Central Billing Control Function for Network Element Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current billing processes for packet data services in communications networks face challenges in efficiently distributing unique correlation identifiers across network elements operating on different layers and in diverse network domains, leading to high costs and delays in implementing new services, such as prepaid multimedia services.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a central billing control function stored in a network element outside the data path to configure network elements for billing data recording, where configuration messages are transmitted via the application host and upstream network elements, leveraging the Network Link Services Protocol for secure and efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central entity collects and processes billing data from multiple network elements, then billing data can be consolidated and processed together, but the time and computational resources required for evaluation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring network elements with billing instructions and correlation identifier distribution mechanisms before billing data generation. This allows network elements to autonomously perform initial billing data processing and correlation identifier assignment, reducing the burden on the central entity and accelerating overall billing processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the billing process by distributing different functions to different network elements. Each network element independently performs local billing data recording and correlation identifier management, while the central entity only handles final consolidation. This segmentation parallelizes processing and reduces central entity workload.
2Productivity
If correlation identifiers are distributed across network elements operating on different network layers and domains, then billing data can be recorded at multiple points in the data path, but the complexity of defining and standardizing the distribution mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-layer billing configuration mechanism that operates across different network layers (Layer 2, Layer 3, Layer 7) and domains (PS, IMS) using a unified approach. The same billing configuration principles and correlation identifier distribution methods apply regardless of the specific network layer or domain, reducing the need for separate standardizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary billing control function that mediates between the central entity and diverse network elements. This intermediary translates and adapts billing configurations for different network layers and domains, simplifying the distribution mechanism while maintaining comprehensive billing data recording across heterogeneous network elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If routing methods are used to find network elements of a data path, then network elements can be dynamically located, but the configuration of billing processes becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring billing processes and correlation identifier distribution mechanisms in network elements before service activation. This allows billing configurations to be established in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time configuration when routing dynamically locates network elements during service execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method configures billing processes in the network elements of data path for the transmission of packet data in a communications system. According to said method, network elements that are located between a first and a second element of the data path are configured and the packet data transmission that is associated with a terminal is carried out between the first network element and the second network element via the data path. The terminal transmits or receives the associated packet data transmission via the second network element. In a central third network element, which is not assigned to the data path, a stored billing control function generates a configuration message, which is used to configure the network elements. The configuration message is transmitted to the network elements of the data path, said network elements at least partially evaluating the configuration message for initialization and configuration purposes.