Network Slice Charging via Segmented Management Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G charging systems do not have a method for charging network slices, which are communication networks created to meet specific service requirements and consist of 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 network slice subnet management network element, and collects charging data based on the requirement. This data is then sent to a charging network element to charge the network slice accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a network slice charging method is implemented, then charging accuracy for network slices is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple network elements involved in data collection and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple specialized network elements: network slice management network element receives charging requests, network slice subnet management network element collects charging data, and charging network element processes billing. This segmentation allows each element to focus on specific tasks, improving charging accuracy while distributing system complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice subnet management network element acts as an intermediary between the network slice management network element and the charging network element. It collects charging data from various network function network elements and forwards it to the charging network element, mediating the complex data collection process and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Loss of information
If charging data is collected from multiple network elements, then charging data completeness is improved, but data collection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice subnet management network element is pre-configured with the ability to collect charging data from multiple network function network elements. By establishing this data collection capability in advance and setting up predefined data collection rules, the system ensures complete charging data is gathered efficiently when a charging request is received, reducing actual data collection time while maintaining completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous charging data collection from various network elements, maintaining an ongoing process of data gathering rather than initiating it only when needed. This continuous action ensures that charging data is always complete and ready for processing, eliminating delays associated with ad-hoc data collection.
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. 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. The network slice management network element sends the first charging data to a charging network element for the charging network element to charge the network slice.