5G UPF Charging Strategy Segmentation for Multi-Path Quota Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging technologies in 5G mobile communication systems fail to efficiently manage and charge data volume across multiple transmission paths, particularly in scenarios involving multiple User Plane Functions (UPFs), leading to challenges in quota allocation and authentication message management.
Innovation Solution
A charging method where charging parameter information is sent to an online charging system for each forwarding device, allowing it to return a charging strategy set, enabling each device to independently use a quota and implement separate charging for local traffic offload services without altering the interface between the Session Management Function (SMF) and the Online Charging System (OCS), thereby managing multiple data sessions within a single charging session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing charging technology is used in 5G multi-UPF scenarios, then the interface between SMF and OCS remains simple, but multiple forwarding devices cannot independently manage quotas and perform separate charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging management by allocating independent charging strategy sets to each UPF device. The SMF sends separate charging parameter information to each UPF, and each UPF independently manages its own quota and performs separate charging for local traffic offload services. This segmentation enables multi-UPF scenarios to be handled effectively without requiring complex centralized charging management.
2Ease of operation
If separate charging is implemented for each forwarding device, then independent quota management is achieved, but the number of authentication messages to OCS increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data sessions under a single charging session framework. While each UPF independently manages its quota and performs separate charging, the SMF coordinates with the OCS using a unified charging session, thereby reducing the number of authentication messages required compared to completely separate charging sessions for each UPF.
3Productivity
If local traffic offload service charging is implemented separately, then operator control over local offload volume is improved, but the charging system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each UPF to independently perform charging for local traffic offload services based on its own charging strategy. This allows operators to control local offload volume at each UPF individually while maintaining a relatively simple overall charging system architecture, as each UPF handles its own charging independently without requiring complex centralized control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a charging method and device for a mobile communication system, and a storage medium. The method includes: sending charging parameter information corresponding to each forwarding device to an online charging system respectively during a charging session such that the online charging system returns a charging strategy set for each forwarding device respectively; and sending each returned charging strategy to a corresponding forwarding device such that each forwarding device charges a user for data volume according to the charging strategy corresponding to the each forwarding device.