Telephony Application Server Real-Time Charging During 5G Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunication systems face challenges in accurately determining and managing charges during Evolved Packet System Fallback (EPSFB) in 5G networks, particularly when devices switch between different network technologies, leading to inefficiencies and potential service denials for pre-paid devices due to insufficient credit.
Innovation Solution
A Telephony Application Server (TAS) is employed to track changes in P-Access-Network-Information (PANI) and generate call detail records, enabling real-time charge determination and facilitating communication across various network technologies, including 5G, LTE, and others, while also identifying areas for network improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices switch between different network technologies during EPSFB, then network compatibility and service continuity are improved, but charge determination accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple charging systems, each responsible for a specific network technology (5G, LTE, etc.). When a device switches networks during EPSFB, the appropriate charging system is selected based on the current network technology, ensuring accurate charge determination for each network segment while maintaining overall system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A Telephony Application Server (TAS) acts as an intermediary between the device and multiple charging systems. The TAS tracks PANI changes, determines which charging system should handle the charge, and communicates with the appropriate charging system, thereby resolving the conflict between network switching flexibility and charge accuracy.
2Device complexity
If pre-paid devices are denied service due to insufficient credit, then charging system simplicity is maintained, but service reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple charging systems are merged into a coordinated ensemble managed by the TAS. The TAS integrates information from different charging systems and combines their responses to make a unified credit assessment. This allows the system to maintain the simplicity of individual charging systems while achieving reliable service continuity through coordinated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The TAS performs preliminary assessment of credit status across multiple charging systems before service denial is enacted. By proactively evaluating creditworthiness through multiple charging systems and identifying areas for network improvement, the system can prevent service denial or arrange alternative network access, thereby maintaining service reliability while preserving charging system simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time charge determination is implemented during network switching, then charge accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Telephony Application Server (TAS) is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: tracking PANI changes, determining which charging system to contact, communicating with appropriate charging systems, and analyzing feedback for network improvement. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single versatile component rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on network conditions. When a device switches networks during EPSFB, the TAS modifies the PANI parameter and selects the appropriate charging system based on the current network technology. This parameter-driven approach enables real-time charge accuracy without requiring permanently configured complex systems for every possible network scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A server of a fifth generation (5G) network can provide substantially real-time charges for a UE during fallback to another network. A Telephony Application Server (TAS) in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) can identify Evolved Packet System Fallback (EPSFB) and report the EPSFB to a charging system to cause the charging system to generate accurate charges for user equipment communicating over the 5G network and the other network. The TAS can comprise logic to identify a change in P-Access-Network-Information associated with each network, and generate a call detail records for billing, or real-time communication via an online charging and/or offline charging for the served UE. Information (a user profile, call detail records, instance of EPSFB, etc.) associated with the TAS can be used to make network improvements that decrease instances of EPSFB and increase an amount of new radio services available to UEs.