Usage-Based Charging Triggers for UE Service Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging trigger categories in communication networks result in excessive data recording and signaling for events that do not lead to actual service usage, particularly in scenarios like frequent radio access technology changes without service usage.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a 'usage reporting' trigger category that records or reports charging data only when there is actual service usage, reducing unnecessary data recording and signaling by integrating a usage reporting mechanism into the charging framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If immediate report category triggers are used, then charging information is reported to CHF immediately when events occur, but reports are sent even when there has not been any service usage before the event
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new trigger category type (usage reporting category) that changes the parameter of when charging data is reported. Instead of reporting immediately upon event occurrence or deferring to fixed intervals, the system now reports only when actual service usage is detected, thereby eliminating unnecessary data transmission while maintaining timely reporting when needed.
2Loss of energy
If deferred report category triggers are used, then charging information is stored and sent later for post processing, but a large amount of data is sent over the network for cases where trigger events occur but don't result in actual service usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reporting parameter from fixed-time intervals (deferred report) to usage-based triggering. The new usage reporting category ensures that charging data is only reported when actual service usage occurs, thereby reducing network signaling overhead and energy consumption while still providing timely information when services are actually consumed.
3Loss of information
If charging triggers are set for radio access type change events, then the CHF can track usage in different radio accesses, but every switch between 4G and 5G generates a request to the CHF even without service usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the usage reporting category to RAT change triggers, changing the reporting behavior from event-based to usage-based. Now when a UE switches between 4G and 5G, the NF consumer only reports charging data to the CHF if actual service usage occurs during or after the RAT change, thereby tracking radio access usage effectively while eliminating redundant data transmission for mere network switches.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging in a radiocommunication system is described. A charging data request message associated with a UE is transmitted and, in response thereto, a charging data response message is received including one or more charging triggers, wherein at least one of the one or more charging triggers is of a usage reporting category and is associated with a first charging event. Another charging data request is transmitted after both the first charging event occurs and usage of an associated service has been requested by the UE.