Dual CDF Architecture for Reliable CDR Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, charging detail records (CDRs) are often lost due to failures in the charging data function, leading to lost revenue for service providers, as they are not reliably transmitted to the charging gateway function.
Innovation Solution
A dual-charging data function architecture is implemented, where both the primary and secondary CDFs buffer CDRs and acknowledge their delivery to the CGF, with the secondary CDF taking over in case of primary CDF failure to ensure all CDRs are propagated and acknowledged, using protocols like GTP' for reliable transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single charging data function (CDF) is used to forward CDRs to the charging gateway function (CGF), then the system structure is simple, but CDRs may be lost when the CDF fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the CDF functionality into multiple independent CDF instances (first CDF and second CDF) that can operate in parallel. Each CDF can independently buffer and forward CDRs to the CGF, ensuring that if one CDF fails, the other can take over without loss of CDR data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup mechanism where the second CDF is prepared in advance to assume the role of the first CDF in case of failure. The second CDF maintains a buffer ready to receive and forward CDRs, providing a cushion against potential CDR loss when the primary CDF fails.
2Reliability
If CDRs are buffered at the CDF during transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the buffering capabilities of multiple CDFs (first CDF and second CDF) into a unified backup system. This merging of buffer resources ensures that CDRs are preserved even when one CDF fails, while distributing the memory burden across multiple components rather than requiring a single large buffer.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging detail record transmission capability is provided herein. A mobile gateway (MG) generates charging detail records (CDRs) intended for delivery to a charging gateway function (CGF). The CDRs are propagated toward both a first and second charging data function (CDFs). The first and second CDFs buffer the CDRs. The first CDF is configured for propagating CDRs toward the CGF. The second CDF is configured for propagating CDRs toward the CGF when the first CDF fails. The CGF is configured for acknowledging receipt of CDRs to the first or second CDF from which the CDRs are received. The first CDF is configured for acknowledging, to the second CDF, receipt of acknowledgment messages from the first CDF. The second CDF is configured for, upon failure of the first CDF, initiating a process for determining which of the CDRs buffered at the second CDF need to be propagated to the CGF.