SMF Charging Trigger Function Quota Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current charging standards for next-generation wireless networks lack definition, particularly in managing service quotas efficiently across different network elements in the user plane and control plane, leading to complex charging architectures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a centralized Charging Trigger Function (CTF) within the Session Management Function (SMF) in the control plane, which directly interacts with the Online Charging System (OCS) to manage service quotas and distribute slices to User Plane Functions (UPFs), simplifying the charging architecture by eliminating the need for independent CTFs in UPFs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If independent CTFs are implemented in each UPF element, then each UPF can autonomously manage charging, but the charging architecture becomes complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous charging managementVSAvoidcharging architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple independent CTF functions in different UPF elements are merged into a single centralized CTF in the SMF. This consolidation reduces the number of charging management entities from multiple distributed CTFs to one centralized CTF, simplifying the overall charging architecture while maintaining the ability to manage charging for all UPF elements through the single centralized point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SMF acts as an intermediary between the UPF elements and the OCS. Instead of each UPF directly interacting with the OCS, the centralized CTF in the SMF mediates all charging requests, receiving service unit allocations from the OCS and distributing appropriate slices to each UPF element. This intermediary approach simplifies the architecture by reducing direct OCS-UPF interactions to a single CTF-OCS interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a centralized CTF is implemented in the SMF, then the charging architecture is simplified, but the SMF must handle all quota management for multiple UPF elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging architecture complexityVSAvoidcentralized quota management burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized quota management function is segmented into allocable slices that can be distributed to different UPF elements. The CTF receives a total allocation from the OCS and divides it into manageable slices, assigning appropriate portions to each UPF element based on their specific needs. This segmentation transforms a single large management burden into multiple smaller, distributed quota slices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quota allocation system is made dynamic, allowing the CTF to reallocate service unit slices between UPF elements based on changing conditions. When UPF elements are added, removed, or have changing requirements, the CTF can dynamically adjust the distribution of quota slices without requiring complete reconfiguration, adapting to network changes in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If quota slices are dynamically allocated to UPF elements, then resource utilization is optimized, but continuous monitoring and reallocation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidtime for monitoring and reallocation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where UPF elements report their quota consumption and status back to the centralized CTF. The CTF continuously monitors the utilization of allocated slices and receives feedback on consumption patterns. This feedback loop enables the CTF to make informed reallocation decisions, optimizing resource distribution based on actual usage rather than static pre-allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The CTF performs preliminary actions by pre-allocating quota slices to UPF elements based on predicted needs and policy rules before actual consumption occurs. This preliminary allocation reduces the frequency and complexity of reallocation operations, as the system starts with a reasonable distribution that requires fewer adjustments over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11349997B2Quota management in a session management function (SMF) for online charging

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

Systems, methods, and software for performing online charging in next generation networks. In one embodiment, a Session Management Function (SMF) of a next generation network implements a Charging Trigger Function (CTF) that directly interfaces with an Online Charging System (OCS). The CTF transmits a charging request to the OCS requesting a quota of service units for the SMF, and receives a charging response from the OCS indicating the quota of service units granted to the SMF by the OCS. The CTF then manages the quota by allocating slices of the quota to User Plane Functions (UPF) implemented in a user plane of the next generation network.