PLMN Identifier Handling in Network Sharing Charging Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless network communication, when a radio access network is shared, the charging system may incorrectly charge users based on the PLMN identifier of the current serving network rather than the network name displayed by the user equipment, leading to inaccurate billing.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a mobility management device acquires and transmits the PLMN identifier corresponding to the network name displayed by the user equipment to a call detail record information generating device, ensuring that user call detail record information includes this identifier, which is then used by the charging device to charge the user accurately based on the displayed network name.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the charging device uses the PLMN identifier of the current serving network to charge the user, then the charging process is simple and fast, but the charging accuracy becomes incorrect when network sharing occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility management device acts as an intermediary between the user equipment and the charging device. It acquires the PLMN identifier from the user equipment's displayed network name and transmits this information to the charging device, enabling accurate charging while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the mobility management device continuously monitors the user equipment's displayed network name and transmits the corresponding PLMN identifier to the charging device, ensuring the charging system has up-to-date information about the user's network affiliation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the call detail record information generating device uses only the current serving network's PLMN identifier, then the system complexity is low, but the charging information processing becomes inaccurate under network sharing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcharging information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility management device performs preliminary action by acquiring the PLMN identifier from the user equipment before the charging process occurs. This pre-acquired information is then transmitted to the charging device, ensuring accurate charging information is available without increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobility management device performs multiple functions: it manages mobility for the user equipment, acquires network identification information, and transmits this information to the charging device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex systems while ensuring charging accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2876910B1Charging information processing method, apparatus, and system
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2876910B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2876910B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2876910B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus and a system for processing charging information, wherein the method includes: a mobility management device acquires a PLMN identifier corresponding to a network name displayed by a user equipment; transmits the PLMN identifier corresponding to the network name displayed by the user equipment to a call detail record information generating device, so that user call detail record information generated by the call detail record information generating device includes the PLMN identifier corresponding to the network name displayed by the user equipment; therefore, a charging device can charge the user according to the network name displayed by the UE included in the user call detail record information generated by the call detail record information generating device, thereby ensuring accuracy of the charging the user, and enhancing user experience.