Network Slice Instantiation With Integrated Charging Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slice management systems do not adequately consider charging-related information during the service creation process, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of network slice instantiation and operation.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a charging management service that provides charging characteristics and attributes as part of the network slice instantiation process, allowing for differentiated handling of network slice instances based on specific charging requirements, including real-time, near-real-time, and per-session charging options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If charging information is not integrated during network slice instantiation, then the service creation process is simpler and faster, but charging accuracy and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging management service is integrated during the network slice instantiation process, performing charging-related actions in advance before the service becomes operational. This allows charging information to be prepared and configured alongside other service parameters, ensuring charging accuracy from the outset while streamlining the overall process through early integration rather than subsequent additions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging management is integrated during network slice instantiation, then charging flexibility and accuracy improve, but the service creation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The charging management service integrates multiple charging functions and capabilities into a single unified service that works across different network slice types and scenarios. This universal approach provides diverse charging options (real-time, near-real-time, per-session) through one integrated mechanism, enhancing charging flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity through multiple separate systems.
3Reliability
If charging information is obtained and processed during service creation, then real-time charging capabilities are improved, but processing time and system load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Charging information is obtained, processed, and configured during the network slice instantiation phase, performing necessary charging preparations in advance. This preliminary action ensures that charging capabilities are ready when needed, enabling real-time charging operations without adding processing delays during actual service delivery, as the charging framework is already established.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprises means configured to: cause a request for the allocation of a service instance to be sent to a service management service provider, said request comprising information relating to a charging profile for the service instance; and receive a response from the service management service provider.