Charging D2D PC5 Traffic via UE Usage Reports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G systems lack a viable solution for measuring and reporting traffic usage on the PC5 interface for D2D direct communication, which is essential for accurate charging.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves user equipment (UE) generating and transmitting usage information reports over the PC5 interface to a Network Function node in the core network, which then forwards the reports to a charging function node for billing purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If D2D direct communication is implemented over PC5 interface between UEs, then device-to-device communication capability is improved, but traffic usage measurement and reporting capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveD2D communication capabilityVSAvoidtraffic usage measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the network infrastructure (SMF/UPF) measure PC5 traffic, the patent inverts the measurement responsibility to the UE itself. The UE generates usage information reports for PC5 interface traffic and sends them to the network via NAS messages, allowing D2D communication to function while maintaining measurement capability through this role reversal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the UE acts as a mediator between PC5 traffic and the charging function. The UE collects PC5 usage data and transmits it through the NAS signaling path to the SMF, which then forwards it to the charging function, creating a new reporting path that bypasses the traditional UPF measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional charging architecture is used with SMF and UPF for traffic measurement, then charging infrastructure is established, but PC5 interface traffic reporting capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging infrastructureVSAvoidPC5 traffic reporting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the charging architecture into distinct components: the UE handles PC5 usage measurement and report generation, the SMF handles report reception and forwarding, and the charging function handles billing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining the overall charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the charging architecture by introducing a UE-based reporting path parallel to the traditional network-based measurement path. This creates a dual-path architecture where PC5 traffic can be measured at the UE level and reported through NAS signaling, complementing the existing UPF-based measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12267455B2Charging in device-to-device communications over PC5 for interactive services

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 NEC CORP

AI summary

A new charging solution is proposed for D2D direct communication based on 5GS, which allows the network to charge UE's usage accurately and flexibly.