Disclosure of Invention
The prior art and the improved scheme can not solve the following scene of consumption limitation service. Because the high QoS consumption limit quota subscribed by the user is for a certain class or all services (Service a and Service B belong to the consumption limit subscribed Service, and Service C does not belong to), and these services have the same or different charging rates RG (Service a, RG 1; Service B, RG 2; Service C, RG 1), the credit management mechanism of the OCS issues credit quota for RG. If the user has multiple services (Service a, B, C) simultaneously, some services belong to the consumption-limited subscribed services (Service a and B), and some services are not (Service C), the OCS receives the CCR credit limit request of the RG1, and cannot determine whether the Service is the consumption-limited subscribed Service a or the non-consumption-limited subscribed Service C, so that a correct credit quota decision and authorization cannot be made.
The invention aims to provide a method and a system for signing and executing consumption limiting service, so that an OCS (online charging system) can accurately distinguish the signed consumption limiting service and execute a credit control function.
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for signing and executing consumption restriction service, comprising:
a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) entity sends a credit control request message to an Online Charging System (OCS), and the credit control request message carries charging information and service information of user services;
and the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the step that the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information comprises the following steps:
if the OCS detects that the user service is signed with consumption limitation:
when the OCS judges that available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and meets the authorization requirement, the OCS returns a credit control response message to the PCEF, and the credit control response message carries the issued credit quota;
when the OCS judges that available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and does not meet the authorization requirement, a credit control response message is returned to the PCEF, and a simulation threshold value arrival indication is carried;
when the OCS judges that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, a credit control response message is returned to the PCEF, and the credit control response message carries a rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
and when the OCS detects that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, the OCS sends a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
after the OCS returns a credit control response message carrying a simulation threshold value arrival indication to the PCEF, the PCEF initiates an IP connection access network (IP-CAN) session modification process to the PCRF according to the simulation threshold value arrival indication, and the PCRF reformulates or modifies PCC rules for the user service and sends the PCC rules to the PCEF;
and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF and retransmits a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
after the OCS sends a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying a threshold value arrival indication to the PCEF, the PCEF initiates an IP-CAN session modification process to the PCRF according to the threshold value arrival indication, and the PCRF reformulates or modifies PCC rules for the user service and sends the PCC rules to the PCEF;
and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF and retransmits a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the compliance with the authorization requirement is as follows: the received charging information is consistent with the charging information for signing and consuming the limited use;
the non-compliance with the authorization requirement is that: the received billing information is inconsistent with the subscription consumption restriction usage billing information.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the service information is a service identifier, and the charging information includes: rate groups or charging keys.
The technical problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a signing and executing method of consumption limiting service, which comprises the following steps:
the PCRF sends a charging policy session establishment message to the OCS, and carries the service information of the user;
and the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received service information.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
in the process of establishing the IP-CAN session, the PCRF sends the charging policy session establishment message to the OCS;
the step that the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received service information comprises the following steps:
and the OCS returns a charging strategy response message to the PCRF, and the charging strategy response message carries charging relevant information.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the charging policy session creation message is a credit control request message or a re-authorization request message.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
after the OCS returns a charging strategy response message carrying charging relevant information to the PCRF, the PCRF formulates a corresponding PCC rule according to the charging relevant information and issues the PCC rule to a PCEF;
the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF, and sends a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service;
and the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the step that the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information comprises the following steps:
if the OCS detects that the user service is signed with consumption limitation:
when the OCS judges that available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and meets the authorization requirement, the OCS returns a credit control response message to the PCEF, and the credit control response message carries the issued credit quota;
when the OCS judges that available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and does not meet the authorization requirement, the OCS sends a charging strategy report carrying a simulation threshold value reaching indication to the PCRF or returns a credit control response message carrying the simulation threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF;
when the OCS judges that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, a credit control response message is returned to the PCEF, and the credit control response message carries a rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
when the OCS detects that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, the OCS sends a charging strategy report carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCRF, or sends a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying the threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
after the OCS sends a charging policy report carrying a threshold value arrival indication to the PCRF, the PCRF reformulates or modifies a PCC rule for the user service according to the threshold value arrival indication and sends the PCC rule to a PCEF;
and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF and retransmits a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
after the OCS sends a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying a threshold value arrival indication to the PCEF, the PCEF initiates an IP-CAN session modification process to the PCRF according to the threshold value arrival indication, and the PCRF reformulates or modifies PCC rules for the user service and sends the PCC rules to the PCEF;
and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF and retransmits a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the compliance with the authorization requirement is as follows: the received charging information is consistent with the charging information for signing and consuming the limited use;
the non-compliance with the authorization requirement is that: the received billing information is inconsistent with the subscription consumption restriction usage billing information.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the charging related information comprises a subscription indication of the consumption limiting service, and the subscription indication of the consumption limiting service is a simulation threshold value reaching indication or a consumption limiting service identification.
Preferably, the above method has the following features:
the service information is a service identifier.
The invention solves the technical problem of providing a subscription and execution system of consumption restriction service, which comprises a PCEF and an OCS; wherein,
the PCEF is used for sending a credit control request message to the OCS and carrying charging information and service information of user services;
and the OCS is used for executing credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information.
Preferably, the system has the following features:
the OCS is further configured to: if the user service is detected to be signed with consumption limitation:
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and the available credit quota meets the authorization requirement, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries the issued credit quota;
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information but does not meet the authorization requirement, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries a simulation threshold value arrival indication;
when judging that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
and when detecting that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, sending a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
The invention solves the technical problem of providing a subscription and execution system of consumption restriction service, which comprises an OCS and a PCRF; wherein,
the PCRF is used for sending a charging policy session establishment message to the OCS, and carrying service information of user services;
and the OCS is used for executing credit control for the user service according to the received service information.
Preferably, the system has the following features:
the PCRF is further used for sending the charging policy session establishment message to the OCS in the process of establishing the IP-CAN session;
the OCS is further used for returning a charging strategy response message to the PCRF by the OCS, and the charging strategy response message carries charging relevant information.
Preferably, the system further comprises a PCEF;
the PCRF further formulates a corresponding PCC rule according to the charging relevant information and issues the PCC rule to a PCEF;
the PCEF is used for executing a PCC rule issued by the PCRF, and sending a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries charging information and service information of the user service;
the OCS is further configured to perform credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information.
Preferably, the system has the following features:
the OCS is further configured to: if the user service is detected to be signed with consumption limitation:
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and the available credit quota meets the authorization requirement, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries the issued credit quota;
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information but does not meet the authorization requirement, sending a charging strategy report carrying a simulation threshold value reaching indication to the PCRF or returning a credit control response message carrying the simulation threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF;
when judging that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
when detecting that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, sending a charging strategy report carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCRF, or sending a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying the threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
The invention can avoid the problem that the OCS can not make a correct credit quota decision and authorization aiming at the consumption limiting service only according to the information of the rate group, so that the OCS can accurately distinguish the signed consumption limiting service and execute a credit management and control function.
Detailed Description
The basic idea of the present invention is to send a message carrying Service information (e.g. Service identification Service ID) of a user Service to an OCS through a PCEF or a PCRF, so that the OCS distinguishes services according to the Service information and performs credit control.
Specifically, for the architecture 1, the following steps may be included:
the PCEF sends a credit control request message to the OCS, and carries Charging information (such as Charging key or Rating Group) and Service information (such as Service identification (Service ID)) of the user Service;
and the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information.
The OCS may obtain local charging related information (e.g., credit quota corresponding to the service rate) according to the received charging information and service information, and perform credit authorization.
When the OCS detects that the user service is signed with a consumption limit, the credit control performed on the user service may specifically be performed in the following four cases:
(1, when the OCS determines that there is available credit quota according to the received charging information and service information and meets an authorization requirement (for example, the received charging information (rate group or charging key) is consistent with the charging information (rate group or charging key) for signing consumption restriction, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, carrying the issued credit quota;
(2) when the OCS judges that available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and does not meet the authorization requirement (for example, the received charging information (rate group or charging key) is not consistent with the charging information (rate group or charging key) for signing consumption limit, a credit control response message is returned to the PCEF, and the credit control response message carries a simulation threshold value reaching indication;
(3) when the OCS judges that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, a credit control response message is returned to the PCEF, and the credit control response message carries a rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
(4) and when the OCS detects that the user service reaches the consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, the OCS sends a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
Wherein, the PCEF is triggered to initiate a subsequent session modification procedure in the step (2), and the PCC rule is updated, that is: the PCEF initiates an IP-CAN session modification flow to the PCRF according to the simulation threshold value arrival indication, and the PCRF reformulates or modifies PCC rules for the user service and sends the PCC rules to the PCEF; and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF and retransmits a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service.
Triggering the PCEF to initiate a subsequent session modification procedure at the step (4), and updating the PCC rule, that is: the PCEF initiates an IP-CAN session modification flow to the PCRF according to the threshold value arrival indication, and the PCRF reformulates or modifies PCC rules for the user service and sends the PCC rules to the PCEF; and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF and retransmits a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service.
For the architecture 2, since the Sy interface is provided between the PCRF and the OCS, communications between the PCRF and the OCS may be performed, which specifically includes the following steps:
the PCRF sends a charging policy session creation message to the OCS, and carries Service information (such as a Service identification (Service ID)) of the user Service;
and the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received service information.
Specifically, the PCRF sending the charging policy session creation message to the OCS is usually performed in an IP-CAN session establishment process.
The charging policy session creation message is a message proposed by the present invention, and may specifically be a credit control request message or a re-authorization request message.
The OCS executing credit control for the user service according to the received service information specifically includes: the OCS returns a charging policy response message to the PCRF, and carries charging related information (including but not limited to a subscription indication of the consumption restriction service, such as a simulation threshold arrival indication or a consumption restriction service identifier).
After the OCS returns the charging policy response message carrying the charging related information to the PCRF, the method further includes the following steps:
the PCRF formulates corresponding PCC rules (such as special QoS guarantee (QoS promotion or reduction) and special charge rate (special Charging key or Rating Group)) according to the Charging related information and sends the PCC rules to the PCEF;
the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF, and sends a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries Charging information (such as Charging key or Rating Group) and service information of the user service;
and after receiving the credit control request message, the OCS executes credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and the service information.
The OCS detects that the user service has signed a consumption limit, and performing credit control on the user service according to the received charging information and service information may specifically be as follows:
(1) when the OCS judges that available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and meets the authorization requirement (for example, the received charging information (rate group or charging key word) is consistent with the charging information (rate group or charging key word) for signing consumption limit, a credit control response message is returned to the PCEF and carries issued credit quota;
(2) when the OCS judges that available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and does not meet authorization requirements (for example, the received charging information (rate group or charging key word) is not consistent with the charging information (rate group or charging key word) for signing consumption limited use), the OCS sends a charging strategy report carrying a simulation threshold reaching indication to the PCRF or returns a credit control response message carrying a simulation threshold reaching indication to the PCEF;
(3) when the OCS judges that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, a credit control response message is returned to the PCEF, and the credit control response message carries a rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
(4) when the OCS detects that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, the OCS sends a charging strategy report carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCRF, or sends a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying the threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
For (2), after the OCS sends the charging policy report carrying the simulation threshold arrival indication to the PCRF, the OCS may further perform:
the PCRF formulates corresponding PCC rules (such as special QoS guarantee (QoS promotion or reduction) and special charge rate (special Charging key or Rating Group)) according to the analog threshold value arrival indication and sends the PCC rules to the PCEF; and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF, and sends a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries Charging information (such as Charging key or Rating Group) and service information of the user service.
For (2), the OCS sends a credit control response message carrying a simulation threshold arrival indication to the PCEF, which is the same as the flow of the architecture 1, and is not described here again.
For (3), when the OCS detects that the user traffic reaches the consumption limit threshold, the OCS may directly initiate a charging policy report to the PCRF, and directly trigger the PCRF to initiate an IP-CAN session modification, including the following steps: when the OCS detects that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold, a charging policy report carrying a threshold reaching indication is sent to the PCRF, and the PCRF reformulates or modifies a PCC rule for the user service according to the threshold reaching indication and sends the PCC rule to a PCEF; and the PCEF executes the PCC rules issued by the PCRF and retransmits a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries the charging information and the service information of the user service.
Alternatively, the method may also be as described in architecture 1, where a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying a threshold arrival indication is sent to the PCEF, and an IP-CAN session modification is triggered.
For the convenience of describing the present invention, the following detailed description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments and features of the embodiments in the present application may be arbitrarily combined with each other without conflict.
Fig. 2 and 3 are flow diagrams of an embodiment of the present invention according to architecture 1. Fig. 4 and 5 are flow diagrams of a second embodiment of the present invention according to architecture 2.
Is constructed as
As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the flow is described in detail as follows:
step S201, the IP-CAN session is created, and gw (pcef) receives the PCC rule issued by hPCRF (home PCRF) and installs and executes it. When the BBERF exists, the creation of the gateway control session is completed at the same time, and the BBERF receives and executes the QoS rule;
step S202, GW (PCEF) sends credit control request message to OCS, with user identification, service information (such as service identification, ServiceID), Charging information (such as Rating Group, Charging key);
step S203, the OCS performs credit management and control according to the information received by the OCS and the information stored in the local subscription. When the OCS detects that the user or the service of the user has subscribed for consumption restriction, a credit control response message is returned to the gw (pcef), where the message carries a user identifier, service information (e.g., a service identifier ServiceID), and an indication of arrival of the simulation threshold. The simulated threshold reaching indication is used to indicate gw (pcef) that the user or the service of the user has signed a consumption limit, and gw (pcef) is required to initiate a session modification procedure to hPCRF, request a new QoS rule, and perform credit application and quota issuance according to the new QoS rule;
step S204, after GW (PCEF) receives the credit control response message of OCS, the IP-CAN conversation modification process is triggered according to the simulation threshold value in the message. Sending a CCR message application rule update to the PCRF, wherein the message carries a user identifier, Service information (such as a Service identifier (Service ID)) and a simulation threshold value arrival indication (namely, the OCS sends the message to GW (PCEF)), and other charging information (such as a Rating Group) can be carried in the message according to needs;
in step S205, after receiving the session modification request message sent by the PCEF, the hPCRF formulates a new or modified PCC/QoS rule according to the threshold arrival indication in the message, the related service information, and possibly other charging information carried at the same time. For example, when it is determined that the current usage is consumption restriction service, QoS is raised or lowered according to the subscription;
step S206, PCRF sends IP-CAN conversation modification confirmation message to GW (PCEF), the message carries updated PCC/QoS rule; if GW (BBERF) exists, PCRF will trigger the modification of gateway control session, and issue new QoS rule to GW (BBERF);
in step S207, the gw (pcef) installs and executes the policy after receiving the response message. Such as rule updates, event triggers, etc.;
in step S208, the gw (pcef) re-initiates the credit control request message to the OCS. The message carries user identification, Service information (such as Service identification Service ID) and charging information (such as rate Group Rating Group);
in step S209, the OCS performs credit management and control according to the received information and the locally contracted and stored information. When the OCS detects that the user or the service of the user signs a consumption limit, and the charging policy conforms to the consumption limit sign (for example, the rate group is a specific value when the consumption limit sign is signed), issuing a credit quota (for example, a traffic quota and/or a time quota) to the gw (pcef) according to the subscription information;
step S210, the PCEF receives the quota issued by the OCS, performs statistics on the usage amount of the related service, performs the service normally, and performs subsequent processing according to the existing flow.
The UE realizes subscription and execution of the consumption restriction user service through steps S201 to S210. In the service process, when the usage statistics (duration and/or flow rate) of the gw (pcef) reaches the quota issued by the OCS, the gw (pcef) may initiate a credit control request to the OCS again, repeat steps S208-S210, and provide subsequent execution and statistics of the service. Until the contracted consumption limit threshold is reached, the following steps are performed:
step S301, in the service process, when a GW (PCEF) threshold value is reached, initiating a credit control request message to an OCS (online charging system) and reporting the usage amount;
step S302, when the OCS detects that the consumption limit threshold reaches (e.g. gw (pcef) reports notification or its own timer times out), it will initiate a re-authorization request, further trigger the session modification process, update the PCC/QoS rule, and execute corresponding credit control and usage statistics;
in step S303, the OCS sends a credit control response message to the gw (pcef), where the message carries the user identifier, the Service information (e.g., the Service identifier Service ID), and the threshold reaching indication (i.e., the threshold reaching identifier for consuming the restricted Service). Other charging information (such as Rating Group) may be carried in the message as required;
step S304, after GW (PCEF) receives the credit control response message of OCS, the IP-CAN conversation modification process is triggered according to the threshold value in the message. Sending a CCR message application rule update to the hPCRF, wherein the message carries a user identifier, Service information (such as a Service identifier (Service ID)) and a threshold reaching indication. Other charging information (such as Rating Group) may be carried in the message as required;
step S305, after receiving the session modification request message sent by gw (pcef), hPCRF formulates a new or modified PCC/QoS rule according to the threshold arrival indication in the message, the related service information, and possibly other charging information carried at the same time. For example, when it is determined that the consumption restriction service is currently disabled, the QoS is lowered or raised according to the subscription;
step S306, PCRF sends IP-CAN conversation modification confirmation message to GW (PCEF), and the message carries updated PCC/QoS rule; if GW (BBERF) exists, PCRF will trigger the modification of gateway control session, and provide updated QoS rule to GW (BBERF);
if the threshold indication arrival indication is not sent to the PCEF in the credit control answer message in step 303, the OCS initiates a re-authorization request message, sending a corresponding indication to the gw (PCEF). Here, gw (pcef) sends a re-authorization response message to OCS, where the message carries the internal user id and an operation indication (e.g. a result code indicating that the service is continuing and a new credit control request will be sent). If the service is terminated after the threshold value of the signed consumption limit service is reached, the signed operation indicates that the service is terminated, and no subsequent credit request message exists. The subsequent S307-310 is no longer executed, the relevant network element performs session termination processing according to the prior art, and the process ends. Otherwise, continuing the S307 process;
step S307, gw (pcef) installs and executes the policy issued by hPCRF. Such as rule updates, event triggers, etc.;
in step S308, gw (pcef) re-initiates the credit control request message to the OCS. The message carries user identification, Service information (such as Service identification Service ID) and charging information (such as rate Group Rating Group);
in step S309, the OCS performs credit management and control according to the received information and the locally signed and stored information. When the OCS detects that the user or the service of the user has subscribed to the consumption limit, but the consumption limit service threshold has arrived (e.g., the usage for the specified time is used up), and the charging policy conforms to the non-consumption limit service subscription (e.g., the rating group is different from the value of the consumption limit policy), issuing a credit quota (e.g., a traffic quota and/or a time quota) to the gw (pcerf) according to the subscription information;
step S310, the PCEF receives the quota issued by the OCS, performs the usage statistics of the related services, the services are normally performed, and the subsequent processing is performed according to the existing flow.
The steps S201 to S310 are the processes of signing, authorizing, and executing the complete consumption limiting service of the architecture 1, and canceling and updating after the threshold is reached.
Example two
Figures 4 and 5 are flow diagrams of a second embodiment of the present invention according to architecture 2,
the process is described in detail as follows:
step S401, the gateway control session is established, and the gateway with the PCEF receives the IP-CAN session establishment request message and triggers the IP-CAN session establishment flow;
step S402, GW (PCEF) receives IP-CAN bearing establishment request, the IP-CAN conversation establishment request message carries user identification and PDN identification of PDN network requesting access;
step S403, GW (PCEF) initiates an IP-CAN session establishment instruction to hPCRF, and the IP-CAN session establishment instruction message carries a user identifier, a PDN identifier and an IP Address (IP Address) allocated to UE;
step S404, the hPCRF judges that the signing data of the user does not exist according to the user identification, sends a signing document request to the SPR, and carries the user identification and the PDN identification in the signing document request;
step S405, the SPR returns the user subscription information (namely, subscription document response) according to the user identifier and the PDN identifier;
step S406, when the subscription returned by the SPR indicates that the policy decision of the PCRF needs to depend on the charging related information, and the PCRF does not obtain the related information yet (for example, the IP-CAN session is the first IP-CAN session of the user and the PDN), the charging policy session needs to be initiated. The PCRF sends a charging policy session creation message to the OCS, wherein the message carries a user identifier, an IP address and service information (such as a service identifier);
step S407, the OCS performs local query and decision according to the information of the charging policy session creation and local subscription storage, and sends a charging policy session response to the hPCRF. The message carries charging related information. For example, when the OCS detects that the user or the Service of the user has subscribed to the consumption restriction, the message carries a corresponding subscription indication (e.g., a consumption restriction Service identifier or a simulation threshold) in addition to the user identifier and the Service information (e.g., a Service identifier Service ID). The subscription indication is used for indicating that the PCRF subscribes to consumption restriction on the user or the service of the user, and a corresponding PCC/QoS rule needs to be formulated to ensure the QoS of the user or the service;
step S406 and step S407, triggered according to the implementation mechanism requirement, at least including the following execution modes: the method CAN be executed when the first IP-CAN session under the PDN of a certain UE is established (at the moment, the OCS sends the related charging information of all services of the UE to the hPCRF); the method CAN be executed when each IP-CAN session of a certain UE is established (at the moment, PCRF CAN be triggered according to whether the policy decision of the service needs to acquire the charging information of OCS or not); the method can be executed during the first session between the hPCRF and the OCS (for example, when some kind of charging information is signed by all UE and service List, the charging information can be issued to the hPCRF for local storage and subsequent local access, and the hPCRF is notified after the charging information of the OCS is updated); in the modification process of the IP-CAN session of a certain UE, the policy decision needs to acquire the charging information, and the execution and charging policy session of the OCS is triggered;
step S408, after receiving the charging policy session response message from the OCS, the hPCRF formulates a policy (including a PCC rule, an event trigger, etc.) according to the subscription indication (e.g., a consumption restriction service identifier or a simulation threshold, etc.) in the message, and the returned other subscription information, the network policy, the access information of the UE, etc. When judging that the current consumption is the use of the limited service, a special PCC/QoS rule is formulated (for example, special QoS guarantee can be provided, special charting key or Rating Group is authorized, etc.);
step S409, the hPCRF returns an IP-CAN session establishment confirmation message to the GW (PCEF), and issues a formulated strategy;
in step S410, after receiving the response message, the gw (pcef) installs and executes a policy, such as a PCC rule, an event trigger, and the like. And initiates a credit control request message to the OCS according to the authorization rules. The message carries user identification, Service information (such as Service identification Service ID) and charging information (such as rate Group Rating Group);
in step S411, the OCS performs credit management and control according to the received information and the locally signed and stored information. When the OCS detects that the user or the service of the user signs a consumption limit, and the charging policy conforms to the consumption limit sign (for example, the rate group is a specific value when the consumption limit sign is signed), issuing a credit quota (for example, a traffic quota and/or a time quota) to the gw (pcerf) according to the subscription information;
in steps S412-415, the subsequent processing is executed according to the existing ending flow. The gateway where gw (pcef) is located returns a bearer establishment response (S412), carrying the allocated IP address. A corresponding bearer creation process (S413 and S414) may be initiated to establish an IP-CAN session answer if required. And performing the usage statistics of the related service according to the quota issued by the OCS, so that the service is normally performed.
The UE realizes subscription and execution of the consumption restriction user service through steps S401 to S415. In the service process, when the usage statistics (duration and/or flow rate) of the gw (pcef) reaches the quota issued by the OCS, the gw (pcef) may initiate a credit control request to the OCS again, repeat steps S410 to S411, and provide a new credit quota to continue the subsequent execution of the service. And triggering a session modification process until the contracted consumption limit threshold is reached.
As shown in the architecture of fig. 1(b), the OCS may directly interact with the PCRF through the Sy interface (as in fig. 5), trigger re-authorization, initiate session modification and rule update. Or may interact with gw (pcef) via a Gy interface to initiate re-authorization and session modification procedures. These two types of implementations are described separately below.
As shown in fig. 5, the OCS directly interacts with the PCRF through the Sy interface, and the execution steps are as follows:
step S501, in the service process, when the OCS detects that the consumption limit threshold reaches (for example, GW (PCEF) reports a notification or a self timer is overtime, etc.), a re-authorization request is initiated, a session modification process is further triggered, a PCC/QoS rule is updated, and corresponding credit control and usage statistics are executed;
step S502, the OCS sends a charging policy report to the PCRF. The message carries the subscriber identity, the Service information (e.g., Service identity Service ID), and the threshold arrival indication (i.e., threshold arrival identity for consumption limited services). Other charging information (such as Rating Group) may be carried in the message as required;
step S503, after receiving the charging strategy report, PCRF returns a charging strategy report response to OCS. The message carries the user id and the operation indication (e.g. result code indicating that the service is continuing and that a new credit control request will be sent). If the service is terminated after the threshold value of the signed consumption limit service is reached, the signed operation indicates that the service is terminated, and no subsequent credit request message exists. The subsequent flow will not be executed any more, the relevant network element performs the session termination processing according to the prior art, and the flow is ended. Otherwise, continuing the S504 process;
step S504, the hPCRF adjusts and updates the PCC/QoS rule according to the threshold reaching indication in the charging policy report, the related service information, and possibly other charging information carried at the same time. For example, when it is determined that the consumption restriction service is currently disabled, the QoS is lowered or raised according to the subscription;
step S505, PCRF issues PCC/QoS rule providing message to GW (PCEF) message with updated PCC/QoS rule; if GW (BBERF) exists, PCRF will trigger the modification of gateway control session, and provide updated QoS rule to GW (BBERF);
in step S506, after receiving the rule providing message, the gw (pcef) installs and executes policy update, such as a PCC rule, an event trigger, and the like.
In step S507, the gw (pcef) re-initiates the credit control request message to the OCS. The message carries user identification, Service information (such as Service identification Service ID) and charging information (such as rate Group Rating Group);
in step S508, the OCS performs credit management and control according to the received information and the locally signed and stored information. When the OCS detects that the user or the service of the user has subscribed to the consumption limit, but the consumption limit service threshold has arrived (e.g., the usage for the specified time is used up), and the charging policy conforms to the non-consumption limit service subscription (e.g., the rating group is different from the value of the consumption limit policy), issuing a credit quota (e.g., a traffic quota and/or a time quota) to the gw (pcerf) according to the subscription information;
step S509, gw (pcef) provides response message for hPCRF return rule;
step S510, the gw (pcef) receives the quota issued by the OCS, performs statistics on the usage amount of the related service, the service is normally performed, and performs subsequent processing according to the existing flow.
The steps S401 to S415 and S501 to S510 constitute a process of signing, authorizing and executing a complete consumption restriction service of the architecture 2, and canceling and updating after the threshold is reached.
As shown in fig. 3, in the architecture 2, the OCS interacts with the gw (pcef) through the Gy interface, updates the threshold, and initiates a session modification process flow and steps, which are the same as those in the architecture 1, see steps S301 to S310. Steps S401 to S415 and S301 to S310 constitute a subscription, authorization and execution of the consumption restriction service of the architecture 2 and another completion flow of cancellation and update after the threshold is reached.
In the improved scheme of the prior art, the new parameter identifier returned by the OCS to the PCEF simulates the situation of threshold reaching, triggers the session to modify and update the relevant rules, and reuses the flow of the existing implementation architecture. Redundant messages and processing such as re-authentication interaction and session modification flow exist. The second embodiment of the invention overcomes the above defects.
Aiming at the architecture 1, the subscription and execution system of the consumption restriction service of the embodiment of the invention comprises a PCEF and an OCS; wherein,
the PCEF is used for sending a credit control request message to the OCS and carrying charging information and service information of user services;
and the OCS is used for executing credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information.
Optionally, the OCS is further configured to: if the user service is detected to be signed with consumption limitation:
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and the available credit quota meets the authorization requirement, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries the issued credit quota;
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information but does not meet the authorization requirement, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries a simulation threshold value arrival indication;
when judging that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
and when detecting that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, sending a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
Aiming at the architecture 1, the subscription and execution system of the consumption restriction service of the embodiment of the invention comprises an OCS and a PCRF; wherein,
the PCRF is used for sending a charging policy session establishment message to the OCS, and carrying service information of user services;
and the OCS is used for executing credit control for the user service according to the received service information.
Optionally, the PCRF is further configured to send the charging policy session creation message to the OCS in an IP-CAN session establishment procedure; the OCS is further used for returning a charging strategy response message to the PCRF by the OCS, and the charging strategy response message carries charging relevant information.
Optionally, the system further comprises a PCEF;
the PCRF further formulates a corresponding PCC rule according to the charging relevant information and issues the PCC rule to a PCEF; the PCEF is used for executing a PCC rule issued by the PCRF, and sending a credit control request message to the OCS, wherein the credit control request message carries charging information and service information of the user service; the OCS is further configured to perform credit control for the user service according to the received charging information and service information.
Optionally, the OCS is further configured to: if the user service is detected to be signed with consumption limitation:
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information and the available credit quota meets the authorization requirement, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries the issued credit quota;
when judging that the available credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information but does not meet the authorization requirement, sending a charging strategy report carrying a simulation threshold value reaching indication to the PCRF or returning a credit control response message carrying the simulation threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF;
when judging that useless credit quota exists according to the received charging information and service information, returning a credit control response message to the PCEF, wherein the credit control response message carries rejection indication and a rejection reason value;
when detecting that the user service reaches a consumption limit threshold value according to the received charging information and service information, sending a charging strategy report carrying a threshold value reaching indication to the PCRF, or sending a credit control response message or a re-authorization request message carrying the threshold value reaching indication to the PCEF.
The above embodiment uses the non-roaming architecture as the description scenario, and if the implementation scenario is the roaming scenario, the messages corresponding to gw (pcef) and hPCRF are forwarded via the vprff (visited PCRF), and the present invention is still applicable.
The invention is suitable for the technical evolution of the architecture, such as SPR and Sp interfaces in the architecture, and uses UDC (User Data Convergence) and Ud reference point for substitution.
For the consumption limiting service, the above embodiment specifically explains the consumption limiting service high QoS guarantee, and the present invention is still applicable to the similar subscriptions of the operators, such as the consumption limiting service low QoS guarantee low rate package, the idle low rate busy high rate package, and the special QoS special rate settlement of the individual service of the whole package.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of the steps of the above methods may be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a program, and the program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a magnetic or optical disk, and the like. Alternatively, all or part of the steps of the foregoing embodiments may also be implemented by using one or more integrated circuits, and accordingly, each module/unit in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented in the form of hardware, and may also be implemented in the form of a software functional module. The present invention is not limited to any specific form of combination of hardware and software.
The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention, and various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, or improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.