Correlating Network Element Billing Data Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks, the independent operation of network elements leads to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in billing, as each element sends separate billing information to a central office, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate reports and excessive bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A correlating network element determines and correlates billing entries from multiple network elements using state information, generating a single, accurate billing entry that is sent to the billing system, eliminating the need for multiple links and reducing bandwidth usage by performing correlation and intelligence generation within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each network element sends billing information separately to the billing office, then billing information can be collected from all elements, but the billing reports become incomplete or inaccurate and large amounts of traffic are sent to the billing office
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates billing information from multiple network elements into a single correlated billing entry at one network element before sending to the billing office. This merging approach reduces redundant traffic while maintaining complete billing accuracy by combining information that would otherwise be sent separately by each network element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correlating network element that acts as an intermediary between multiple network elements and the billing office. This intermediary collects billing information from various network elements, correlates them using state information, and sends a single consolidated billing entry to the billing office, thereby reducing bandwidth usage while preserving billing accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If network elements operate independently, then each element can function autonomously, but inconsistencies in billing information are created and bandwidth is inefficiently used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network elements send billing information to a correlating network element, which then correlates the information using state information about network element operations. This feedback loop ensures that autonomous network elements contribute to consistent billing without sacrificing their independent operation, as the correlation process reconciles any inconsistencies.
3Loss of information
If multiple links are used to send billing information from each network element to the billing office, then all billing data can be transmitted, but unnecessary traffic and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges billing information from multiple network elements into a single correlated billing entry at the correlating network element before transmission to the billing office. This consolidation maintains complete billing data by combining information from all elements while reducing traffic volume by sending only one consolidated entry instead of multiple separate entries.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for providing correlation of billing entries for a mobile communications network is provided. A correlating network element in a bearer path determines a plurality of billing entries for a flow. One or more of the billing entries may be received from other network elements and includes traffic altering information for a flow. The correlating network element correlates the plurality of billing entries using state information included in the billing entries. The state information is used to determine information in billing entries that may be related, such as billing entries for a single flow. Also, the correlating network element uses the traffic altering information to determine a data volume sent for the flow. A correlated billing entry may then be generated using the data volume for the flow. The correlated billing entry is then sent to a billing system from the correlating network element. Billing entries are not sent from other network elements that may be generating billing entries in a link to the billing system.