Online Charging System Quota Allocation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
In online charging systems, conflicts between different determining bodies for quota types can lead to charging control errors, affecting the charging session and causing issues such as incorrect quota allocation and increased signaling load.
Innovation Solution
A method where a Charging Trigger Function (CTF) generates a resource quota request and sends it to an Online Charging System (OCS), which determines and allocates the quota type and number, ensuring consistent quota type determination and reducing signaling impact during quota switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both CTF and OCS implement quota type determination independently, then each can determine quota types according to their own requirements, but conflicts between determined quota types occur causing charging control errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service unit type parameter as an intermediary that carries quota type information from the PCRF to the CTF. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the OCS's quota type determination is transmitted to the CTF, allowing the CTF to align its determination with the OCS's decision, thereby avoiding conflicts while maintaining both systems' determination capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the CTF reports the service unit type to the OCS, and the OCS responds with the determined quota type information. This feedback loop allows the CTF to adjust its quota type determination based on the OCS's decision, ensuring consistency between the two determining bodies while maintaining operational flexibility
2Speed
If CTF determines quota type according to service session request, then real-time service control is achieved, but conflict with OCS quota type determination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the PCRF determine the service unit type before the CTF processes the service session request. The CTF then uses this pre-determined service unit type information to align its quota type determination with the OCS's decision, maintaining real-time control while ensuring consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The service unit type parameter acts as an intermediary that bridges the PCRF's policy decision and the CTF's service control. This intermediary carries the quota type information through the system, allowing the CTF to make real-time decisions that are consistent with the OCS's determination without direct conflict
3Reliability
If OCS determines quota type according to CTF reported information, then centralized control is achieved, but signaling load increases during quota switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by incorporating the service unit type as a key parameter in the CCR (Credit Control Request) messages between CTF and OCS. By changing and tracking this parameter, the system achieves centralized quota type determination while reducing unnecessary signaling during quota switching, as the CTF can identify when changes actually occur
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a charging control method, a charging trigger apparatus, and an online charging system. The method includes: generating, by a CTF, a resource quota request according to a trigger condition; and sending the resource quota request to an online charging system (OCS), so that the OCS determines a quota type and number after receiving the resource quota request, and allocates a quota for the resource quota request according to the quota type and number determined by the OCS, where the quota type and number are determined by the OCS according to the resource quota request. In the foregoing method, a problem that in the prior art, a charging control error occurs due to different determining bodies of a quota type is solved.