Charging Counters for Dynamic Traffic Classification in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in efficiently classifying and handling diverse applications and services based on charging policies, leading to inefficiencies in billing and resource management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing charging counters that map application detection methods to data network names (DNNs) to apply dynamic traffic classification and handling, allowing for dynamic policy application based on subscriber subscriptions, enabling efficient data usage management and billing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing wireless networks use traditional traffic classification methods, then network infrastructure remains simple, but billing accuracy and resource management efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces charging counters as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between simple network infrastructure and complex billing requirements. These counters are stored in the network element and map application identifiers to charging information, enabling accurate billing without requiring complex real-time analysis infrastructure throughout the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification actions by pre-configuring charging counters with application identifiers and their corresponding charging information before traffic flows occur. This allows the network to quickly match incoming traffic to pre-defined charging rules without complex real-time processing.
2Measurement precision
If wireless networks implement comprehensive application detection, then traffic classification accuracy improves, but processing time and system response time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of analyzing every packet in detail, the system creates a simplified copy of the classification logic in the form of charging counters that contain pre-mapped application identifiers. This allows quick matching without re-analyzing traffic characteristics, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for classification from detailed packet analysis to simplified application identifier matching. By transforming complex traffic patterns into discrete identifier categories, the system achieves fast processing while maintaining classification accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If networks provide diverse service packages, then customer service versatility improves, but system complexity and difficulty of management worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of managing diverse service packages into discrete, manageable components. Each charging counter handles a specific service package with its own set of application identifiers and charging rules, allowing independent management and easy configuration without affecting other services.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging counter structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it classifies traffic, determines service packages, applies charging rules, and manages resource allocation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system management complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a processing system in a cellular core network includes receiving, from a session management function of the cellular core network, a query for a policy rule associated with a subscriber who has requested a packet data unit session, querying a charging function of the cellular core network for a charging counter associated with the subscriber, receiving, from the charging function, the charging counter, wherein the charging counter contains a value identifying a service package to which the subscriber is subscribed, determining a rating group associated with the service package, and sending, to the session management function, a set of application identifiers associated with the rating group, wherein each application identifier of the set of application identifiers identifies one software application that is included in the service package.