Signaling CDR Generation in Mobile Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile communication systems lack the capability to charge for signaling messages transmitted by Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices, which increases the load on core networks due to frequent signaling message transmissions from metering devices like electricity and water meters.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a Mobility Management Entity (MME) to create and transmit signaling charging information to a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) for generating Signaling Charging Data Records (CDRs), allowing for the charging of user equipment (UE) based on identification information, message frequency, and event occurrences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If metering devices transmit signaling messages frequently to report measured quantities, then data collection capability is improved, but network load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidnetwork load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the charging process into distinct components: signaling message detection by MME, charging information generation, and CDR creation by PGW. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component to handle the high volume of MTC signaling messages efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces signaling charging information as an intermediary data structure between the MME and PGW. This intermediary carries essential charging parameters without requiring full message content transmission, reducing network load while enabling accurate charging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional mobile communication systems charge only for data packets, then system simplicity is maintained, but charging capability for signaling messages is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcharging capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the existing PGW charging functionality to handle both data packet charging and signaling message charging through a unified CDR generation mechanism. The PGW acts as a multi-functional entity that processes different types of charging requests using similar procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary detection of signaling messages by the MME and pre-generation of charging information before actual charging processing. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, allowing the PGW to process charging requests efficiently without complex real-time analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If signaling charging information is transmitted for every signaling message, then charging accuracy is improved, but transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging accuracyVSAvoidtransmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple signaling message charging records into aggregated CDRs when multiple messages occur within a specific time window. This combining approach maintains charging accuracy by capturing total signaling volume while significantly reducing the number of individual CDR transmissions required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from individual message details to aggregated statistics (count, time window, UE identifier). This parameter transformation reduces data size while preserving essential charging information needed for accurate billing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2568660B1Managing signaling messages in a mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2568660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2568660B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2568660B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is provided that creates signaling climate data records (CDR) via and a mobile communication system on a network, in order to charge signaling messages sent by user equipment (UE). The invention proposes two embodiments of the method for creating signaling CDR where an MME which has received signaling messages from UE notifies a PGW with a signaling CDR creation function of the message reception, and the PGW creates the signaling CDR. The MME can charge for the signaling message transmitted from the UE, without the additional components.