Network Slice Charging via Segmented Management Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G charging systems lack a method for accurately charging usage of network slices, which are essential for managing communication networks that meet specific service requirements and include multiple network function elements.
Innovation Solution
A network slice charging method is introduced, where a network slice management network element receives a charging request, sends it to a subnet management network element, and collects usage data from various network elements to perform accurate charging, including slice capacity, user quantities, and resource usage, and sends this data to a charging network element for billing purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a network slice charging method is implemented to enable accurate billing based on usage data, then charging precision is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need for multiple network elements to collect and transmit usage information
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple specialized network elements: the network slice management network element (NSMF) for overall charging coordination, the network slice subnet management network element (NSSMF) for collecting usage data from specific network functions, and the charging network element (CHF) for billing processing. This segmentation allows each element to focus on specific charging tasks, improving charging precision while distributing system complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice subnet management network element (NSSMF) acts as an intermediary between the network function network elements and the charging network element. It collects usage information from multiple sources (NF network elements and NF management network elements), processes this data, and forwards it to the charging network element. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized collection point, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from direct connections between all network elements and the charging system.
2Measurement precision
If usage information is collected from multiple network elements to ensure comprehensive charging data, then charging accuracy is improved, but information loss increases due to the complexity of data aggregation from different sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network slice management network element sends charging requirements to the network slice subnet management network element, which then collects usage information and feeds it back to the charging network element. This feedback loop ensures that comprehensive usage data is gathered from multiple network elements and made available for accurate charging decisions, improving charging accuracy while maintaining data integrity through structured feedback channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice subnet management network element is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal collection point for usage information from various network function network elements and network function management network elements. This universal interface approach ensures that diverse data sources can be aggregated through a common mechanism, improving charging accuracy by capturing comprehensive usage data while reducing information loss through standardized data collection procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a network slice charging method and an apparatus. The method includes: A network slice management network element receives a first request including a charging requirement of a network slice, which includes a charging type being network slice usage charging. The network slice management network element sends to a network slice subnet management network element, a second request including the charging requirement. The network slice management network element receives first charging data of the network slice which is collected based on the charging requirement, and includes usage of the network slice. The network slice management network element sends the first charging data to a charging network element for the charging network element to perform network slice charging.