5G NSA Charging Differentiation via RAT Usage Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G Non-Standalone (5G NSA) architecture deployments, the charging server lacks adequate information to properly differentiate and charge for usage consumed through 5G NR versus LTE Radio Access Technology (RAT), leading to inefficiencies and the need for unnecessary changes to existing protocols.
Innovation Solution
A control plane function node obtains usage report data from a user plane function node, constructs a message indicating a request for charging based on primary and secondary RAT usage, and sends it to a charging server, which includes identifiers of flows or bearers associated with secondary RAT usage, enabling differential charging by correlating usage data with RAT types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional messaging is utilized to communicate RAT usage information to the charging server, then charging accuracy is improved, but system complexity and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new message type (e.g., CCR with extended information elements) that serves as an intermediary carrier to transport RAT usage information from the PCRF to the charging server. This intermediary message structure allows accurate RAT differentiation without requiring fundamental changes to existing charging protocols, thus improving charging accuracy while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging information into distinct components: total usage data and RAT-specific usage data (5G NR vs. LTE). By separating these information elements within the charging request message, the system can process and charge for each RAT type independently, achieving precise differential charging without overwhelming the system with undifferentiated data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing protocols are modified to include RAT usage information, then charging differentiation is enabled, but protocol compatibility and system stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by extending the existing charging request message structure to include RAT usage information elements before the actual charging process begins. The PCRF prepares the differentiated usage data (5G NR usage, LTE usage) in advance within the CCR message, allowing the charging server to process both legacy and enhanced charging scenarios without protocol conflicts, thus maintaining compatibility while enabling differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended charging request message structure serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with existing charging servers that ignore the new RAT-specific fields, while simultaneously enabling differentiated charging for systems that utilize these fields. This multi-functional message design allows the protocol to serve both legacy and enhanced scenarios without requiring separate protocol versions.
3Productivity
If RAT usage information is collected and processed, then revenue generation is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by collecting and differentiating RAT usage information at the PCRF level before forwarding it to the charging server. The PCRF monitors and segments usage data (5G NR usage, LTE usage) in advance, so that when the charging request is generated, the differentiated information is already prepared and ready for immediate processing, minimizing additional processing time at the charging server.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF performs self-service by autonomously collecting, differentiating, and preparing RAT-specific usage information without requiring complex external processing systems. The PCRF uses its existing monitoring capabilities to track usage per RAT type and automatically structures this information for charging, reducing the operational burden and processing time required for revenue generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control plane function node may be used in a Fifth Generation (5G) Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture having Radio Access Network (RAN) level interworking between a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) RAN and a 5G New Radio (NR). The node obtains usage report data which are based on traffic of a user equipment (UE) via primary and secondary Radio Access Technologies (RATs). The node also obtains secondary RAT usage report data which are based on traffic of the UE via the secondary RAT. The node constructs a message which indicates a request for charging based on the usage report data and the secondary RAT usage report data. In constructing the message, the node populates, in association with a corresponding rating group and usage data of the UE, an identifier of a flow or bearer associated with secondary RAT usage, together with the secondary RAT usage report data.