Network Bridge Routing for Specialized CHF Traffic Classes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G cellular networks, the use of a single charging node for all data traffic classes limits the ability to implement specialized charging functions for different traffic classes, hindering efficient policy enforcement and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A network bridge is introduced between session management and charging nodes, routing data traffic to specialized charging nodes for different traffic classes, while maintaining legacy operation of both nodes, by embedding session management node addresses in data traffic and forwarding it to appropriate charging nodes based on traffic class.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single charging node is used for all data traffic classes, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different traffic classes deteriorates and specialized charging functions cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The charging function is segmented into multiple specialized charging nodes (CHF1, CHF2, etc.), each dedicated to handling specific traffic classes. This segmentation allows each node to be optimized for its particular traffic type while maintaining overall system adaptability. The network bridge divides incoming traffic based on traffic class identifiers and routes them to appropriate specialized charging nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
A network bridge is introduced as an intermediary component between session management nodes and specialized charging nodes. The bridge receives traffic from session management nodes, determines the traffic class, and forwards traffic to the appropriate specialized charging node. This intermediary enables the system to maintain legacy session management interfaces while implementing specialized charging functions.
2Measurement precision
If a single charging node handles all traffic classes, then ease of operation is improved, but the precision of traffic policy enforcement and diagnostics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each specialized charging node is configured with local quality characteristics tailored to its specific traffic class. For example, CHF1 may have specialized policy enforcement rules for real-time traffic, while CHF2 may have different rules for bulk data traffic. This local optimization enables precise policy enforcement for each traffic type without requiring complex universal logic in a single node.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized charging nodes are introduced for different traffic classes, then adaptability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network bridge is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple traffic classes and route them to appropriate specialized charging nodes. It implements a unified interface with session management nodes while supporting multiple charging node types, thereby reducing the operational complexity that would otherwise arise from having multiple specialized nodes.
4Productivity
If a single charging node is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity in terms of specialized charging and diagnostics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging functionality is segmented across multiple specialized nodes, allowing each node to process its designated traffic class efficiently. This parallel processing architecture improves overall productivity by eliminating the bottleneck of a single charging node having to sequentially handle all traffic types, while the network bridge manages the distribution transparently.
Data Source
AI summary
Solutions are disclosed that provide failure handling for specialized charging function (CHF) roles for differing traffic classes. A network bridge sits between a session management node, such as a session management function (SMF), and a charging node, such as a CHF, routing data traffic to/from the specialized charging node that each caters to a different traffic class or traffic segment, and acting as a proxy in each direction. The session management node sees the network bridge as a single charging node, and thus requires no new functionality to steer traffic to a specific specialized charging node. Each charging node sees the network bridge as a session management node, and thus also requires no new functionality. Each of the session management node and the specialized charging nodes is able to maintain legacy operation, leaving the routing of the differing traffic classes to the specialized charging nodes up the network bridge.