Hybrid Network Data Consumption Tracking in 5G Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configurations for 4G and 5G networks lead to suboptimal coverage and reduced accuracy in data consumption tracking due to bifurcated network experiences, computational deficiencies, and reliance on external systems for reconciliation and synchronization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) and Subscriber Location Function (SLF) to route 4G network traffic to the 5G Charging Function (CHF) for fallback sessions, enabling real-time network consumption tracking and policy management within the 5G network, eliminating the need for 4G Online Charging Function (OCS) and external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual-mode network provisioning (4G and 5G) is implemented, then network coverage and subscriber accessibility are improved, but data consumption tracking accuracy and system complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 4G and 5G network functions into a unified 5G core network architecture. The 5G CHF handles charging for both 5G native sessions and 4G fallback sessions, eliminating the need for separate 4G OCS. This consolidation resolves the tracking accuracy issue by providing a single unified charging function that accurately tracks data consumption across both network modes without the complexity of dual independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) as an intermediary component that routes 4G network traffic to the 5G CHF for charging processing. The DRA acts as a mediator between the 4G network elements and the 5G charging system, enabling accurate data consumption tracking for fallback sessions while maintaining network coverage. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling 4G traffic to be processed through the unified 5G charging architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard-based network functions are used, then system compatibility is improved, but computational capabilities and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal 5G CHF that performs multiple functions: handling charging for 5G native sessions, processing 4G fallback sessions, and providing unified data consumption tracking. This multi-functional approach maintains compatibility with standard-based network functions while enhancing computational capabilities through the 5G core architecture, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and tracking accuracy.
3Reliability
If external systems are used for reconciliation and synchronization, then network functionality is maintained, but system complexity and processing time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reconciliation and synchronization functions from external systems and integrates them directly into the 5G core network architecture. The 5G CHF internally processes data consumption tracking and charging decisions without requiring external reconciliation systems. This extraction eliminates the complexity of external systems while maintaining network reliability through self-contained processing within the 5G core.
Solution Approach 2:
The 5G core network provides self-service capabilities by internally handling data consumption tracking, charging processing, and session management without requiring external systems. The unified CHF performs all necessary functions autonomously within the 5G architecture, eliminating the need for external reconciliation and synchronization systems, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for intelligent, real-time network consumption tracking and traffic steering in fifth-generation (5G) networks via a network configuration and implementation. The disclosed hybrid network traffic steering is effectuated by using Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) and Subscriber Location Function (SLF) to route/steer fourth-generation (4G) network traffic by 5G subscribers to a 5G Charging Function (CHF) for 4G fallback network consumptions. Network currency consumption tracking is performed by the 5G CHF. The CHF dictates policy rules for 5G networks via the Policy Control Function (PCF) of the 5G Core, and dictates policy rules for 4G networks via the Policy and Charging Rules Functions (PCRF) for fallback sessions.