Unified Charging Interface Between SMF and NGCS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless telecommunications networks, such as LTE and 5G networks, require multiple systems and interfaces for charging functions, leading to inefficiencies and confusion for subscribers due to asynchronous information retention and increased network resources usage, particularly with independent offline and online charging systems.
Innovation Solution
A Next Generation Charging System (NGCS) and Next Generation Charging Interface (NGCH) are introduced to manage both real-time and non-real-time charging functions using a single system and interface, enabling the SMF and NGCS to communicate and monitor subscriber usage, generating triggers and alerts for usage limits, and updating subscription information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent charging systems (OFCS and OCS) are used for real-time and non-real-time charging functions, then both charging types can be supported, but device complexity and network resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the previously separate OFCS and OCS into a single integrated charging system. The SMF interacts with one charging system through a unified interface that supports both real-time and non-real-time charging functions, eliminating the need for multiple independent systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both real-time and non-real-time charging operations through a single interface. The unified interface can dynamically adapt to different charging modes based on the service requirements, making the system versatile without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent charging systems are used, then both real-time and non-real-time charging can be performed, but information retention becomes asynchronous causing confusion for subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the charging information management into a single system, the patent ensures that all charging-related information is retained and updated in a synchronized manner. The unified charging system maintains consistent information across both real-time and non-real-time operations, preventing the asynchronous information retention that occurred with separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent charging systems and interfaces are used, then comprehensive charging functions are achieved, but network resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple charging interfaces into a single unified interface between the SMF and the charging system. This reduction in the number of interfaces directly decreases network resource usage while maintaining the capability to perform both real-time and non-real-time charging functions through the same interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system described herein may provide an interface between a Session Management Function (“SMF”) and a charging system in a wireless telecommunications system. The charging system may generate triggers which cause the SMF to monitor traffic associated with user equipment (“UE”) and alert the charging system when certain trigger conditions have been satisfied. The triggers may be modified during a communication session between the UE and the wireless telecommunications system. The triggers may be configured on a per-subscriber or a per-price plan level basis. The SMF may also cache a number of satisfied trigger conditions before notifying the charging system, which may result in an efficient use of networking and/or processing resources. The unification of “offline” and “online” charging events, by virtue of the interface, may also result in an efficient use of networking and/or processing resources.