Online Charging System Upgrade via Signal Control Environment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online upgrade methods in convergence billing systems and online charging systems require service interruption, leading to potential arrearage risks and high modification costs due to the need for bypass capabilities across all network elements during software upgrades.
Innovation Solution
An online upgrade processing method that simulates a signal control environment with a charging function to replace the existing charging environment during upgrades, using snapshot mirroring, signal control increment, or signal control replacement techniques to manage data access and minimize service disruption without modifying the system architecture or network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If bypass technology is used during OCS/CBS system upgrade, then service continuity is maintained, but arrearage risk increases and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a snapshot mirror of the original data center table before upgrade begins. This mirror table is prepared in advance and used during the upgrade process, allowing the system to maintain service while avoiding the arrearage risks associated with bypass technology. The snapshot is created beforehand and ready for immediate use when upgrade starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a mirror table that is a copy of the original data center table. This mirror table contains replicated data and can be used during upgrade without affecting the original system. The copying approach allows service to continue with the mirror table while the original system is upgraded, eliminating the need for bypass technology and its associated arrearage risks.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If bypass capability is required across all network elements, then service can be maintained during upgrade, but modification cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the upgrade impact isolation to the data center level only, without requiring modifications to external network elements like SCP. By confining the upgrade process within the OCS/CBS system boundaries and using a mirror table approach, the solution eliminates the need for bypass capabilities in external devices, significantly reducing modification costs and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror table as an intermediary between the upgrade process and service delivery. This mirror table acts as a mediator that allows the external network elements to continue operating normally while the internal data center is upgraded. The mirror table absorbs the upgrade impact, eliminating the need for external elements to have bypass capabilities.
3Productivity
If service interruption is avoided during upgrade, then user experience is maintained, but upgrade complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the data center into two independent components: the original table and the mirror table. This segmentation allows independent operation of each table, enabling the mirror table to handle service requests during upgrade while the original table is being upgraded. The segmentation simplifies upgrade management by creating clear boundaries and independent operational units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by switching the data access parameter from the original table to the mirror table during upgrade. This parameter switching is achieved through table name substitution in SQL statements, where the original table name is replaced with the mirror table name. This simple parameter change approach maintains service continuity without requiring complex upgrade procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention disclose an online upgrade processing method, an associated apparatus and a system. The online upgrade processing method includes: receiving online upgrade indication information, wherein the online upgrade indication information is used for indicating that a charging system enters into an online upgrade preparation phase; simulating charging environment of the charging system to generate a signal control environment with a charging function when the online upgrade indication information is received; and utilizing the signal control environment to replace the charging environment to accept service when the charging system enters into an online upgrading phase. The technical solution provided by the present invention can effectively solve a problem that it is required to bypass service during online upgrade.