Diameter Routing With Number Portability Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In DIAMETER networks, prepaid subscribers are incorrectly charged due to the lack of number portability correction, as the Online Charging System (OCS) cannot accurately identify the network operator of ported numbers, leading to improper billing for calls between subscribers with ported numbers.
Innovation Solution
A DIAMETER routing system with number portability correction that intercepts signaling messages, performs a lookup in a number portability database using the called party's identifier, and modifies the message to include ported network information, ensuring accurate charging by identifying the ported-to network and routing the corrected message to the OCS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the OCS uses the called party identifier to determine charging rates, then the charging process is simple and fast, but the charging accuracy deteriorates when numbers are ported to different networks
Solution Approach 1:
A number portability database is introduced as an intermediary between the OCS and the called party identifier. The database stores the mapping between ported numbers and their current network operators. When a CCR message arrives, the OCS queries this database to resolve the actual network operator before determining charging rates, thus maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary lookup in the number portability database before final charging determination. By pre-resolving ported numbers to their current network operators and storing this information, the system prepares the accurate network identification in advance, ensuring both fast processing and correct charging rates.
2Measurement precision
If the system checks the number portability database for every call, then the network identification accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective querying of the number portability database based on local conditions. Instead of checking every single call, the system determines when a portability check is necessary (e.g., when number portability is suspected or based on routing patterns), thereby reducing unnecessary database queries while maintaining accuracy where needed.
3Productivity
If the OCS charges based on MSISDN ranges without portability correction, then the charging process is efficient, but incorrect charging occurs for ported numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the number portability database provides correction information back to the OCS. When a discrepancy is detected between the MSISDN range-based network identification and the actual ported number information, the feedback loop corrects the charging determination, ensuring both efficiency and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for DIAMETER routing with portability correction are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for providing number portability correction for DIAMETER signaling involving a subscriber of a communications network. The method includes receiving a DIAMETER signaling message directed to an Online Charging System (OCS) and accessing a number portability database using the called party identifier in the signaling message, to identify if the called party has a ported number. The method further includes, in response to determining the called party has a ported number, modifying the signaling message to include results from or derived from the access to the number portability database, and routing the modified message to the OCS.