PrePaid Client Session Tracking for Packet Data Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems lack an effective method to measure and charge users for packet data communications, as they do not accurately account for the duration or volume of data usage in wireless networks, which is different from traditional voice communication charging models.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitor and report packet data session usage by recording timestamps for the start and end of sessions, using a PrePaid Client, AAA server, and PrePaid Server to calculate and report the duration or volume of packet data communication, enabling accurate charging based on service usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet data communications are implemented in wireless networks, then data transmission capability is improved, but measurement and charging accuracy deteriorates due to lack of dedicated line structure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing packet data sessions with unique identifiers before actual data transmission occurs. The charging system pre-configures monitoring parameters and session tracking mechanisms, enabling accurate measurement of packet data usage even though resources are shared rather than dedicated. This preliminary setup allows the system to track and measure usage accurately in the dynamic packet-switched environment.
2Productivity
If resources are shared in packet data communications, then network efficiency is improved, but charging measurement becomes difficult compared to dedicated voice lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary charging system that sits between the packet data network and the billing infrastructure. This intermediary captures packet data session information, including start and end times and data volumes, and translates it into chargeable units. The intermediary resolves the measurement difficulty by providing a standardized interface for tracking resource usage in shared packet-switched networks, enabling accurate charging without compromising network efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging methods are available for packet data, then flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to need to track multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements a universal measurement framework that can handle multiple charging methods (volume-based, duration-based, and hybrid models) through a single integrated architecture. The system captures fundamental packet data session parameters and applies different charging algorithms based on service type and user profile, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems for each charging method and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring and reporting prepaid service usage are provided. More particularly, monitoring and reporting packet data session usage for purposes of charging for service usage are provided. In some embodiments, layer-3 data packet monitoring is used to determine usage. In other embodiments, the start and end of a packet data session are used to determine usage. The usage can be determined from the duration of the packet data session or from the size or amount of packets sent and received by a mobile node.