Edge Charging Deferral for 5G Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging mechanisms in cellular communication networks, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in meeting strict latency and quality of experience requirements, leading to potential service disruptions and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with distributed edge infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanism that allows for the deferral of consensus-based charging operations at edge network nodes based on latency and quality of experience criteria, using a distributed ledger to ensure secure, accountable, and real-time charging while maintaining low latency, thereby supporting continuous service delivery without compromising user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If consensus-based charging operations are performed in real-time at edge network nodes, then charging accuracy and accountability are improved, but latency increases and service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing charging assessments and consensus operations in advance before actual service delivery. The edge charging function node pre-evaluates charging requests, performs consensus with the charging function node, and prepares charging decisions beforehand. This allows the service network function to receive pre-approved charging authorizations immediately when service is needed, eliminating real-time consensus delays while maintaining charging accuracy through the pre-performed consensus process.
2Speed
If strict latency requirements are enforced for charging operations, then service quality is improved, but charging security and consensus validation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs security validation and consensus checks in advance before service delivery. The edge charging function node pre-validates charging requests against the distributed ledger and obtains consensus from the charging function node before the service actually occurs. This preliminary security validation ensures charging integrity while allowing fast service delivery since the security checks are already completed beforehand rather than during real-time service execution.
3Reliability
If distributed edge infrastructure is deployed for charging, then service continuity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging system into distributed edge charging function nodes that operate independently at the network edge. Each edge charging function node maintains local charging capabilities and can autonomously assess and authorize charging requests using the distributed ledger. This segmentation enables service continuity even if other parts of the network fail, as each edge node operates semi-independently. The complexity is managed by giving each segment standardized, simplified charging assessment capabilities rather than requiring complex centralized coordination for every charging event.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving, from a service network function, a request related to charging for a user equipment, means for determining whether to defer a consensus-based charging operation associated with the user equipment, means for transmitting to the service network function, when it is determined that the consensus-based charging operation is to be deferred, an indication indicating that the request is granted and means for refraining from transmitting any indication about the consensus-based charging associated with the user equipment until it is determined that the consensus-based charging operation associated with the user equipment is not to be deferred.