Capillary Device Charging via SCS Sponsorship
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) communications, there is a challenge in allowing capillary network devices without a pre-existing relationship with a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or 3GPP GW to access network applications while ensuring that the network provider is compensated for the services rendered, particularly when these devices connect to a 3GPP gateway without a prior charging arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Services Capability Server (SCS) that interfaces with the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) to sponsor data flows, ensuring that the traffic associated with capillary network devices is charged to the SCS rather than the user equipment, thereby allowing these devices to access network applications without incurring charges to the user, through modifications to existing IP Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session modification procedures and the use of sponsorship indications via the Rx interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capillary network devices connect to 3GPP gateway without pre-existing charging arrangement, then accessibility to network applications is improved, but network provider compensation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing charging arrangements and sponsorship relationships before capillary network devices connect to the 3GPP gateway. The Services Capability Server pre-configures sponsorship indications and charging rules through the IP-CAN session modification procedure, ensuring that network provider compensation is secured in advance while allowing devices to access network applications without pre-existing charging arrangements.
2Measurement precision
If sponsorship indication is added to IP-CAN session modification message, then charging accuracy is improved, but message complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the sponsorship indication to be integrated into existing IP-CAN session modification messages that already serve multiple functions (resource allocation, QoS management, charging). By adding the sponsorship indication to an already multi-functional message rather than creating a separate message type, the patent improves charging accuracy while minimizing the increase in message complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application describes a user equipment including a processor and a memory, where the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the user equipment to perform a set of instructions. The instructions include transmitting, to a network, a message requesting to modify or establish flow that is not to be charged to the user equipment. The instructions also include receiving, from the network, an indication based on the message request. The instructions further include determining, based on the indication, whether to make the flow being associated with the message.