CHF Protocol Conversion for 4G-5G Charging Interworking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of 5G Charging Function (CHF) with existing 4G networks introduces complexity, particularly in integrating with the Business Support System (BSS) and requires significant effort to upgrade existing Online Charging System (OCS) and Offline Charging System (OFCS) to support HTTP/2 stack and new services.
Innovation Solution
A charging function protocol converter (CHF-PC) acts as a gateway between 4G and 5G networks, converting between HTTP/2 and Diameter protocols, supporting functionalities like Nchf_SpendingLimitControl Service and Nchf_ConvergedCharging Service, and registering with the Network Repository Function (NRF) for discovery by other network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 5G CHF function is integrated with existing 4G BSS, then 5G core network functionality is enabled, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Charging Function Protocol Converter (CHF-PC) as an intermediary component between the 5G CHF and the existing 4G BSS. The CHF-PC performs protocol conversion between HTTP/2 (used by 5G CHF) and Diameter (used by 4G BSS), enabling interoperability without requiring changes to the existing BSS infrastructure. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by adding 5G functionality while maintaining the original system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing OCS/OFCS is upgraded to support HTTP/2 stack and new services, then 5G charging functionality is achieved, but upgrade effort and customization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging function into two separate components: the 5G CHF (using HTTP/2) and the existing 4G OCS/OFCS (using Diameter). The CHF-PC acts as a protocol conversion gateway between these segmented components. This segmentation allows the existing OCS/OFCS to remain unchanged while still enabling 5G charging functionality through the protocol converter, thereby reducing upgrade effort and customization requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion between HTTP/2 and Diameter is implemented, then interoperability between 5G and 4G networks is achieved, but conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CHF-PC is designed as a universal protocol conversion gateway that handles multiple charging-related protocols and services. It performs conversion between HTTP/2 and Diameter protocols, supports both online charging (OCS) and offline charging (OFCS) workflows, and can handle various charging scenarios including roaming, multiple sessions, and different service types. This multi-functionality approach consolidates conversion complexity into a single versatile component rather than requiring separate conversion mechanisms for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system and a method for provisioning interworking of communication networks. The method includes receiving a service request from a first charging function based on a first protocol format, wherein the first charging function is associated with a first communication network having a first radio access technology (RAT), converting the received service request to a second protocol format, wherein the second protocol format is associated with a second charging function at a second communication network having a second RAT, receiving a response message for the service request based on the second protocol format from the second charging function and converting the received response message to the first protocol format associated with the first charging function.