SMF Charging Policy Coordination in 5G PDU Sessions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems lack flexibility in configuring charging control policies and fail to dynamically coordinate charging methods between the Session Management Function (SMF) and the Charging Function (CHF), leading to inefficiencies in PDU session establishment and management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of enhanced mechanisms for coordinating charging policy information between the SMF and CHF, allowing the SMF to make policy decisions based on received charging policy information from the CHF, and enabling the SMF to select and coordinate appropriate charging methods with the CHF, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of charging control in 5G systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current 5G systems use fixed charging control policies, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability in charging methods are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging control by enabling the SMF to select between online and offline charging methods based on real-time conditions and CHF availability. The charging policy information is dynamically updated and coordinated between SMF and CHF, allowing the system to adapt charging methods during PDU session establishment and management rather than using fixed policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism where the SMF acts as an intermediary between the CHF and the charging control process. The SMF receives charging policy information from the CHF, makes policy decisions based on this information, and coordinates the actual charging method selection, thereby managing the complexity of implementing flexible charging controls.
2Productivity
If dynamic coordination between SMF and CHF is implemented, then charging control efficiency is improved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the CHF provide charging policy information to the SMF in advance during PDU session establishment. This allows the SMF to have charging policy information ready before actual charging decisions need to be made, improving efficiency by avoiding real-time calculation delays while still enabling dynamic coordination when conditions change.
3Measurement precision
If charging policy information is exchanged between SMF and CHF, then policy decision accuracy is improved, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential charging policy information needed for policy decisions from the CHF and transmits it to the SMF. Rather than exchanging complete charging datasets, the system selectively transfers specific policy parameters and charging method indicators, reducing information overhead while maintaining sufficient accuracy for effective policy decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A session management function (SMF) sends to a charging function (CHF), a charging policy request message requesting charging policy information for a packet data unit (PDU) session of a wireless device. The SMF receives, by from the CHF, a response message comprising the charging policy information for the PDU session. The charging policy information comprises: a first charging method; and an information element indicating that a first charging rate is applicable for the PDU session. The SMF determines, based on the charging policy information, a charging control rule for the PDU session. The SMF enforces the charging control rule.