SSC Mode Charging Control for Dual Session Conflicts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G SSC mode 3 charging systems risk faulty disconnections due to simultaneous charging sessions when a user's account is close to its limit, leading to potential network refusal of session setup.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a charging function (CHF) to manage SSC mode selection by influencing the session management function (SMF) and user equipment (UE) based on account balance, ensuring only permissible modes are used by setting thresholds and updating policies to avoid dual charging sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If SSC mode 3 is used to enable seamless connectivity, then service continuity is improved, but charging system reliability deteriorates due to dual charging sessions causing account limit conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidcharging session management

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network side (SMF/CHF) acts as an intermediary to manage and coordinate dual charging sessions, controlling PDU session establishment and resource allocation to prevent conflicts while maintaining service continuity for the UE

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes charging session parameters including quota allocation, session timing, and resource reservation based on account balance and network conditions, allowing flexible management of dual sessions without fixed conflicting rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If dual charging sessions are established for SSC mode 3, then service continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to coordinated management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidcharging session coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into independent controllable sessions with distinct quotas and timeframes, allowing each session to be managed separately while collectively providing continuous service coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic session management where charging parameters, resource allocation, and session activation are adjusted in real-time based on network conditions and account status, rather than using static fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If network controls SSC mode selection to prevent account limit issues, then charging reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to restricted mode options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging session managementVSAvoidSSC mode selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The available SSC modes are dynamically determined based on real-time account balance, network conditions, and service requirements, allowing the system to adapt mode selection flexibility to current conditions rather than applying fixed restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260046363A1Charging control of SSC mode

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by a charging function (CHF) node is provided. The method includes receiving, from a session management function (SMF) node, a charging data request associated with a protocol data unit (PDU) session of a subscriber. The method includes determining a first set of session and service continuity (SSC) modes available to the subscriber based on the charging data request. The method includes causing the subscriber to be limited to the first set of SSC modes available to the subscriber. It is further provided a method performed by a session management function (SMF) node, as well as a corresponding charging function (CHF) node, a corresponding session management function (SMF) node, and a computer program and a carrier.