SIP-AS to MGCF Charging Data Control via Direct Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging record correlation in telecommunications networks is costly and computing-intensive, particularly in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture, where multiple charging records need to be combined for accurate billing and usage data generation.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where service-related data is submitted via SIP signalling between a SIP Application Server (SIP-AS) and a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF), enabling the MGCF to generate charging data directly, thereby eliminating the need for costly off-line charging record correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If charging record correlation is performed to combine charging records from multiple nodes, then accurate billing and usage data can be generated, but the process becomes costly and computing-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by embedding service-related data into charging records at the source (SIP-AS or MGCF) during call setup, rather than performing correlation operations after records are generated. The SIP-AS includes service charging data in SIP signaling messages before the call is established, and the MGCF incorporates this data into charging records during call setup, enabling real-time charging without subsequent correlation processing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the service-related data from the complex charging record correlation process and places it directly into the charging record at generation time. By removing the need for post-generation correlation operations and embedding all necessary service data (such as rate indicators and party identifiers) directly in the charging record, the system eliminates the computing-intensive correlation step while maintaining billing accuracy
2Loss of information
If charging record correlation is performed offline to combine multiple charging records, then complete billing information can be obtained, but processing time and computational resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by incorporating all necessary service-related data into charging records during call setup rather than performing offline correlation. The SIP-AS includes service charging data in SIP signaling before call establishment, and the MGCF integrates this data into the charging record during call setup, enabling real-time charging decisions without waiting for offline processing
Solution Approach 2:
The charging record generation process becomes self-sufficient by embedding all necessary service-related data directly into the record at creation. The MGCF generates complete charging records with embedded service data (rate indicators, party identifiers, service type) without requiring external correlation operations, making the charging process autonomous and eliminating time-consuming offline processing
Data Source
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AI summary
Charging data for a call in an IP telecommunications network is generated by establishing a direct SIP connection between a SIP-AS and an MGCF; defining in the SIP-AS service related data corresponding to the call; submitting the defined service related data in SIP signalling via the established direct SIP connection between the SIP-AS and the MGCF; and generating in the MGCF the charging data, based on the submitted service related data.