PCRF Charging Identifier Association for Multi-PDN Connections
Solution Overview
Problem
Charging errors occur due to the inability of trusted non-3GPP access gateways or ePDGs to correctly associate charging identifiers with PDN connections when a user equipment (UE) uses the DSMIPv6 protocol and has multiple PDN connections, leading to incorrect charging information reporting.
Innovation Solution
A Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) transmits a charging identifier associated with a Quality of Service (QoS) rule to a Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function (BBERF), along with a PDN connection identifier, enabling the BBERF to accurately associate the charging identifier with the correct PDN connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a charging identifier is transmitted from the P-GW via the PCRF to the trusted non-3GPP access gateway using the PCC interface, then the charging identifier can be delivered to the access gateway, but the access gateway cannot associate the charging identifier with the correct PDN connection when multiple PDN connections exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PCRF as an intermediary entity that receives multiple charging identifiers from different P-GWs and forwards them to the trusted non-3GPP access gateway. The PCRF acts as a mediator that manages the association between charging identifiers and PDN connections, resolving the ambiguity that would otherwise exist at the access gateway when multiple identifiers are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging identifier management by introducing distinct identifiers for different PDN connections (first charging identifier for first PDN connection, second charging identifier for second PDN connection). Each charging identifier is uniquely associated with a specific PDN connection, allowing the access gateway to correctly differentiate and associate charges with the appropriate connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE establishes multiple PDN connections through different P-GWs, then service versatility is improved, but the ability to correctly track and charge each connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique charging identifiers to each specific PDN connection. The first P-GW generates a first charging identifier specifically for the first PDN connection, while the second P-GW generates a second charging identifier specifically for the second PDN connection. This localized identification ensures that each connection can be independently and accurately tracked for charging purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF serves as an intermediary that receives charging identifiers from multiple P-GWs and forwards them to the trusted non-3GPP access gateway. This intermediary manages the complexity of multiple identifiers, ensuring that each charging identifier is correctly associated with its corresponding PDN connection, thereby maintaining charging accuracy despite multiple connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices for associating charging identifiers are disclosed in the present invention. The method includes: when a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) entity transmitting a charging identifier to a Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function (BBERF) entity, the PCRF transmits a packet data network connection identifier associated with the charging identifier to the BBERF. By the present invention, accuracy of charging is improved.