MEC Gateway Local Charging for 5G Edge Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the deployment of Mobile Edge Content and Computing (MECC) at base stations bypasses the core network, preventing operators from charging users for local traffic data, as existing charging architectures are not designed to handle traffic routed proximate to base stations.
Innovation Solution
A charging method and apparatus that utilize a Mobile Edge Computing Gateway (MEC-GW) to collect and generate charging data bills for local traffic, interacting with MEC servers and Charging Gateways to ensure users are charged without disrupting existing charging flows, by defining interfaces for exchanging charging information and statistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic data flows are routed through S-GW and P-GW in core network, then charging data bill can be generated, but traffic delay increases and bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging function from the core network by introducing a local charging entity at the base station side. This allows traffic to be locally charged without routing through the core network, reducing delay while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local charging entity as an intermediary between the base station and the core network charging system. This intermediary collects charging data locally and reports to the core network, enabling charging without core network routing for user traffic.
2Loss of time
If traffic platform is deployed proximate to base station side, then bandwidth consumption is lowered and delay is reduced, but operators cannot charge users for local traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging function from the core network by introducing a local charging entity at the base station side. This allows traffic to be locally charged without routing through the core network, reducing delay while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the charging architecture by introducing a local charging layer at the edge network. This enables charging functionality to operate independently at the base station while still integrating with the core network charging system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If local gateway is introduced to support data distribution, then data distribution capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the base station gateway multi-functional by integrating both data distribution and local charging functions into a single entity. This avoids the need for separate local gateway devices, reducing overall network complexity while maintaining data distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the local charging entity with the base station gateway, combining multiple functions (data distribution, local charging, traffic management) into a single integrated component. This reduces device complexity while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a charging method and device configured to realize charging for a local service without affecting an existing charging procedure when a service platform is deployed at a base station side. The charging method of the invention comprises: when a mobile edge computing gateway (MEC-GW) determines that a user equipment (UE) is to be charged for a local service, transmitting, to a mobile edge computing (MEC) server, a message requesting calculation of local service information associated with the UE; receiving, by the MEC-GW, local service calculation information associated with the UE transmitted by the MEC server, and generating, according to the local service calculation information associated with the UE, a charging data record for the local service associated with the UE; and transmitting, by the MEC-GW, the charging data record for the local service to a charging gate (CG).