Sponsored Data Charging Control via Deep Packet Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Policy and Charging Control (PCC) architecture is inadequate for managing and controlling sponsored data applications, as it cannot effectively perform policy and charging control for data service connections, leading to inefficiencies in charging systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a deep packet inspection device and a sponsored data charging device within the PCC architecture, which determines sponsored data applications based on service access requests and redirects network access accordingly, enabling real-time monitoring and charging, thereby enhancing charging control accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing PCC architecture is used, then the network operator can control data service connections of its own subscribers, but it cannot perform policy and charging control for sponsored data applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging control function by introducing a dedicated sponsored data charging device that works in conjunction with the existing PCC architecture. The deep packet inspection device separately identifies sponsored data applications, while the sponsored data charging device specifically handles charging control for these applications. This segmentation allows the system to extend charging control capability to sponsored data while maintaining reliability through specialized handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sponsored data charging device that acts as a bridge between the deep packet inspection device and the charging system. This intermediary receives identification information from the inspection device, determines appropriate charging control information based on predetermined rules, and returns the control information to enable proper charging. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by enabling new charging capabilities while maintaining system reliability through structured information flow.
2Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is implemented to identify sponsored data applications, then charging accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deep packet inspection device performs multiple functions: it identifies sponsored data applications, extracts identification information, and triggers charging control processes. By making this device multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponsored data charging device determines charging control information autonomously based on predetermined rules and identification information received from the inspection device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external decision-making systems, allowing high identification accuracy while keeping the system architecture relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An objective of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for performing charging control to a sponsored data application, receiving a service access request submitted by a user; determining a sponsored data application corresponding to the service access request based on a predetermined policy rule; transmitting a credit control request to a sponsored data charging device; receiving the credit control response returned from the sponsored data charging device, wherein the credit control response includes the charging control information corresponding to the service access request; redirecting the service access request to a network device corresponding to the sponsored data application based on the charging control information. Compared with the prior art, the present invention determines a corresponding sponsored data application based on a service access request submitted by a user; further, corresponding charging control information is determined based on the sponsored data application, and a corresponding network device is redirected to based on the information; therefore, the present invention improves the accurate ratio and efficiency of the charging system.