Proxy Server Content Billing GPRS Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current billing systems in GPRS networks do not allow for content-based charging, making it difficult for users to monitor expenses, implement toll-free services, restrict service use, provide access after technical failures, account for time-based charges, and direct costs correctly, especially when the same operator manages both access and service networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a proxy server determines billing addresses, controls content service provision, and generates billing information, allowing for content-based billing by allocating IP addresses, determining subscriber identities, and maintaining billing criteria in a database, enabling flexible pricing models and currency conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proxy server is introduced to enable content-based billing, then billing flexibility and content service control are improved, but network device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component between the access network and the service network. This proxy server acts as a mediator that intercepts traffic, determines billing addresses, and enables content-based billing without requiring modifications to the existing GPRS network infrastructure or service network components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the billing function by separating it from the traditional network infrastructure. Instead of integrating billing directly into the GPRS network or service network, the billing functionality is isolated into a dedicated proxy server that can be independently managed and configured, allowing billing flexibility without complicating the core network devices.
2Measurement precision
If centralized content-based billing is implemented through a proxy, then cost allocation accuracy is improved, but network traffic processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server serves as an intermediary that intercepts all traffic between the access network and service network, examining each request to determine the appropriate billing address based on content type, service category, and subscriber information. This intermediary approach enables precise cost allocation without requiring modifications to end devices or network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the proxy server continuously monitors traffic patterns, billing outcomes, and service usage. This feedback enables the system to refine billing address determination algorithms, improve cost allocation accuracy over time, and adapt to changing service patterns without increasing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pricing models and billing options are supported, then service versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server is designed as a universal platform that supports multiple pricing models (pay-per-use, subscription, tiered pricing, free services) and various billing options within a single system. This multi-functional design enables the network to offer diverse service packages and pricing strategies without requiring separate billing systems for each model, thereby maintaining system simplicity while achieving service versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a content service to a subscriber terminal (MS) from a first server, i.e. content server (CS). The provision of the content service from the content server to the subscriber terminal is controlled by a second server, i.e. proxy (CBP). The control comprises the following steps: 1) determining (5-4 to 5-10, 706) a billing address for the content service by means of the proxy (CBP); 2) under the control of the content billing proxy, providing (5-48) a content service corresponding to a service request from the content server (CS) to the subscriber terminal (MS); and 3) generating (5-46) billing information (CDR) related to the content service.