MME Location Data for IMS Charging Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging systems for mobile communication devices face challenges in accurately determining location and time zone information, leading to unreliable billing due to unreliable location information provided by the devices, which can change during calls, necessitating continuous tracking and updating of these parameters for correct rate application.
Innovation Solution
The implementation involves a mobility management entity (MME) providing user location information (ULI) and time zone information to the IMS network, which is then forwarded through the serving gateway (SGW) to the packet data network gateway (PGW), allowing for reliable location and time zone data to be used in charging calculations, including in create, update, and delete bearer responses, ensuring accurate billing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If location information is provided by the mobile communication device, then the charging system can obtain location data, but the reliability of the location information deteriorates because it is not provided by the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the MME (Mobility Management Entity) as an intermediary that obtains location information from the network side rather than relying on device-provided location data. The MME acts as a mediator between the device and the charging system, providing reliable network-based location information (including tracking area and cell ID) to the charging system through standard signaling messages, thereby resolving the reliability issue without requiring complex continuous tracking mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If continuous tracking and updating of location parameters is implemented, then accurate rate application is achieved, but the system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining location information (tracking area and cell ID) and time zone data from the network side in advance during the call setup phase, before the actual charging calculation is needed. The MME retrieves this information from network elements and makes it available to the charging system upfront, eliminating the need for continuous tracking and updating during the call duration while ensuring accurate rate application
3Productivity
If device-provided location information is used, then the charging system can process location data, but the billing accuracy deteriorates due to unreliable location information
Solution Approach 1:
The MME serves as an intermediary that bridges the charging system and the network elements. It obtains accurate network-based location information (tracking area, cell ID) and time zone data from the network side and transmits this reliable information to the charging system through standard Diameter signaling messages. This intermediary approach maintains charging calculation efficiency while significantly improving billing accuracy through network-verified location data
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include receiving a request from an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem, where the request relates to an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem service associated with user equipment. The method may further include obtaining location or time zone information associated with the user equipment from an access network; providing the obtained location or time zone information to the Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem; and providing the obtained location or time zone information to an on-line or off-line charging system.