Per-Flow Offline Charging Selection in Packet Data Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offline charging systems in packet data networks lack the ability to intelligently route charging requests for multiple service data flows during a data session, as they typically select a single Offline Charging System at the beginning of the session, which may not be optimal for varying service data flows.
Innovation Solution
The Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) selects a respective offline charging function for each service data flow based on information received during the session, providing an identifier to the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) to route charging requests to the appropriate offline charging function, allowing for intelligent routing of charging requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single Offline Charging System is selected at the beginning of a data session, then the charging system is simple to operate, but it cannot intelligently route charging requests for different service data flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging system by selecting different Offline Charging Systems for different Service Data Flows within the same data session. Instead of using a single OFCS for all flows, the system divides the charging handling by flow type, allowing each SDF to be routed to the most appropriate OFCS based on its characteristics and requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If offline charging functions are selected per service data flow, then charging requests are routed more intelligently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining PCC rules that include offline charging function identifiers for different types of service data flows. When a data session is established, these rules are already in place, allowing the system to automatically match incoming SDFs to appropriate OFCS based on pre-configured criteria, thereby reducing real-time decision complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single Offline Charging System handles all charging requests, then the system structure is simple, but charging efficiency for varying service data flows is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific Offline Charging Systems to handle specific types of Service Data Flows based on their characteristics. Different OFCS instances can be optimized for different flow types (e.g., one OFCS for streaming services, another for web browsing), allowing each to operate with specialized handling appropriate to its designated flow types, thereby improving overall charging efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for selecting offline charging functions per service data flow during a data session over a packet data network. One embodiment comprises a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) that receives information regarding service data flows initiated during a data session over a packet data network. For each of the service data flows, the PCRF selects an offline charging function for the service data flow based on the information for the service data flow, and provides an identifier for the selected offline charging function to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF). The PCEF may then generate charging requests for the service data flow in response to chargeable events, and route the charging requests to the selected offline charging function based on the identifier.