Charging Control via Data Volume in Caching Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging control methods in LTE networks fail to accurately charge users due to the absence of data volume information in byte caching and object caching modes, leading to incorrect billing as data bypasses the Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that request a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rule based on data volume information, allowing the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) and Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) to control charging according to the actual volume of data requested by users, by transmitting volume information in caching operations and responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If byte caching mode or object caching mode is used to rapidly transmit data requested from UE, then data transmission speed is improved, but charging accuracy deteriorates because data does not pass through P-GW
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the AC equipment intercepts data packets and inserts volume information (charging information) into the data before transmitting to the UE. This intermediary approach allows the system to both rapidly transmit data through caching while simultaneously capturing the necessary volume information for accurate charging, resolving the contradiction between speed and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AC equipment reports the inserted volume information to the charging system. This feedback loop enables the charging system to receive accurate data volume information even though data bypasses the P-GW, thereby maintaining charging accuracy while benefiting from the speed improvements of caching modes.
2Productivity
If data is transmitted directly from AC to UE without passing through P-GW, then network efficiency is improved, but charging control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The AC equipment acts as an intermediary that not only transmits data rapidly but also performs the additional function of inserting volume information. This dual role allows the system to maintain high network efficiency while ensuring that charging control capability is preserved through the captured volume information being reported to the charging system.
3Device complexity
If PCC rule is generated based on data packet capacity passing through P-GW, then charging control is simplified, but charging correctness deteriorates in caching modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the AC equipment reports volume information to the charging system, which then generates or updates PCC rules based on this accurate information. This feedback approach ensures that PCC rules are generated with correct charging information even in caching modes, improving charging correctness while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated rule generation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling charging by using volume information of data, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for controlling charging for a UE by using volume information of data when a caching operation according to a byte caching mode or an object caching mode is performed.Disclosed is a method including receiving a caching operation request for data from another server; determining a caching mode corresponding to the caching operation request; and transmitting a PCC rule change request to the policy controller according to the caching mode, wherein the PCC rule is a rule that controls charging for the UE based on volume information of the data.