Network Slice Charging via Performance Indicator Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for network resources, especially in 5G networks, often lead to waste of resources and reduced utilization rates due to their linear approach based on terminal service data, failing to effectively manage network slice instances.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a network slice management function (NSMF) and network slice charging function (NSCF) to determine and transmit network slice performance indicators, allowing for charging based on specific performance metrics rather than mere traffic or duration, thereby optimizing resource allocation and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional charging methods based on terminal service data are used, then charging can be performed, but network resources are wasted and utilization rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the charging parameters from terminal service data (traffic volume, duration) to network slice performance indicators (throughput, latency, packet loss rate). This parameter transformation enables more accurate reflection of actual network resource consumption and performance quality, thereby improving resource utilization and reducing waste.
2Measurement precision
If all network slice performance indicator data are collected and transmitted, then charging accuracy improves, but data transmission and storage loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary network slice performance indicators (throughput, latency, packet loss rate) that are directly relevant to charging decisions, rather than collecting all available performance data. This selective extraction maintains charging accuracy while significantly reducing data transmission and storage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to meet different application scenario requirements, then service quality improves, but charging management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal charging management mechanism that handles multiple network slice types (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) through a unified approach. The charging system universally applies performance indicator-based charging across all slice types, eliminating the need for separate charging management processes for each scenario and thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides example methods, systems, and devices for performing charging on a network resource. One example method includes sending, by a network slice charging function device, a first message to a network slice management function device, where the first message includes an identifier of a network slice instance and filtering information, the filtering information indicates the network slice management function device to send a value that is of a network slice performance indicator of the network slice instance and that matches the filtering information, and the network slice performance indicator describes network performance of the network slice instance. The network slice charging function device can then receive a second message from the network slice management function device, where the second message includes the value. The network slice charging function device can then perform charging on the network slice instance based on the value.