing method embodiment provided in the present application can be found in the above limitations on the billing method based on the signaling intercommunication gateway, which will not be repeated here.

[0100] In the above-mentioned billing method, the signaling intercommunication gateway forwards the billing message to realize the flexible billing of a single UE by the large network CHF, enriching the billing methods of the operator. The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF, which can meet the requirements of secure isolation between the sinking network elements and the public network elements, and improve the security of the billing process. The signaling intercommunication gateway forwards the response information to realize the billing response feedback between the public network and the private network under the premise of meeting the isolation of the public and private networks, which improves the network security and ensures the integrity and traceability of the billing process. The adaptation work is completed by the signaling intercommunication gateway, and there is no need to customize the development and upgrade of other core network elements. It has high compatibility with the existing network and can ensure the stability of the network system.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information is hidden to obtain the target billing information, including: identifying and deleting the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information; the key information of the large network CHF in the response information is hidden to obtain the target response information, including: identifying and deleting the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain the target response information.

[0102] Among them, the signaling intercommunication gateway deletes the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to ensure that only the billing-related part of the target UE is retained in the target billing information, thereby reducing the data transmission volume between the signaling intercommunication gateway and the large network CHF and improving the billing efficiency.

[0103] The signaling intercommunication gateway deletes the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to ensure that only the response-related parts are retained in the target response information, thereby reducing the data transmission volume between the signaling intercommunication gateway and the private network SMF and improving billing efficiency.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, a gateway device is provided. The gateway device may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 6 As shown. The gateway device includes a processor, a memory, an input / output interface (Input / Output, referred to as I / O) and a communication interface. Among them, the processor, the memory and the input / output interface are connected through a system bus, and the communication interface is connected to the system bus through the input / output interface. Among them, the processor of the gateway device is used to provide computing and control capabilities. The memory of the gateway device includes a non-volatile storage medium and an internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system and a computer program. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and the computer program in the non-volatile storage medium. The input / output interface of the gateway device is used to exchange information between the processor and an external device. The communication interface of the gateway device is used to communicate with an external terminal through a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, a billing method based on a signaling intercommunication gateway is implemented.

[0105] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 6 The structure shown in the figure is only a block diagram of a partial structure related to the scheme of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the gateway device to which the scheme of the present application is applied. The specific gateway device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have a different arrangement of components.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, a gateway device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor implements the following steps when executing the computer program: when receiving billing information sent by a private network SMF, hiding key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtaining target billing information, and sending the target billing information to a large network CHF; when receiving response information sent by the large network CHF, hiding key information of the large network CHF in the response information, obtaining target response information, and sending the target response information to the private network SMF.

[0107] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are also implemented: identifying and deleting key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain target billing information; identifying and deleting key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain target response information.

[0108] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0109] A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment method can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, the memory, database or other medium mentioned in each embodiment provided in the present application can include at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. As an illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The database involved in each embodiment provided in this application may include at least one of a relational database and a non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include distributed databases based on blockchains, etc., but are not limited to this. The processor involved in each embodiment provided in this application may be a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic device, a data processing logic device based on quantum computing, an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, etc., but are not limited to this.

[0110] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0111] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A charging method based on a signaling intercommunication gateway, characterized in that: The method is applied to a public-private converged network system, which includes a private network UPF, a private network SMF, a signaling intercommunication gateway, and a large network CHF; the method includes: During the process of the target UE accessing the private network service, the private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF; The private network SMF generates the charging information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and sends the charging information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtains the target billing information, and sends the target billing information to the large network CHF; The large network CHF completes the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the large network CHF completes the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information, the method further includes: The large network CHF feeds back response information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, obtains the target response information, and sends the target response information to the private network SMF.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, and obtains the target billing information, including: The signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The signaling intercommunication gateway hides the key information of the large network CHF in the response information, and obtains the target response information, including: The signaling intercommunication gateway identifies and deletes the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain the target response information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The private network UPF reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF, including: The private network UPF receives the policy information issued by the private network SMF, and reports the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF based on the policy information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The private network SMF is configured to send the charging information to the target CHF, wherein the target CHF is configured based on the address of the signaling intercommunication gateway.

7. A public-private fusion network system, characterized in that: The public-private converged network system includes a private network UPF, a private network SMF, a signaling intercommunication gateway and a large network CHF; wherein: The private network UPF is used to report the service usage information of the target UE to the private network SMF during the process of the target UE accessing the private network service; The private network SMF is used to generate the charging information of the target UE based on the service usage information, and send the charging information to the signaling intercommunication gateway; The signaling intercommunication gateway is used to hide the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtain the target billing information, and send the target billing information to the large network CHF; The large network CHF is used to complete the charging process for the target UE based on the target charging information.

8. A charging method, characterized in that: The charging method is applied to a signaling intercommunication gateway, and the signaling intercommunication gateway is arranged in the public-private converged network system according to claim 7. The method comprises: When receiving the billing information sent by the private network SMF, hide the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information, obtain the target billing information, and send the target billing information to the large network CHF; When receiving the response information sent by the large network CHF, the key information of the large network CHF in the response information is hidden, the target response information is obtained, and the target response information is sent to the private network SMF.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The step of hiding the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information includes: Identify and delete the key information of the private network SMF in the billing information to obtain the target billing information; The key information of the large network CHF in the response information is hidden to obtain the target response information, including: Identify and delete the key information of the large network CHF in the response information to obtain the target response information.

10. A gateway device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that: When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method according to claim 8 or 9 are implemented.

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