PCF-SCP Billing Interface for Real-Time CDMA Prepaid Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current network architecture for CDMA 3G1x packet switch data service is not suitable for real-time billing of IN prepaid users, as the balance is stored on the SCP, preventing real-time charging, which can lead to account deficits for carriers and users.
Innovation Solution
A new network architecture and billing interface are introduced, incorporating a MSC, SCP, BSC, PCF, and PDSN, with a defined PCF-SCP billing interface that supports real-time or periodic billing through specific messages like Connect, Connect Return Result, and Disconnect, ensuring accurate billing for all CDMA users, including prepaid users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the current network architecture is used for packet switch data service, then data transmission speed exceeds 64k limitation, but real-time billing cannot be implemented for IN prepaid users
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a billing interface as an intermediary component between the PCF and SCP. This interface includes specific message types (Connect, Disconnect, Account Information, Bill Information) that enable real-time billing information exchange. The intermediary allows the PCF to obtain balance information from the SCP and perform real-time billing decisions without disrupting the high-speed data transmission path, thus resolving the contradiction between fast data transmission and accurate real-time billing.
2Productivity
If billing is implemented only by the PCF without SCP involvement, then real-time billing can be achieved, but IN prepaid users cannot be charged accurately as balance is stored on SCP
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the billing function into two parts: the PCF handles real-time billing control and decision-making, while the SCP handles balance storage and account management. The billing interface messages (Account Information request/response, Bill Information request/response) enable precise information exchange between these segmented components. This segmentation allows the PCF to make rapid billing decisions while the SCP provides accurate balance information, resolving the contradiction between billing speed and accuracy.
3Speed
If the data stream bypasses the MSC and SCP, then transmission speed increases, but the billing system cannot access real-time data flow information
Solution Approach 1:
The billing interface acts as an intermediary that reconstructs the billing information flow separate from the data stream. Through the Connect message (sent when data service is established) and Disconnect message (sent when service ends), the PCF communicates billing-relevant events to the SCP without requiring the data stream itself to pass through billing systems. This intermediary mechanism preserves high-speed data transmission while preventing loss of billing information.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the network architecture and billing method of the packet switch data service of the CDMA Intelligent Network (IN) user. Because the CDMA mobile switch uses the 3G1x packet switch data service, the billing of the service bypasses the MSC calling control layer, the billing can only be implemented by the PCF. In the PCF, there are only two billing methods: by amount of data method and the post service method. The non-real time post billing methods are not suitable for the IN prepaid users. Thus, the present invention illustrates new network architecture and billing method of the packet switch data service. The billing interface (PCF-SCP) is provided between the PCF and the SCP. The billing interface transfers at least three messages between the PCF and the SCP, to implement the real time or periodic billing for packet switch data service.