Wireless Node Charging for Data Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators face challenges in maintaining quality of service (QOS) and performance metrics as network demands increase, particularly in implementing effective charging mechanisms for data offloading across various wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless node with a charging function that receives and applies charging policies to perform on-line and off-line charging, enabling data offloading charging within the network, and communicating through new or modified interfaces and messaging protocols to handle charging information across different network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If charging is performed only at higher network layers, then network device complexity is reduced, but charging precision and control for data offloading deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging function is segmented and distributed to multiple levels: the wireless node (eNB) performs local charging decisions and record generation for data offloading, while the offline charging function (OFCF) and online charging function (OLCF) handle centralized charging management. This segmentation enables precise charging control at the edge while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Reliability
If charging policies are implemented at the wireless node level, then charging control and QOS management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces charging policies as intermediary rules that guide the wireless node's charging decisions. These policies, provided by the OFCF and OLCF, enable the wireless node to perform complex charging operations without embedding full charging logic within the node itself, thus maintaining reliability while controlling complexity.
3Productivity
If data offloading is implemented to meet increasing network demands, then network productivity is improved, but charging mechanism effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless node reports charging records to the OFCF and OLCF, which then provide updated charging policies back to the wireless node. This closed-loop feedback ensures that data offloading operations are continuously monitored and charged accurately, maintaining charging mechanism effectiveness while enabling high network productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a wireless node including receiving charging policies for data offloading; performing data offloading with respect to a user data flow; generating charging information associated with data offloading based on the charging policies; and sending the charging information to at least one of an on-line charging function or an off-line charging function.