Accounting Network Layer Separates Billing from Service Provision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communications networks face challenges in integrating accounting and billing services effectively with network traffic, lacking a robust technique for reconciling billing with transport components, which complicates service provision and compensation for network segments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an accounting network layer as a service that separates accounting and billing functions from the service layer, allowing for data usage tracking and billing across network segments, enabling precise compensation of network operators and optimizing service provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accounting and billing functions are integrated with the service layer, then service provision is simplified, but billing reconciliation with transport components becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network architecture into distinct layers: a service layer for delivering services and a separate accounting network layer for billing and accounting functions. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently, simplifying service provision while enabling precise billing reconciliation through dedicated accounting nodes at each network segment boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accounting nodes as intermediary components positioned at network segment boundaries. These nodes act as mediators between the service layer and transport components, collecting usage information and enabling billing reconciliation without complicating the service provision process. The accounting nodes serve as the intermediary layer that resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and billing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a separate accounting network layer is implemented, then billing reconciliation and compensation accuracy improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs accounting nodes with multi-functionality, enabling them to perform multiple tasks: collecting usage information, reconciling bills, determining compensation for network segments, and controlling routing. This universal approach consolidates accounting functions into standardized nodes, improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in system complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The accounting network layer operates autonomously, with accounting nodes automatically collecting usage information and performing billing reconciliation without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability improves precision in billing reconciliation while reducing the operational complexity of managing the accounting system.
3Productivity
If accounting functions are closely integrated with service traffic, then service provisioning is streamlined, but adaptability to different billing models decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic accounting network layer that can adapt to different billing models and service types. The accounting nodes are configured to handle various billing scenarios (subscription-based, usage-based, tiered pricing) while maintaining streamlined service provisioning. This dynamic capability allows the system to adjust to different billing requirements without compromising service delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the accounting system to modify parameters such as billing rates, usage thresholds, and compensation amounts based on different service agreements and network conditions. This parameter flexibility allows the system to support diverse billing models while maintaining efficient service provisioning through standardized accounting processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a plurality of accounting nodes, each accounting node being associated with a service node of a communication network, each accounting node being configured to collect data usage information for a network segment of the communication network including an associated service node, and an accounting server in data communication with accounting nodes of the plurality of accounting nodes, the accounting server configured to receive from the accounting nodes the data usage information for each service node and determine billing for data usage of each network segment. Other embodiments are disclosed.