MEC Server Charging Control via Segmented Policy Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging and charging control architectures for mobile edge computing (MEC) services are inefficient, leading to unjust or unaccurate billing due to lack of awareness of resource usage on MEC servers and complex Diameter-based interfaces, which hinders the provision of low-latency applications and services.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method where the MEC server, connected to a radio access network element, handles charging and policy control independently by indicating its capabilities to the core network, monitoring resource usage, and sending corrective reports to avoid double charging, thus enabling accurate and subscriber-specific charging without relying on the core network for all monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the core network handles charging and policy control for MEC services, then centralized control is maintained, but charging accuracy deteriorates due to lack of awareness of resource usage on MEC servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging and policy control functions by introducing a dedicated charging and policy control unit within the MEC server infrastructure. This unit independently monitors resource usage on the MEC server and handles charging decisions, separating this functionality from the core network's centralized control. The segmentation enables accurate measurement of MEC-specific resources while reducing the complexity of core network interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary charging and policy control unit that acts as a mediator between the MEC server and the core network. This intermediary independently monitors resource usage, makes charging decisions, and only interacts with the core network when necessary, thereby improving charging accuracy without requiring complex continuous interfaces between the core network and MEC server.
2Reliability
If the core network monitors all resource usage for MEC services, then centralized charging control is maintained, but latency increases due to complex Diameter-based interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments monitoring and control functions by placing a dedicated charging and policy control unit within the MEC server. This unit independently monitors resource usage and makes charging decisions locally, eliminating the need for continuous communication through complex Diameter interfaces. Critical charging control reliability is maintained through periodic reporting to the core network, while latency is reduced by performing monitoring and control operations locally at the MEC server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the charging and policy control unit pre-monitor resource usage and make charging decisions locally before needing to report to the core network. This preliminary local processing reduces latency by avoiding real-time communication delays through Diameter interfaces, while maintaining reliability through subsequent reporting of charging decisions and resource usage data.
3Productivity
If the MEC server handles charging independently, then latency is reduced and charging accuracy is improved, but device complexity at the MEC server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging and policy control functions with the MEC server by introducing a dedicated unit within the MEC server infrastructure. This merging enables the MEC server to independently handle charging decisions, improving productivity and reducing latency. The complexity is managed by integrating this functionality into the existing MEC server architecture rather than creating separate standalone systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging and policy control unit within the MEC server is designed with multi-functionality, handling both resource usage monitoring and charging decision-making. This universal unit reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving charging efficiency while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity at the MEC server.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, a method and a computer program product related to charging and control of edge services is provided. The apparatus comprises a processor and a memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the apparatus is connectable to a radio access network element and the processor is configured to provide a connection to a core network, to handle applications and/or services for a user equipment connected to the radio access network element, and to handle charging and/or policy control for the applications and/or services.