SIP P-Charging-Vector Header for Real-Time IMS Rating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS), the consolidation of charging data from different Charging Triggering Functions (CTFs) is time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially in offline charging, and often not feasible in real-time, which hampers accurate rating and differentiation of services and tariffs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using session control protocol messages, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages, to carry node-specific charging information within the IMS, utilizing a private header like the P-Charging-Vector (PCV) to consolidate and manage charging data from multiple nodes, enabling efficient data handling and reduction of consolidation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If charging data from multiple Charging Triggering Functions is consolidated, then accurate rating and service differentiation is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding charging information directly into SIP signaling messages during the session establishment phase. CTFs insert their charging data into the P-Charging-Vector header as the session is being set up, so that when the session terminates, all charging data is already collected and ready for immediate rating decisions, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-session data consolidation while maintaining accurate rating precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the SIP signaling messages as an intermediary carrier to transport charging information between multiple CTFs and the charging system. Instead of requiring direct communication and data consolidation between multiple CTFs, the SIP messages serve as a mediator that collects, carries, and delivers all charging data in a standardized format, streamlining the process and improving efficiency without sacrificing rating accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-time charging data consolidation is performed, then accurate service tariff differentiation is achieved, but it is not feasible due to resource constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables service tariff differentiation by collecting all necessary charging information from multiple CTFs during the session setup and duration through SIP signaling. This preliminary collection ensures that when the session ends, complete data is available for immediate real-time rating and tariff differentiation, achieving adaptability without requiring complex continuous real-time consolidation processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SIP signaling mechanism universal by using it for both session control and charging data transport. The same SIP messages that manage the multimedia session also carry the charging information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated real-time data collection channels and reducing overall system complexity while enabling versatile service tariff differentiation
3Ease of operation
If multiple CTFs send charging information separately, then each node can independently manage its data, but data consolidation becomes necessary and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging data from multiple independent CTFs into a single standardized P-Charging-Vector header within the SIP signaling flow. Each CTF independently inserts its charging information into the same signaling message structure, combining multiple data streams into one unified carrier that can be processed simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate data consolidation operations and reducing time loss while preserving node independence
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for use in an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in which a session control protocol (such as the Session Initiation Protocol, SIP) is used to establish and manage sessions within the IMS. The method comprises using session control protocol messages (such as Session Initiation Protocol messages) to carry node-specific charging information, where the charging information is required for charging purposes at a charging control system of the IMS. A private header part (such as a P-Charging-Vector header) of the session control messages may be used to carry the node-specific charging information. The node-specific charging information may comprise charging data and at least one of: an indication of the type of the charging data; a name or identifier of the node, allowing the node to update charging data which relates to the node and which is carried by a session control message received by the node; and an indication of the version of the charging data, a different version indication being used to indicate different charging data; node name; version number; data name; and value. At least one session control protocol message may be used to carry node-specific charging information relating to a plurality of different nodes.