PCEF Idle State Detection for Reducing UE Data Traffic Fees
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE systems, users with disabled cellular mobile data switches continue to incur traffic fees due to default bearers remaining active, even when the uplink network connection is idle, as servers send downlink packets through these bearers, leading to increased traffic charges.
Innovation Solution
A service data flow processing method is implemented by a PCEF device to detect when the uplink network connection is idle and prevent further data flow or apply special charging, ensuring that the UE does not generate a normal response to service data flows, thereby reducing data traffic fees by not charging for idle connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a default bearer is set up when UE attaches to the network, then the connection availability is improved, but traffic fees increase when the uplink connection is idle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging mode switching between connected mode and idle mode based on the uplink network connection state. The PCEF device detects whether the UE is in connected or idle state and automatically adjusts the charging mode accordingly, making the charging system adaptive to changing network conditions rather than using a static charging approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging mode parameter based on the uplink connection state. When the UE transitions from connected mode to idle mode, the charging mode is changed from connected mode charging to idle mode charging, which prevents further data flow and reduces traffic fees. This parameter change allows the system to maintain connection availability while reducing unnecessary charging
2Measurement precision
If the PCEF continues to charge for downlink packets on the default bearer, then the charging accuracy is improved, but user traffic fees increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCEF device continuously monitors the uplink network connection state of the UE. Based on this feedback information, the PCEF determines whether to continue charging or switch to idle mode charging. This feedback loop ensures charging accuracy by base charging decisions on actual network conditions rather than assuming continuous active connection
Solution Approach 2:
The charging behavior is made dynamic by adjusting the charging mode according to the detected uplink connection state. The system transitions from static charging (always charging on default bearer) to dynamic charging (charging only when appropriate based on connection state), eliminating unnecessary fees while maintaining accurate charging when the connection is actually active
3Loss of energy
If the PCEF prevents sending service data flow in idle state, then traffic fees are reduced, but network resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different charging and data flow handling policies to different network states. In connected mode, normal charging and data flow are maintained. In idle mode, idle mode charging is applied which prevents further data flow. This localized quality approach ensures that resource conservation measures are applied only where appropriate (idle connections) rather than universally, maintaining network resource utilization when connections are active
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a service data flow processing method an idle stateto reduce a data traffic fee corresponding to the service data flow. The method in the embodiments of this application includes: obtaining a service data flow, where the service data flow is a data flow sent by a server to user equipment UE through a default bearer, and the default bearer is a bearer set up when a public data network PDN connection between the server and the UE is in a connected state; determining that an uplink network connection between the UE and the server is in an idle state; and preventing sending of the service data flow, or charging for the service data flow according to a preset charging mode.