Globally Unique Charging Identifier for Joint Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks lack a solution to associate and combine charging information across different network elements, such as the Service GPRS Support Node (SGSN), Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), and Call State Control Function (CSCF), making it difficult to implement billing for IP telephony services and GPRS services jointly.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a Charging Identification parameter that is associated with PDP contexts and sent between the SGSN, GGSN, and CSCF, allowing for the creation of a Globally Unique Charging Identification (GCI) that can be used to combine call event-related data from various network elements, enabling flexible billing based on services rather than transport resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate charging information is maintained for different network elements (SGSN, GGSN, CSCF), then each network element can independently manage its charging records, but it becomes difficult to associate and combine charging information across network elements for joint billing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common charging identifier (CCI) as an intermediary element that is inserted into charging records from multiple network elements (SGSN, GGSN, CSCF). This CCI acts as a mediator that enables association between otherwise separate charging information, allowing joint billing while maintaining independent management at each network element. The CCI is generated by one network element and distributed to others through interface messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The common charging identifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it uniquely identifies a charging session, links charging records across different network elements, enables correlation of transport and service layer charging information, and supports various billing models (service-based and transport-based). This universal identifier resolves the contradiction by providing a single mechanism that works across all network elements and billing scenarios.
2Loss of information
If a common charging identifier is introduced to associate charging information across network elements, then joint billing becomes possible, but the complexity of charging coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging coordination function into distinct responsibilities: one network element (typically SGSN or GGSN) generates the common charging identifier, while other elements receive and use it to correlate their charging records. This segmentation avoids the need for all elements to participate in complex mutual coordination, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the goal of charged information association.
3Quantity of substance
If charging information is collected for both transport resources (PDP context) and services (IP telephony call), then comprehensive billing data is available, but it becomes complicated to bill based on services rather than transport resources
Solution Approach 1:
The common charging identifier serves as an intermediary that links transport layer charging records (from PDP context activation) with service layer charging records (from IP telephony calls). By including the CCI in both types of records, the system maintains complete charging information while enabling simple service-based billing through correlation of records sharing the same CCI value.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first embodiment, when an Activate PDP Context Request message is forwarded to a Service GPRS Support Node (SGSN), the SGSN creates a Create PDP Context Request message and forwards it to a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). In response to the Create PDP Context Request forwarded by the SGSN, the GGSN creates a Create PDP Context Response message. When a PDP context is created by the GGSN, the GGSN associates a Globally Unique Charging Identification (GCI) with the PDP context. Then, the Create PDP Context Response including the GCI is forwarded to the SGSN. The GCI is sent from the SGSN to the UE and from the UE to the CSCF. In a second embodiment, the GCI is sent from the SGSN or the GGSN directly to the Call State Control Function (CSCF). Sending the GCI can be performed either autonomously or based on a request from the CSCF. In either embodiment, the CSCF can send the GCI to a second network which performs processing, such as billing, from data collected from call detail records associated with the GCI.