Charging Correlation ID Selection for Mobile Network Domains
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The correlation between the packet switched (PS) domain and the IMS domain in mobile communication networks is complex, leading to inaccurate charging due to incomplete information and increased system upgrade costs, as the relationship between CS media channels and IMS sessions is not a many-to-many relationship, making unified exchange difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the application server (AS) judges scenarios to select the most appropriate correlation ID, simplifying the correlation process by using existing IDs like ICID, PSI DN, or CS call ID, reducing the need for domain upgrades and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the IMS domain and the CS domain collect the charging information separately, then the charging information can be collected independently in each domain, but the charging accuracy deteriorates due to incomplete charging information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a charging correlation ID as an intermediary element that bridges the IMS domain and CS domain. This correlation ID is generated in one domain and transmitted to the other domain, enabling the charging systems in both domains to link their respective charging records through this common identifier, thereby achieving accurate correlated charging without requiring complex real-time information exchange between domains
2Loss of information
If the IMS domain and the CS domain collect the charging information at the same time, then the charging information can be complete, but repeated charging occurs due to failure to correlate the charging information
Solution Approach 1:
The charging correlation ID serves as a mediator that enables both domains to collect charging information simultaneously while preventing repeated charging. By incorporating this correlation ID into charging records from both domains, the charging system can identify and correlate duplicate charging events, ensuring that complete charging information is captured without causing billing errors
3Measurement precision
If the ICID and the GCID are exchanged between the bearer layer entity and the IMS entity, then the charging correlation can be implemented, but the system upgrade cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the MSC server optional for ICS enhancement. In scenarios where the MSC server is enhanced, it can locally generate and handle the charging correlation ID. In other scenarios, standard MSC servers can work with non-ICS UEs without requiring ICS-specific enhancements, thereby reducing unnecessary system upgrade costs while maintaining charging correlation capability where needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If the MSC server is enhanced for ICS, then the ICS service can be supported, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling ICS functionality selectively in specific MSC servers rather than requiring all MSC servers to be enhanced. This allows the network to deploy ICS-capable MSC servers only in locations where ICS services are required, keeping other MSC servers simple and avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining service adaptability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method and system for correlating charging information are disclosed. The method includes: by a first domain network element (NE), generating a charging correlation identifier (ID), reporting charging information that includes the charging correlation ID to a charging system, and sending the charging correlation ID to a second domain NE, so that the second domain NE reports charging information that includes the charging correlation ID to the charging system, where the charging correlation ID is used for correlating the charging information reported by the first domain NE with the charging information reported by the second domain NE. With the present invention, the charging information may be correlated in different scenarios, and only the NE at one side needs to be upgraded. Therefore, the upgrade cost may be lowered, and the charging correlation efficiency may be increased.