CTF Charging Information Exchange with Non-Real-Time Triggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent changes in Quality of Service (QoS) and user location, among other factors, lead to frequent charging events, increasing the frequency of information exchange and transmission pressure between the Charging Trigger Function (CTF) device and the Online Charging System (OCS).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-real-time Trigger mechanism where the CTF device records charging information before and after corresponding events, and sends this information in a CCR message at a later time, reducing the need for real-time reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time reporting of charging information is implemented, then charging accuracy is improved, but information exchange frequency and transmission pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CTF device records charging information in advance before events occur, such as storing quota usage information before a non-real-time trigger event. This preliminary recording allows the system to maintain charging accuracy while reducing the need for frequent real-time reporting, as the recorded information can be transmitted later when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-real-time triggers that cause the CTF device to record and transmit charging information periodically rather than continuously. The CTF device transmits recorded charging information to the OCS at specific intervals or when trigger conditions are met, reducing information exchange frequency while maintaining sufficient charging accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If frequent reporting of charging information is implemented, then charging accuracy is improved, but transmission pressure and system load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CTF device performs preliminary recording of charging information before events occur, such as storing quota usage information before a non-real-time trigger event. This advance recording reduces the need for frequent transmission requests, thereby lowering transmission pressure and system load while maintaining charging accuracy through the recorded data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of information transmission from real-time to non-real-time based on trigger conditions. By adjusting when information is transmitted (e.g., after a specific event occurs or at scheduled intervals), the system maintains charging accuracy while significantly reducing transmission pressure and network load.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for information exchange in online charging in order to reduce frequency of information exchange between a Charging Trigger Function (CTF) device and an Online Charging System (OCS), and reduce a pressure of information transmission between the CTF device and the OCS, where the method includes receiving, by a CTF device, a credit control answer (CCA) message that carries a non-real-time Trigger and sent by an OCS, recording, by the CTF device, charging information before and after a corresponding event of the non-real-time Trigger happens each time before sending a credit control request (CCR) message to the OCS next time, and sending, by the CTF device, the CCR message to the OCS.