Authorization Token Mechanism for Mobile Charging Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for subscription and advice of charge control in mobile packet data networks lack efficient end-user dialogue management and proper interaction handling between the online charging system and the top-up server, particularly in cases requiring explicit consent for service authorization based on usage policies or time, leading to signaling overhead and inadequate real-time authorization status updates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an authorization token mechanism where the gateway GPRS support node redirects HTTP or WAP traffic to the top-up server for end-user interaction, with the online charging system verifying the token to authorize service access, thereby eliminating the need for buffering user traffic and simplifying the interaction process by using standardized messages and trusted server authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the online charging system redirects HTTP or WAP traffic to the top-up server for end-user interaction, then service authorization can be properly managed based on usage policies, but signaling overhead increases due to additional redirection messages
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway GPRS support node performs preliminary detection of the authorization token in incoming HTTP or WAP traffic before forwarding to the online charging system. This preliminary action allows the node to immediately identify and handle redirected traffic, reducing the need for subsequent signaling exchanges and enabling faster authorization decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The online charging system provides feedback to the gateway GPRS support node regarding the authorization result and redirection status. This feedback mechanism enables the support node to adjust its behavior dynamically, removing redirection when authorization is complete, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining reliable service authorization.
2Reliability
If the gateway GPRS support node continuously monitors authorization status to ensure real-time service authorization, then service access control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway GPRS support node autonomously detects the presence of authorization tokens in traffic and makes local decisions about redirection and service authorization. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized control mechanisms, allowing real-time authorization monitoring without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization token acts as an intermediary mechanism between the top-up server and the gateway GPRS support node. Instead of requiring complex direct communication and continuous status monitoring between systems, the token provides a simple, standardized indicator that enables real-time authorization verification while keeping the gateway's processing requirements manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no standardized interface is defined between the online charging system and the top-up server, then system adaptability is improved, but interaction handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization token mechanism serves multiple functions across different system components: it acts as an authentication credential, a redirection indicator, and an authorization verification token. This universal mechanism enables the system to handle interactions between the online charging system and top-up server without requiring a standardized dedicated interface, thereby maintaining adaptability while simplifying interaction handling.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of providing service authorization comprises sending a message from a redirect server to a user terminal including an authorization token. Further, the method comprises detecting and removing the authorization token by a network gateway node from the message before forwarding the message to the user terminal. The method further comprises initiating a service authorization request by the network gateway node towards an online charging system, said request including the authorization token. The redirect server may be a top-up server.