Methods and apparatuses for charging-related operations in a communications network

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein provide a mechanism for richer consumption reporting by a charging trigger function (CTF) towards a charging function (CHF) and corresponding dynamic modification of charging request behavior by the CTF. Particularly, the CTF reports interim consumption for an ongoing session, and the CHF evaluates the reported interim consumption to decide whether or how to modify the unit quota threshold used by the CTF for triggering further charging requests during the session. Interim consumption reported over many communication sessions also may be used to set default unit quota thresholds used by the network for different types of communication services. Additionally, the CTF may report information about blocked service units associated with interim consumption exhausting the then-current grant. Such information may be used for dynamic threshold control within a given session or may be used to set default parameters used by the network.

Description

[0001] P112023W001

[0002] METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CHARGING-RELATED OPERATIONS IN A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Disclosed methods and apparatuses relate to charging-related operations in a communications network and particularly relate to modifying the charging request behavior of a charging trigger function (CTF).

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] A critical component of modern telecommunications networks is the ability to accurately measure and charge for service usage, including in real-time. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) has standardized a converged charging architecture to support both online and offline charging scenarios across various network functions and services. This architecture enables dynamic quota management and real-time credit control for network subscribers, ensuring continuous service delivery while maintaining appropriate accounting and billing procedures.

[0007] At the heart of the converged charging system is the interaction between the Charging Trigger Function (CTF) and the Charging Function (CHF). The CTF, which is integrated into various network functions, monitors service usage and generates charging events based on set triggers. These triggers may include time-based intervals, volume-based thresholds, or specific service events. When a charging trigger occurs, the CTF communicates with the CHF using the standardized Nchf interface to request authorization for service usage and obtain quota grants for the subscriber.

[0008] In a common scenario, the quota management process begins when a subscriber initiates service usage, prompting the CTF to send an initial charging request which may include a request for a certain quota size to the CHF. The CHF evaluates the associated subscriber account status, applicable charging policies, and available credit to determine an appropriate quota allocation. This quota represents the authorized service units (such as duration, volume, or events) that the subscriber is permitted to consume. As the subscriber utilizes the service and depletes the allocated quota, the CTF monitors usage against one or more defined thresholds. For example, the CTF monitors consumption against a unit quota threshold. When consumption from the current grant reaches the unit quota threshold, the CTF initiates a quota replenishment request to the CHF to ensure service continuity.

[0009] The charging session continues with this dynamic quota management process until service termination or quota exhaustion. Throughout the session, the CTF provides usage reporting to the CHF, enabling accurate tracking of consumed service units. If the CHF P112023W001 determines that additional quota grants cannot be authorized (for example, due to insufficient credit or policy restrictions), it may deny quota requests, leading to service termination or redirection to a replenishment service, for example, in dependence on operator policies. This continuous interaction between the CTF and CHF ensures both real-time charging control and service delivery management, while maintaining compliance with 3 GPP standards for converged charging architecture.

[0010] In more detail, in the example context of 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 32.290, granted service units represent the total amount of service usage (such as bytes, seconds, or events) that a charging function (CHF) has authorized a network function (NF) to provide to a subscriber in a single quota grant. For example, if the CHF grants lOOMB of data usage, this represents the maximum amount the subscriber is permitted to consume before requiring new authorization.

[0011] The unit quota threshold, mentioned above, is a configurable value set below the total granted service units (typically expressed as a percentage of the grant or as an absolute value) that triggers the charging trigger function (CTF) of the NF to proactively request a new quota allocation before the current granted service units are fully depleted. If a new grant is not provided before exhaustion of the current grant, the associated communication service may be terminated or “blocked.” Here, a “blocked” service unit is one that would have been consumed in the session had the current grant not been exhausted. Here, “would have been consumed” may be a predicted value, such as based on the observed rate of consumption from the current grant and the length of time from exhaustion of the current grant to the CTF receiving the new grant.

[0012] For a better understanding of the unit quota threshold, assume that it is set at 80% of granted service units. Thus, for a grant of lOOMB, the CTF initiates a new quota request when consumption of the current grant reaches 80MB. This threshold mechanism helps prevent service interruption (blocked service units) by ensuring new quotas can be obtained by the CTF before the current grant is exhausted.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates CTF / CHF interaction in a scenario prescribed by the existing specifications. At step 1, the consumer NF / CTF sends an initial request for service units towards the CHF. The initial request for units may be empty or it may specify an initially requested amount or number of units. At step 2, the CHF grants units and sets the unit quota threshold for report. Merely as an example, the depicted signaling flow shows an initial grant of 100 units, with the unit quota threshold set to 90. At step 3, units are consumed until reaching the unit quota threshold. Upon consumption reaching the unit quota threshold, denoted as step 4, the CTF sends a new request for units towards the CHF. The request reports the used units up to that point, which is 90. P112023W001

[0014] As shown at step 5, consumption of units from the existing, current grant continues at the CTF while the CTF awaits a new grant. This consumption may be denoted as “interim consumption,” because it occurs during the interim between the CTF requesting a new grant in response to consumption reaching the quota threshold and the CTF receiving the new grant from the CHF.

[0015] In the indicated example, the interim consumption exhausts the remaining 10 units at the CTF, with the new grant coming at step 6. The new grant grants another 100 service units and, again, sets the unit quota threshold at 90. With this new grant now being the current grant at the CTF, consumption against the current grant occurs at step 7 and, upon again reaching the unit quota threshold, the CTF at step 8 sends a new request for units, with the new request indicating consumption from the current grant. Consumption of units from the current grant continues, shown as step 9, with the CHF providing a new grant to the CTF at step 10. This process may continue on a repeating basis, for supporting ongoing communications.

[0016] According to the specified signaling shown in Figure 1, the CHF does not receive information about interim consumption — i.e., the consumption of units from the current grant that occurs in the interim between the CTF sending a new request for service units in response to hitting the unit quota threshold for the current grant and the CTF receiving a corresponding new grant of service units from the CHF. Currently, interim consumption information is hidden from the CHF because the CTF counts interim consumption against the new grant and not the existing, current grant. For example, the interim consumption at step 5 in Figure 1 gets counted against the service units included in the new grant received at step 6. Similarly, the interim consumption at step 9 in Figure 1 is counted against the service units included in the new grant received at step 10.

[0017] SUMMARY

[0018] Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein provide a mechanism for richer consumption reporting by a charging trigger function (CTF) towards a charging function (CHF) and corresponding dynamic modification of charging request behavior by the CTF. Particularly, the CTF reports interim consumption for an ongoing session, and the CHF evaluates the reported interim consumption to decide whether or how to modify the unit quota threshold used by the CTF for triggering further charging requests during the session. Interim consumption reported over many communication sessions also may be used to set default unit quota thresholds used by the network for different types of communication services. Additionally, the CTF may report information about blocked service units associated with interim consumption exhausting the P112023W001 then-current grant. Such information may be used for dynamic threshold control within a given session or may be used to set default parameters used by the network.

[0019] An example embodiment comprises a method of operation by a CHF of a wireless communications network, for dynamic modification of charging request behavior by a CTF of the wireless communications network for a communication session. The method includes the CHF: receiving a charging request from the CTF; responsive to the charging request indicating an interim consumption, deciding a value of the unit quota threshold for use in triggering a next charging request from the CTF for the communication session, the interim consumption being consumption of service units from the preceding grant for the interim between the CTF sending a corresponding preceding charging request to the CHF and the CTF receiving the preceding grant; and sending a charging response to the CTF, the charging response indicating a service unit quota and indicating the decided value for the unit quota threshold.

[0020] A related embodiment comprises a CHF configured for operation in a wireless communications network, where the CHF is operative for dynamic modification of charging request behavior by a CTF of the wireless communications network for a communication session. The example CHF includes a communications interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to: receive a new charging request from the CTF via the communications interface, the new charging request triggered at the CTF based on consumption of service units from a preceding grant of service units by the CHF to the CTF for the communication session reaching a unit quota threshold; responsive to the new charging request indicating an interim consumption, decide a value of the unit quota threshold for use in triggering a next charging request from the CTF for the communication session, the interim consumption being consumption of service units from the preceding grant for the interim between the CTF sending a corresponding preceding charging request to the CHF and the CTF receiving the preceding grant; and send a new charging response to the CTF via the communications interface, the new charging response indicating a new service unit quota and indicating the decided value for the unit quota threshold.

[0021] Another embodiment comprises a method of operation by a CTF of a wireless communications network, for dynamic modification by a CHF of charging request behavior of the CTF for a communications session. The method includes the CTF sending successive charging requests towards the CHF to support continuation of the communication session, with the CHF returning a corresponding charging response in reply to each successive charging request. Each corresponding charging response grants a corresponding quota of service units for continuation of the communications session — i.e., for consumption of service units from the quota. The method further comprises the CTF including interim consumption information in P112023W001 each successive charging request, wherein the interim consumption information included in each successive charging request indicates service unit consumption that occurred during the interim between the CTF sending the preceding charging request and receiving the corresponding charging response from the CHF.

[0022] A corresponding embodiment comprises a CTF configured for operation in a wireless communications network. The CTF is operative for dynamic modification by a charging function (CHF) of charging request behavior of the CTF for a communications session. The CTF includes a communications interface and processing circuitry. In particular, the processing circuitry of the CTF is configured to send successive charging requests towards the CHF to support continuation of the communication session, with the CHF returning a corresponding charging response in reply to each successive charging request. Each corresponding charging response grants a corresponding quota of service units for continuation of the communications session — i.e., for consumption of service units from the quota. The method further comprises the CTF including interim consumption information in each successive charging request, wherein the interim consumption information included in each successive charging request indicates service unit consumption that occurred during the interim between the CTF sending the preceding charging request and receiving the corresponding charging response from the CHF.

[0023] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above features and advantages. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram of typical signaling going between a charging trigger function (CTF) and a charging function (CHF).

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram of signaling going between a CTF and a CHF, according to an example embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 is a logic flow diagram of operation by a CHF, according to an example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 is a logic flow diagram of operation by a CHF, according to an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a CHF, according to an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 is a logic flow diagram of operation by a CTF, according to an example embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a CTF, according to an example embodiment. P112023W001

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Existing signaling and functionality between a charging trigger function (CTF) of a communication network and a charging function (CHF) in that network means that the CHF does not have interim consumption information. In other words, the conventional CHF does not know whether or to what extent interim consumption occurred, nor whether the service was halted due to interim consumption exhausting the existing quota at the CTF. Here, “existing” quota refers to the most recently granted service unit quota — i.e., the quota that is being consumed when the CTF sends a new quota request.

[0034] Among the several advantageous recognitions associated with the example embodiments presented herein is that there is a need for the CHF to be able to determine if the unit quota threshold is appropriate for the actual consumption behavior occurring within any particular communication session. For example, while the network may have various default values used for setting unit quota thresholds, a conventional CHF has no visibility into how much of the existing grant at the CTF is consumed after the CTF requests a new grant and before the CTF receives the new grant. Setting the unit quota threshold too low tends to increase the number of new requests sent by the CTF for an ongoing session, while setting the unit quota threshold too high — i.e., too close to the value of the grant — risks quota exhaustion and a corresponding halt or interruption of service.

[0035] Thus, according to one or more embodiments herein, CTF behavior is modified such that a CTF supporting an ongoing session reports interim consumption information. Here, “interim consumption information” comprises at least an indication by the CTF of the number of service units used between a threshold-triggered request for a new quota and receipt of that new quota. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the interim consumption information further includes the number of blocked service units, if any — i.e., a known or estimated number of service units that were not consumed in the session as a consequence of interim consumption exhausting the then existing quota at the CTF.

[0036] In complementary fashion, the CHF uses the interim consumption information reported by the CTF to decide dynamic adjustments to the unit quota threshold configured at the CTF for the session. As will be appreciated, dynamically changing the value of the unit quota threshold changes the charging-request behavior of the CTF. This dynamic adjustment allows for minimizing latency and service interruptions, while avoiding excessive or unnecessarily frequent request signaling and correspondingly lowering the storage and processing requirements associated with charging-request interactions between the CTF and the CHF. P112023W001

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates an example signaling flow and associated operations for a session. At (1), the CTF sends a charging request towards the CHF. The charging request also may be referred to as a quota request. Although inclusion of a requested quota size or amount is optional, Figure 2 illustrates that the request includes a requested quota size of 100.

[0038] At (2), the CHF responds to the quota request by returning a charging response to the CTF. The charging response indicates a granted quota, the size of which is 100, meaning that 100 service units are allocated for consumption in the session. This granted quota is the first grant for the session. The charging response also indicates a value of 90 for the unit quota threshold, thus configuring the CTF to trigger a new charging request upon consuming 90 service units from the first grant.

[0039] At (3), service units are consumed from the first grant in ongoing support of the session and, upon consumption reaching the value of 90, the CTF is triggered to send a second charging request — shown at (4) in the signaling flow. The new request indicates a requested quota size of 100 and indicates that 90 service units were consumed from the first grant at the point in time in which the second charging request was triggered. This value corresponds to the currently configured value of the unit quota threshold.

[0040] Advantageously, the contents of the request message are extended according to one or more example embodiments disclosed herein to include interim consumption information, where the interim consumption information indicated in any given charging request refers to the prior request / grant. Thus, the interim consumption information sent by the CTF to the CHF at (4) in the signaling flow refers to interim consumption and blocked service units for the time between (1) and (2) in the signaling flow. In this example, the interim consumption information received at the CHF indicates that there was no interim consumption and no blocked service units.

[0041] The time period suggested at (5) in the diagram is an interim between the request sent at (4) and the response sent at (6). In other words, for the time period at (5), interim consumption continues against the 10 service units remaining from the first grant and the CTF keeps track of this interim consumption and further keeps track of blocked service units, in the case where the interim consumption exhausts the first grant.

[0042] At (6) the CTF receives a second grant — i.e., a charging response indicating a granted quota size of 100 and, again, an indication that the CTF should use 90 as the unit quota threshold for triggering its next charging request for the session. Once the new grant is received, further consumption is recorded against the new grant, with the time period suggested at (7) in the diagram representing normal ongoing consumption of service results from the second grant. At (8), consumption from the second grant reaches the unit quota threshold of 90, resulting in the CTF being triggered to send a third charging request towards the CHF. P112023W001

[0043] This third charging request by the CTF carries interim consumption information, indicating the amount or quantity of interim consumption against the first grant and the number of service units blocked for the time between the CTF sending the second request at (4) and receiving the second grant at (6). Merely as an example scenario, Figure 2 assumes that all ten remaining service units from the first grant were consumed during the interim shown as (5) in the diagram. In other words, the example scenario assumes that interim consumption exhausted the first grant while the CTF awaited the second grant, with that exhaustion resulting in five service units worth of service being blocked (temporarily halted). Again, these are illustrative examples and interim consumption and / or service unit blockage may or may not occur with respect to any given existing grant at the CTF.

[0044] Interim consumption occurs with respect to the second grant, for the interim between (8) and (11) in the diagram. In other words, while not shown in the diagram, if there is a subsequent fourth request from the CTF for a new quota, that fourth request would contain interim consumption information tracked at the CTF against the second grant, for the interim between the third grant request at (8) and the corresponding grant response at (11). During that interim, the CHF evaluates the interim consumption information provided in the third request, to decide the value of the unit quota threshold to be used by the CTF.

[0045] In this example case, the CHF also considers the number of blocked service units for deciding the value of the unit quota threshold. As seen at (11), the third grant returned by the CHF to the CTF indicates a new granted quota of 100 service units and an adjusted (lowered) unit quota threshold of 85. By lowering the unit quota threshold from 90 to 85, the CTF will send the next charging request sooner than it would have if the value of the unit quota threshold had remained set to 90.

[0046] Figure 3 illustrates a method 300 of operation by a CHF, according to an example embodiment. The method 300 includes the CHF receiving (Block 302) a charging request from a CTF, e.g., a converged charging request.

[0047] Here, it is assumed that the charging request includes fields or information elements used by the CTF to indicate interim consumption associated with the prior grant provided to the CTF by the CHF in association with an immediately prior request sent by the CTF to the CHF.

[0048] Thus, the method 300 includes the CHF evaluating (Block 304) interim consumption information included in the request. If the request indicates zero interim consumption (NO from Block 304), processing continues with the CHF setting (Block 306) the value of the unit quota threshold to be used by the CTF to the old / current value + 5. For example, if the current value of the unit quota threshold is 90, it is set to 95 according to the logic shown in Block 306. Raising the unit quota threshold means that the CTF will consume a greater percentage of the P112023W001 corresponding new grant to be sent from the CHF to the CTF before sending the next request. From Block 306, processing continues with the CHF sending (Block 308) the charging response to the CTF, with the dynamically decided value of the unit quota threshold indicated.

[0049] On the other hand, if the incoming charging request indicates that interim consumption occurred with respect to the prior grant (YES from Block 304), processing continues with the CHF evaluating (Block 310) whether the interim consumption exceeds a defined interim consumption threshold. In this example, the defined interim consumption threshold is set to “5.” If the interim consumption equals or exceeds the defined threshold (YES from Block 310), processing continues to Block 312, where the CHF sets the unit quota threshold to a new value that equals the old (existing) value minus the number of service units consumed in the interim and minus the number of service units blocked in the interim (as a consequence of interim consumption exhausting the prior quota).

[0050] On the other hand, if the indicated interim consumption is below the defined interim consumption threshold (NO from Block 310), processing continues with the CHF leaving (Block 314) the value of the unit quota threshold unchanged. However, even though the value is not changed, it should still be understood as being dynamically decided by the CHF, in dependence on the indicated interim consumption. That is, broadly, the CHF dynamically decides the value of the unit threshold quota in dependence on indicated interim consumption, which may be zero or nonzero, and the decision may raise, lower, or leave unchanged the value of unit quota threshold.

[0051] Thus, the value of the unit quota threshold that is indicated in charging response sent towards the CTF in Block 308 depends on whether indicated interim consumption was zero or non-zero, and further depends on whether the indicated interim consumption met or exceeded a defined interim consumption threshold, and, if so, the number of blocked service units, if any, indicated by the CTF in association with the interim consumption. Put more simply, the dynamic deciding by the CHF of the unit quota threshold to be used by the CTF for triggering a next charging request for the session depends on whether interim consumption occurred with respect to the prior grant, the size or amount of the interim consumption, and how many, if any, service units were blocked as a consequence of the interim consumption exhausting the prior grant.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, in addition to the dynamic in-session control of the unit quota threshold as seen in Figure 3, one or more CHFs in the network may collect interim consumption information over many communication sessions — i.e., collect historical data. Such data may be filtered or grouped according to the types of communications services or the types of subscribers, or any one or more of location, network loading level, time of day, day of week, etc. This historical data may be analyzed, such as by a configured operations and maintenance P112023W001

[0053] (OAM) node in the network, to characterize interim consumption for different scenarios. These characterizations are then used by the OAM node to “tune” or otherwise more intelligently set the default or starting value of the unit quota threshold, for any given session that is started. Broadly, in one or more embodiments, an OAM node or other computer apparatus associated with the network evaluates historical interim consumption information to determine optimal default or starting values for the unit quota threshold, for specific services, specific users, specific times of day, or specific locations, or various combinations thereof.

[0054] Implementation of such operations may be based on adding to Table 7.1 as defined by 3GPP TS 32.290, where additions or modifications to the existing table are indicated below using bold, italicized text:

[0055] Table 1 Addition to Charging Data Request P112023W001

[0056] Figure 4 illustrates a method 400 of operation by a CHF of a communications network, according to another example embodiment. For example, the communications network is a cellular network or other wireless communications network. As a particular example, the communications network is a wireless communications network operating according to 3 GPP specifications for converged charging.

[0057] According to the method 400, the CHF performs dynamic modification of charging request behavior by a CTF of the network for a communication session, with the method 400 including the CHF receiving (Block 402) a charging request from the CTF. For example, the charging request triggered at the CTF based on consumption of service units from a preceding grant of service units by the CHF to the CTF for the communication session reaching a unit quota threshold. The method 400 further includes, in response to the charging request indicating an interim consumption, the CHF deciding (Block 404) a value of the unit quota threshold for use in triggering a next charging request from the CTF for the communication session, the interim consumption being consumption of service units from the preceding grant for the interim between the CTF sending a corresponding preceding charging request to the CHF and the CTF receiving the preceding grant. Still further, the method 400 includes the CHF sending (Block 406) a charging response to the CTF, the charging response indicating a service unit quota and indicating the decided value for the unit quota threshold.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the received charging request further indicates blocked service units resulting from the interim consumption exhausting the preceding grant, and wherein the method further comprises the CHF storing information about the blocked service units. Storing the information about the blocked service units comprises, for example, at least one of: storing the information about the blocked service units for use in charging data record (CDR) generation; or storing the information about the blocked service units for processing by an operations and maintenance (0AM) node of the wireless communications network.

[0059] The step or operation of the CHF deciding the value of the unit quota threshold comprises deciding to leave the value unchanged or deciding to increase the value or deciding to decrease the value. For example, in response to the interim consumption exceeding a defined interim consumption threshold, the CHF in one or more embodiments decreases the value of the unit quota threshold. In the same or anther embodiment, the CHF deciding the value of the unit quota threshold comprises, in response to the interim consumption not exceeding a defined interim consumption threshold, leaving the value of the unit quota threshold unchanged. In the context of the method 400, the CHF may subsequently receive a further charging request from the CTF for the communication session and, in response to the further charging request P112023W001 indicating no interim consumption, the CHF increases the value of the unit quota threshold at the CTF.

[0060] Figure 5 illustrates an example implementation of a CHF 10 according to one embodiment, where the CHF 10 is configured, for example, to carry out the method 400 or variations and extensions thereof. The CHF 10 comprises, for example, a computer server or other computing apparatus that is specially adapted for receiving and processing interim consumption information from a CTF for a session, and for deciding the value of the unit quota threshold used at the CTF for the session, on a dynamic or ongoing basis, based on receiving interim consumption information from the CTF.

[0061] The example CHF 10 includes a communications interface 12, which comprises physicallayer circuitry for wired or wireless exchange of input / output signaling over a physical medium, along with protocol processing circuitry, e.g., for exchanging charging-related messages as described herein.

[0062] The CHF 10 further includes processing circuitry 14 that is configured to carry out overall CHF functionality and is particularly configured to carry out the logic of deciding the value of the unit quota threshold to be used by a CTF for a session, based on receiving interim consumption information from the CTF for the session. In one or more embodiments, the processing circuitry 14 comprises one or more computer processors 16, e.g., microprocessors, that is / are specially adapted based on the execution of computer program instructions (CPI) 20 held in associated storage 18.

[0063] The storage 18 comprises one or more types of computer readable media, such as a mix of volatile and non-volatile storage. The storage 18 may further store data 22, where such data 22 comprises, for example, default values to use for setting unit quota thresholds. As described earlier herein, such default values may be determined based on analysis of historical interim consumption information collected over time. Broadly, in one or more embodiments, the CHF 10 stores interim usage data, and may collect such data or transfer it to a billing-system or other node in the network.

[0064] With Figure 5 in mind, in one or more embodiments, a CHF 10 is configured for operation in a wireless communications network, the CHF operative for dynamic modification of charging request behavior by a CTF of the wireless communications network for a communication session. The example CHF 10 includes a communications interface 12 and processing circuitry 14. The processing circuitry 14 is configured to receive a new charging request from the CTF via the communications interface 12. In at least one embodiment, or in an example operating scenario, the new charging request is triggered at the CTF based on consumption of service units from a preceding grant of service units by the CHF to the CTF for P112023W001 the communication session reaching a unit quota threshold. The processing circuitry is further configured such that it, responsive to the new charging request indicating an interim consumption, decides a value of the unit quota threshold for use in triggering a next charging request from the CTF for the communication session. The interim consumption here is consumption of service units from the preceding grant for the interim between the CTF sending a corresponding preceding charging request to the CHF and the CTF receiving the preceding grant. Still further, the processing circuitry 14 is configured to send a new charging response to the CTF via the communications interface 12, where the new charging response indicates a new service unit quota and indicating the decided value for the unit quota threshold.

[0065] In at least one embodiment, the processing circuitry 14 of the CHF 10 is configured to receive a charging request from a CTF, where that charging request is triggered by consumption against an existing quota at the CTF reaching the unit quota threshold configured at the CTF and where the charging request includes interim consumption information. Here, although the request signaling is incoming through the communications interface 12 of the CHF 10, the processing circuitry 14 “receives” the request in the sense that the processing circuitry 14 embodies the logic for understanding and acting on the request.

[0066] The processing circuitry 14 is configured to decide the value of the unit quota threshold to be used at the CTF for triggering a next charging request for the session, based on the interim consumption information conveyed in the charging request. For example, in response to the interim consumption information indicating no interim consumption, the processing circuitry 14 increases the current value of the unit quota threshold and uses the charging response to indicate that increased value to the CTF. Increasing the value of the unit quota threshold effectively moves the trigger point for the next request closer to quota exhaustion, which can be understood as tending to make the next request come later than it would have absent the threshold increase.

[0067] Continuing the example, in case the interim consumption information indicates some interim consumption but in an amount below a defined logical threshold, the processing circuitry 14 decides that the value of the unit quota threshold is to be the same as the existing value in use at the CTF — i.e., it decides that the value is to be unchanged. However, if the indicated interim consumption exceeds the logical threshold and / or there is an indication of blocked service units, the processing circuitry 14 in this example embodiment decides to decrease the value of the unit quota threshold. Decreasing the value of the unit quota threshold means that a greater portion of the then-existing quota at the CTF remains at the point in time when the next charging request is triggered. Hence, the value decrease can be understood as making the next charging request come earlier in time than it would have, and that can be understood as providing more “margin” P112023W001 at the CTF. The added margin avoids or at least diminishes the possibility of quota exhaustion at the CTF.

[0068] As for complementary operations at the CTF, Figure 6 illustrates a method 600 of operation by a CTF of a communications network, for dynamic modification by a CHF of charging request behavior of the CTF for a communications session. The method 600 includes the CTF sending (Block 602) successive charging requests towards the CHF to support continuation of the communication session, with the CHF returning a corresponding charging response in reply to each successive charging request. Each corresponding charging response grants a corresponding quota of service units for continuation of the communications session — i.e., for consumption of service units from the quota.

[0069] The method 600 further includes the CTF including (Block 604) interim consumption information in each successive charging request. The interim consumption information included in each successive charging request indicates service unit consumption that occurred during the interim between the CTF sending the preceding charging request and receiving the corresponding charging response from the CHF.

[0070] At each sending of one of the successive charging requests, there is a then active quota of service units at the CTF, as granted in the preceding charging response received from the CHF. In other words, the interim consumption information included in any given one of the successive charging requests indicates interim consumption that was tracked against the quota that was active at the CTF when the preceding charging request was sent.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the interim consumption information included in each successive charging request further indicates blocked service units. The blocked service units are service units that would have been consumed during the corresponding interim, absent exhaustion of the then active quota. Units requested for consumption by the user but not allowed as a consequence of quota exhaustion may be indicated. As noted, the CTF may know what would have been consumed based on tracking the previous rate of consumption before exhaustion and using that rate and the length of time from exhaustion of the then active grant until receipt of the next grant.

[0072] Each successive charging request is sent by the CTF on a triggered basis, in response to consumption from the then active quota at the CTF reaching a unit quota threshold. Correspondingly, each charging response received at the CTF indicates the unit quota threshold to be used for triggering the next charging request. Changes made by the CHF to the unit quota threshold during the communication session affect the charging request behavior by the CTF.

[0073] Figure 7 illustrates an example implementation of a CTF 30 according to one embodiment, where the CTF 30 is configured, for example, to carry out the method 600 or P112023W001 variations and extensions thereof. The CTF 30 comprises, for example, a computer server or other computing apparatus that is specially adapted for determining and reporting interim consumption information to a CHF, for use by the CHF in making dynamic decisions during an ongoing communication session about the value of the unit quota threshold that should-d be used by the CTF for triggering charging requests for the session.

[0074] The example CTF 30 includes a communications interface 32, which comprises physicallayer circuitry for wired or wireless exchange of input / output signaling over a physical medium, along with protocol processing circuitry, e.g., for exchanging charging-related messages as described herein.

[0075] The CTF 30 further includes processing circuitry 34 that is configured to carry out overall CTF functionality and is particularly configured to carry out the logic of tracking and reporting interim consumption information. In one or more embodiments, the processing circuitry 34 comprises one or more computer processors 36, e.g., microprocessors, that is / are specially adapted based on the execution of computer program instructions (CPI) 40 held in associated storage 38.

[0076] The storage 38 may further store data 42, where such data 42 comprises, for example, interim consumption information for reporting to the CHF. The storage 38 comprises one or more types of computer readable media, such as a mix of volatile and non-volatile storage.

[0077] Thus, in an example embodiment, a CTF 30 comprises a communications interface 32 and processing circuitry 34, wherein the processing circuitry 34 is configured to: send successive charging requests towards the CHF to support continuation of a communication session, with the CHF returning a corresponding charging response in reply to each successive charging request, each corresponding charging response granting a corresponding quota of service units for continuation of the communications session; and include interim consumption information in each successive charging request, wherein the interim consumption information included in each successive charging request indicates service unit consumption that occurred during the interim between the CTF sending the preceding charging request and receiving the corresponding charging response from the CHF.

[0078] Notably, modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention(s) is / are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. P112023W001

Claims

P112023W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of operation by a charging function (CHF) of a wireless communications network, for dynamic modification of charging request behavior by a charging trigger function (CTF) of the wireless communications network for a communication session, the method comprising: receiving a charging request from the CTF; responsive to the charging request indicating an interim consumption, deciding a value of the unit quota threshold for use in triggering a next charging request from the CTF for the communication session, the interim consumption being consumption of service units from the preceding grant for the interim between the CTF sending a corresponding preceding charging request to the CHF and the CTF receiving the preceding grant; and sending a charging response to the CTF, the charging response indicating a service unit quota and indicating the decided value for the unit quota threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received charging request further indicates blocked service units resulting from the interim consumption exhausting the preceding grant, and wherein the method further comprises storing information about the blocked service units.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein storing the information about the blocked service units comprises at least one of: storing the information about the blocked service units for use in charging data record (CDR) generation; or storing the information about the blocked service units for processing by an operations and maintenance (OAM) node of the wireless communications network.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein deciding the value of the unit quota threshold comprises, in response to the interim consumption exceeding a defined interim consumption threshold, decreasing the value of the unit quota threshold.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein deciding the value of the unit quota threshold comprises, in response to the interim consumption not exceeding a defined interim consumption threshold, leaving the value of the unit quota threshold unchanged.Page 17 of 22P112023W0016. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising subsequently receiving a further charging request from the CTF for the communication session and, in response to the further charging request indicating no interim consumption, increasing the value of the unit quota threshold at the CTF.

7. A charging function (CHF) configured for operation in a wireless communications network, the CHF operative for dynamic modification of charging request behavior by a charging trigger function (CTF) of the wireless communications network for a communication session, the CHF comprising: a communications interface; and processing circuitry configured to: receive a new charging request from the CTF via the communications interface, the new charging request triggered at the CTF based on consumption of service units from a preceding grant of service units by the CHF to the CTF for the communication session reaching a unit quota threshold; responsive to the new charging request indicating an interim consumption, decide a value of the unit quota threshold for use in triggering a next charging request from the CTF for the communication session, the interim consumption being consumption of service units from the preceding grant for the interim between the CTF sending a corresponding preceding charging request to the CHF and the CTF receiving the preceding grant; and send a new charging response to the CTF via the communications interface, the new charging response indicating a new service unit quota and indicating the decided value for the unit quota threshold.

8. The CHF according to claim 7, wherein the new charging request further indicates blocked service units resulting from the interim consumption exhausting the preceding grant, and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to log information about the blocked service units.

9. The CHF according to claim 8, wherein the processing circuitry is configured for at least one of: storing the information about the blocked service units for use in charging data record (CDR) generation; or storing the information about the blocked service units for statistical processing by an operations and maintenance (OAM) node of the wireless communications network.Page 18 of 22P112023W00110. The CHF according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein, with respect to deciding the value of the unit quota threshold, the processing circuitry is configured to decrease the value, in response to the interim consumption exceeding a defined interim consumption threshold.

11. The CHF according to any one of claims 7-10, wherein, with respect to deciding the value of the unit quota threshold, the processing circuitry is configured to leave the value unchanged, in response to the interim consumption not exceeding a defined interim consumption threshold.

12. The CHF according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to increase the value of the unit quota threshold at the CTF, responsive to subsequently receiving a further charging request from the CTF for the communication session that indicates no interim consumption.

13. A method of operation by a charging trigger function (CTF) of a wireless communications network, for dynamic modification by a charging function (CHF) of charging request behavior of the CTF for a communications session, the method comprising: sending successive charging requests towards the CHF to support continuation of the communication session, with the CHF returning a corresponding charging response in reply to each successive charging request, each corresponding charging response granting a corresponding quota of service units for continuation of the communications session; and including interim consumption information in each successive charging request, wherein the interim consumption information included in each successive charging request indicates service unit consumption that occurred during the interim between the CTF sending the preceding charging request and receiving the corresponding charging response from the CHF.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, at each sending of one of the successive charging requests, there is a then active quota of service units at the CTF, as granted in the preceding charging response received from the CHF, and wherein the interim consumption information included in each such successive charging request further indicates blocked service units, wherein the blocked service units are service units that would have been consumed during the corresponding interim, absent exhaustion of the then active quota.Page 19 of 22P112023W00115. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each successive charging request is sent on a triggered basis, in response to consumption from the then active quota at the CTF reaching a unit quota threshold.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein each charging response received at the CTF indicates the unit quota threshold to be used for triggering the next charging request.

17. A charging trigger function (CTF) configured for operation in a wireless communications network, the CTF operative for dynamic modification by a charging function (CHF) of charging request behavior of the CTF for a communications session, the CTF comprising: a communications interface; and processing circuitry configured to: send successive charging requests towards the CHF to support continuation of the communication session, with the CHF returning a corresponding charging response in reply to each successive charging request, each corresponding charging response granting a corresponding quota of service units for continuation of the communications session; and include interim consumption information in each successive charging request, wherein the interim consumption information included in each successive charging request indicates service unit consumption that occurred during the interim between the CTF sending the preceding charging request and receiving the corresponding charging response from the CHF.

18. The CTF according to claim 17, wherein, at each sending of one of the successive charging requests, there is a then active quota of service units at the CTF, as granted in the preceding charging response received from the CHF, and wherein the interim consumption information included in each such successive charging request further indicates blocked service units, wherein the blocked service units are service units that would have been consumed during the corresponding interim, absent exhaustion of the then active quota.

19. The CTF according to claim 17 or 18, wherein each successive charging request is sent on a triggered basis, in response to consumption from the then active quota at the CTF reaching a unit quota threshold.Page 20 of 22P112023W00120. The CTF according to claim 19, wherein each charging response received at the CTF indicates the unit quota threshold to be used for triggering the next charging request.Page 21 of 22

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