PDN GW Charging Control for Access Method Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging frameworks in communication networks fail to maintain charging continuity when a user equipment (UE) changes access methods, leading to interruptions in charging sessions during handovers between different access techniques.
Innovation Solution
A charging process method and network system that utilizes a Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN GW) to detect changes in access methods and send intermediate charging requests to the charging system, allowing for seamless charging control across different access modes by converting service units based on varying charging modes and handling handover times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate charging architectures are used for different access methods, then charging control can be optimized for each access type, but charging continuity cannot be maintained during handover between access methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access method charging controls into a unified charging architecture where a single charging session can handle both E-UTRAN and WLAN access methods. The PDN GW consolidates charging information from different access methods and reports to a single OCS, eliminating the need for separate charging architectures and enabling seamless handover while maintaining charging continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging session is designed to be universal across multiple access methods. The PDN GW and OCS are configured to handle charging for both E-UTRAN and WLAN access within the same charging session framework, allowing the system to adapt to different access types without requiring separate charging sessions or architectures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a handover of access method occurs, then the user can switch between different access techniques, but the current charging session must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous charging action during access method handover by maintaining the same charging session. The PDN GW continuously monitors charging information from the PDN GW regardless of whether the access method is E-UTRAN or WLAN, and reports to the OCS without interruption, allowing the charging session to persist throughout the handover process.
3Ease of operation
If collection points are deployed at different locations for different access methods, then charging information can be gathered separately, but charging architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple collection points into a single PDN GW that gathers charging information from both E-UTRAN and WLAN access methods. This merging eliminates the need for separate collection points at different locations, simplifying the charging architecture while maintaining the capability to collect and process charging information from multiple access types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A charging process method, relating to communication network, is disclosed according to embodiments of the present invention. The method includes receiving a charging request containing a type of a second method when the method for a user equipment to access a packet data network gateway has been changed from a first method to the second method; performing, based on the charging request, charging control over the used service units in a charging mode corresponding to the first method for the user equipment to access the packet data network gateway and reserving service units for the charging session for the second method based on a charging mode corresponding to the second method for the user equipment to access the packet data network gateway. A network system, a packet data network gateway and a charging system are provided according to embodiments of the present invention accordingly. Embodiments of the present invention can be applicable to a charging process in a situation when the method for a user equipment to access the packet data network gateway changes.