Roaming Charging Trigger Apparatus for 5G Settlement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roaming settlement methods, such as GSMA-defined TAP and BCE, face challenges in supporting real-time requirements of 5G mobile communication and small-volume data services like IoT, as they generate large data amounts and struggle with consistency between visited and home networks, making it difficult to meet diverse service requirements and resolve conflicts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A charging method and apparatus that obtain and generate roaming charging information based on configuration parameters like roaming charging level indication, service information, multiple user plane function reporting, and charging information reporting conditions, enabling flexible settlement and conflict resolution by distinguishing between different service types and access methods, and supporting various settlement periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TAP manner is used for roaming settlement, then detailed record generation is achieved, but data amount becomes extremely large and real-time requirement cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging information into different levels (session level, service level, quality level) and allows selective reporting based on configuration. Instead of generating all detailed records, the system reports only the necessary aggregation level, reducing data volume while maintaining settlement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces parameter changes in the charging information structure, including charging information level indication, service information, and reporting conditions. These parameter changes enable flexible configuration of what data to collect and at what granularity, balancing accuracy requirements with data volume constraints.
2Productivity
If BCE manner is used for roaming settlement, then summarized usage data charging is supported, but consistency between visited network and home network detailed data records is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the visited network sends charging information to the home network, and the home network provides charging profiles and confirmation information back. This feedback loop ensures both networks are working with consistent data while maintaining settlement efficiency through summarized data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal charging information structure that can be used by both visited and home networks. The standardized format with multiple optional fields (service information, quality level, access type) allows the same data structure to serve multiple purposes: detailed tracking when needed, summarized charging when appropriate, and consistent data exchange between networks.
3Productivity
If current BCE-based roaming settlement is used, then charging based on summarized usage data is achieved, but diverse service requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where charging parameters can be adjusted based on service type, user subscription, and network conditions. The charging information structure includes optional fields that can be activated or deactivated based on specific service requirements, enabling the system to adapt to diverse services while maintaining efficient summarized charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different levels of detail in charging information for different services. Critical services get detailed quality-level charging data, while standard services use summarized data. This selective approach meets diverse service requirements without compromising overall charging efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If detailed data records are generated for roaming settlement, then settlement accuracy is improved, but data amount increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments charging data into hierarchical levels (session, service, quality) and enables selective reporting. The system can report at higher aggregation levels when detailed data is not required, significantly reducing data volume while maintaining sufficient accuracy for settlement purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by collecting and reporting only the necessary charging information fields based on configuration and service requirements. Not all possible data fields are always collected - only those needed for the specific settlement scenario, reducing unnecessary data volume while maintaining required accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging method and apparatus are provided, and are applied to a roaming scenario. The method includes: A charging trigger apparatus obtains roaming charging configuration information after determining that a user corresponding to a data connection is a roaming user, where the roaming charging configuration information includes a roaming charging information level indication, service information, a roaming multiple user plane function reporting indication, a roaming multiple access data connection session reporting indication, and/or a roaming charging information reporting condition. The charging trigger apparatus generates roaming charging information of the data connection session based on the roaming charging configuration information, and reports the roaming charging information to a roaming charging system.