Roaming Session Policy Control for HR-SBO Spending Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G mobile communication systems lack the ability to perform separate spending limit control for branched sessions when applying edge computing services to home-routed roaming terminals, leading to inadequate charging monitoring and control.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the H-PCF and H-SMF to manage spending limits for roaming terminals by receiving and transmitting policy information through a unified data repository and home-charging function, allowing separate control for sessions branched from a home-routed session.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If home-routed session breakout is applied to enable edge computing services for roaming terminals, then service functionality is improved, but charging monitoring capability deteriorates because separate spending limit control cannot be performed for branched sessions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge computing service supportVSAvoidcharging monitoring precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the charging monitoring function by introducing separate policy control for home-routed session breakout (HR-SBO) sessions. The H-PCF receives policy information specifically for HR-SBO sessions from H-SMF, obtains it from UDR, and enforces separate spending limits for branched sessions. This segmentation allows independent charging monitoring for edge computing services while maintaining overall session management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If separate spending limit control is implemented for branched sessions, then charging control precision is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional policy management functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespending limit control precisionVSAvoidpolicy management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the H-PCF as an intermediary component that mediates between H-SMF and UDR for policy management. The H-PCF receives policy information for HR-SBO sessions from H-SMF, obtains detailed policy data from UDR, and enforces spending limits. This intermediary approach centralizes complex policy management functions, reducing overall system complexity while enabling precise spending limit control for branched sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If policy information is obtained from unified data repository for HR-SBO sessions, then charging policy accuracy is improved, but information retrieval time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging policy accuracyVSAvoidpolicy retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the H-SMF provide policy information for HR-SBO sessions to the H-PCF in advance, before actual service execution. The H-PCF then obtains detailed policy information from UDR proactively and stores it for rapid enforcement. This preliminary retrieval and caching mechanism reduces real-time information retrieval delays while maintaining accurate charging policy enforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4648374A1Method for roaming session management based on charging limit for edge computing services
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4648374A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4648374A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4648374A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates. According to an embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a method whereby an H-PCF controls a spending limit for a roaming terminal in a wireless communication system. The method may comprise the steps of: receiving, from a home-session management function (H-SMF), a request for policy information on a home routed-session breakout (HR-SBO) session related to a home routing packet data unit (PDU) session; obtaining the policy information on the HR-SBO session through a unified data repository (UDR); transmitting, to a home-charging function (H-CHF), a request for information related to a spending limit for the HR-SBO session; receiving, from the H-CHF, policy counter status information on the home routing PDU session and policy counter status information on the HR-SBO session; and transmitting a home routing session management policy to the H-SMF.