Telecommunication Network Charging Correlation for Slice-Level Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging solutions in telecommunication networks do not effectively integrate network slice level charging information, leading to inefficient and inflexible charging of user equipment (UE) based on network slice usage, as UE charging is handled separately from network slice charging without considering slice-level data.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting and determining charging criteria for user equipment (UE) by querying a network repository function to retrieve network slice level charging information, including parameters such as maximum protocol data unit sessions, number of UEs, and load levels, to correlate UE level charging with network slice level charging, allowing for flexible and comprehensive charging based on network slice management and performance analytics data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UE charging is handled separately from network slice charging, then charging system simplicity is maintained, but charging precision and flexibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges UE-level charging and network slice-level charging into a unified charging system. The charging function network element correlates UE charging information with network slice charging information to determine comprehensive charging criteria, thereby improving charging precision while managing system complexity through integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function network element performs multiple functions: it handles both UE-specific charging and network slice charging, correlates information from both levels, and determines charging criteria that consider both individual user and slice-level factors. This multi-functional approach enables precise charging without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Productivity
If network slice level charging information is not integrated, then system operation is simple, but resource allocation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines network slice charging information with UE charging information in a unified charging determination process. The charging function network element retrieves and correlates both levels of charging data to make resource allocation decisions, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency through integrated visibility while managing complexity through centralized processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UE charging is determined without network slice charging data, then processing speed is maintained, but charging flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary retrieval of network slice charging information before UE charging determination. The charging function network element proactively obtains and stores network slice charging data, so that when UE charging needs to be determined, the slice-level information is already available for immediate correlation, reducing processing time while enabling flexible charging plans.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for charging in a telecommunication network. An example method may include transmitting, a charging service request from a first network apparatus related to a user equipment converged charging system to a second network apparatus related to a tenant converged charging system, the charging service request comprising an indication for at least one parameter related to network slice level charging information of a network slice, an identifier of the network slice and an identifier of a user equipment; receiving, at the first network apparatus, a charging service response corresponding to the charging service request from the second network apparatus, the charging service response comprising the at least one parameter related to the network slice level charging information; and determining, by the first network apparatus, a charging criterion of the user equipment based on the received charging service response.