Shared Charging Data Reference for Real-Time PDU Session Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network resource charging systems struggle to provide real-time information on service delivery due to the difficulty in correlating charging information across different network functions, leading to inaccessible or delayed charging data.
Innovation Solution
A method where the Access Management Function (AMF) shares a charging data resource reference with the Session Management Function (SMF) and Charging Function (CHF) to track and manage charging for network resources used during PDU sessions, enabling real-time management by using a shared reference for multiple sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charging information events are sorted and correlated based on UE and time of events, then charging information can be consolidated, but the information is only accessible after post-processing and cannot be provided in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a charging data resource reference at the CHF when the UE attaches to the network. This reference is made available to network functions before charging events occur, enabling them to report charging information in real-time without waiting for post-processing correlation. The reference acts as a pre-configured identifier that allows immediate association of charging events with the correct UE and service context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a charging data resource reference as an intermediary element that mediates between the CHF and network functions. This reference serves as a common identifier that both the CHF and network functions use to correlate charging information in real-time, eliminating the need for post-processing and enabling immediate access to accurate charging data.
2Measurement precision
If a new charging request is initiated for each specific UE by network functions, then charging can be tracked for each function's resources, but it is difficult to determine which functions and nodes have been part of the service delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single charging data resource reference that serves multiple network functions (AMF, SMF, CHF) simultaneously. This universal reference allows each function to report charging information for their respective resources while maintaining a unified view of the complete service delivery chain, making it possible to track which functions and nodes participated in serving the UE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a mechanism where network functions report charging information back to the CHF using the shared reference. This feedback loop enables the CHF to accumulate charging data from multiple functions and provide comprehensive information about the service delivery chain, allowing operators to see which functions and nodes were involved in serving the UE.
3Reliability
If charging information is consolidated through post-processing, then all charging events can be correlated, but the substantial number of processing steps makes event information inaccessible in real-time or near real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the charging data resource reference at the CHF before charging events occur. Network functions are provided with this reference in advance, allowing them to report charging information immediately as events occur, eliminating the need for extensive post-processing steps and enabling real-time access to complete charging information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the charging data resource reference as an intermediary that enables direct real-time correlation of charging events without requiring multiple processing steps. This intermediary allows network functions to immediately associate their charging reports with the correct UE and service context, dramatically reducing processing complexity and enabling real-time information availability while maintaining complete charging data correlation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An AMF of a communications system responds to receipt of a network attach request message of a UE requesting attachment to a network of the communication system, by sending a charging data request message toward a CHF containing a notification for the CHF to keep a charging data resource to track charging for network resources used for communications associated with UE while attached to the network. The AMF receives a response message of the CHF containing a reference for the charging data resource associated with the UE while attached to the network. The AMF responds to receiving a PDU session establishment request message of the UE, by sending a PDU session establishment request message containing the reference for the charging data resource toward a SMF. Related SMFand CHF of the communications system are disclosed.