Proxy Online Charging System for Inter-PLMN Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PCC roaming architecture for inter-PLMN data services faces complexity and inefficiency in network connections between visited-place PGWs and OCSs of other operators, complicating the control of roaming subscriber consumption statuses and compromising network topology security.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that simplify network connections by using a proxy online charging system to establish online charging sessions between visited-place PGWs and home OCSs, reducing complexity and improving efficiency while protecting network topology security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all visited-place PGWs establish direct Gy interface connections to OCSs of other operators for online charging, then inter-PLMN roaming data service charging control is achieved, but network connection complexity increases and network topology security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a home OCS as an intermediary component that mediates between the visited-place PGW and the foreign OCS. The home OCS establishes a Gy interface connection to the foreign OCS on behalf of the visited-place PGW, eliminating the need for direct Gy interface connections from multiple PGWs to multiple foreign OCSs. This intermediary approach maintains charging control reliability while significantly reducing network connection complexity and protecting network topology security.
2Productivity
If direct Gy interface connections are established between visited-place PGWs and foreign OCSs, then online charging control is enabled, but network topology security is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The home OCS serves as a security intermediary that shields the visited-place network topology from direct exposure to foreign OCSs. By routing charging requests through the home OCS, the patent maintains efficient online charging processing while preventing foreign networks from directly accessing and potentially compromising the visited-place network topology.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple visited-place PGWs connect to multiple foreign OCSs for roaming charging, then comprehensive charging coverage is achieved, but network connection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual Gy interface connections from different visited-place PGWs to different foreign OCSs into a single centralized Gy interface connection from the home OCS to the foreign OCS. This consolidation maintains comprehensive roaming charging coverage for all visited-place PGWs while significantly improving network connection efficiency by eliminating redundant connections and simplifying the charging architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for charging an inter-PLMN roaming data service online, and a device. The method includes: after determining that an access subscriber is a roaming subscriber, establishing, by a visited-place packet data network gateway, an online charging session for the access subscriber; determining a first charging information parameter list according to the online charging session; sending, to a home online charging system, a first quota request message that carries a rating group; receiving a roaming data service quota of the rating group that is sent by the home online charging system; and sending first charging information to the home online charging system according to the first charging information parameter list, where the first charging information includes a usage of the roaming data service quota. Implementation of the embodiments of the present invention can simplify a network connection between a visited-place PGW and an OCS of another operator that has a roaming agreement with the visited-place operator, reduce network connection complexity, and improve network connection efficiency.