Charging Network Element for LTE-WiFi Converged Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging method in LTE-WiFi converged networks results in distributed control signaling across multiple network elements, leading to complex communication processes and increased management costs, with many devices participating in the communication, resulting in wasteful device investment.
Innovation Solution
A charging method and device where a radio access device in the access network obtains and sends first information indicating the type of service data and radio interface to a charging network element through a mobility management entity, allowing the charging network element to perform charging uniformly, thereby simplifying the communication process and reducing management costs by eliminating the need for multiple wireless local area network access gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple network elements participate in the charging communication process, then charging functionality is comprehensive, but the communication process becomes complicated and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates charging control functionality into a single charging network element that handles all charging operations for both Wi-Fi and LTE networks. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized network elements (such as separate WLAN charging gateways and LTE charging servers), thereby simplifying the communication process while maintaining comprehensive charging functionality across different network types.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging network element is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle charging for multiple network types (Wi-Fi and LTE) through a unified interface. This universal design allows a single network element to perform various charging functions including authentication, authorization, accounting, and billing for different radio access technologies, reducing the need for specialized devices for each network type.
2Reliability
If multiple wireless local area network access gateways are deployed, then Wi-Fi charging capability is enhanced, but device investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging network element is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle charging for multiple network types (Wi-Fi and LTE) through a unified interface. This universal design allows a single network element to perform various charging functions including authentication, authorization, accounting, and billing for different radio access technologies, reducing the need for specialized devices for each network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent consolidates charging control functionality into a single charging network element that handles all charging operations for both Wi-Fi and LTE networks. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized network elements (such as separate WLAN charging gateways and LTE charging servers), thereby simplifying the communication process while maintaining comprehensive charging functionality across different network types.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a charging method and device. The method includes: obtaining, by a radio access device located in an access network, first information, where the first information includes or is used to indicate a type of service data borne on a radio interface of the radio access device and a type of the radio interface; and sending, by the radio access device, the first information to a charging network element located in a core network, so that the charging network element performs charging by using the first information. The method provided in the embodiments of the present invention can implement service data charging without requiring a wireless local area network access gateway, thereby simplifying a communication process between network elements and reducing management costs of a network.