Unlicensed Spectrum Traffic Indication for Accurate Core Network Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not allow the Core Network nodes to differentiate between user data traffic carried via licensed and unlicensed spectrum, making it impossible to accurately charge for spectrum usage, which is a regulatory requirement in certain domains.
Innovation Solution
The Radio Access Network provides indications to the Core Network about the usage of unlicensed spectrum, including the capability to use it and the volume of traffic carried over unlicensed versus licensed spectrum, enabling accurate charging and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Radio Access Network controls user data traffic routing between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, then spectrum usage flexibility is improved, but the Core Network cannot differentiate between licensed and unlicensed spectrum usage for charging purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (indication messages between RAN and CN) that allows the RAN to control spectrum routing while simultaneously providing the CN with information about which spectrum type is being used. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling both the flexibility of RAN-controlled routing and the information availability needed for CN charging differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the RAN sends indication messages to the CN about spectrum usage. This feedback mechanism allows the CN to receive real-time information about whether traffic is carried over licensed or unlicensed spectrum, enabling accurate charging while maintaining RAN control over routing decisions.
2Reliability
If the Core Network differentiates between licensed and unlicensed spectrum usage, then accurate charging compliance is improved, but additional signaling between RAN and CN is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for charging differentiation (spectrum type indication) from the complex RAN operations and sends it to the CN. This extraction approach enables accurate charging compliance while minimizing signaling complexity by transmitting only the necessary differentiating information rather than complete traffic routing details.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is method of operation of a MME 22 and a corresponding MME for executing the method, which method comprises: receiving (200B, 210) an indication from an MeNB 12, which indication indicates how much data traffic was carried over unlicensed spectrum by a SeNB 14 or a WiFi WiFi AP 16 for a certain wireless device 18; and providing (202, 212), to a S-GW 32, information that indicates how much data traffic was carried over the unlicensed spectrum for the certain wireless device 18.