WO2008019602A1 - Method and system of ip multi-media sub-system charging to users - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of IP multi-media sub-system charging to fixed accessing users is disclosed, the method includes: during establishing the session, generating the related fee information about accessing users on the function entry of the fixed accessing transmission layer or the media resource device of the application layer; transmitting the fee information to the call session control function entry CSCF for the users' service; charging to accessing users according to the fee information. A system of IP multi-media sub-system charging to the fixed accessing users is also disclosed, includes: transmission layer resource processing module, core module and charging processing module. Using the solution, the fee related information generated by fixed network accessing users on the transmission layer is transmitted to the related entry on the network effectively, and realizes that IP multi-media sub-system charging to the fixed accessing users.

Description

 Method and system for charging user by IP multimedia subsystem

 This application claims the priority of the Chinese Patent Application filed on August 9, 2006, the Chinese Patent Office, the application number is 200610109731.5, and the invention name is 'ΊΡ Multimedia Subsystem for User Billing Method and System.' The citations are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

 The present invention relates to the field of network communication technologies, and in particular, to a method and system for charging a user by an IP multimedia subsystem.

Background technique

 At present, with the continuous maturity of packet technology, traditional telecommunication networks based on circuit switching are developing towards packet-switched broadband telecommunication networks, and SIP (Session Initiated Protocol) is used as call control signaling for packet telecommunication core networks. It is one of the current technological development trends, such as ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector) and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Research on Generation Network, Next Generation Network, both standards organizations currently use the IMS (Internet Multiedia Subsystem) network architecture defined by the 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Projects) standards organization As the core network of NGN.

 The IMS uses the packet domain as the bearer channel for the upper layer control signaling and the media transmission, and introduces the SIP protocol as the service control protocol. By using the characteristics of simple SIP, easy to expand, and convenient media combination, the IMS provides a rich separation of service control and bearer control. Multimedia business. The main functional entities in the IMS include: Call Session Control Function (CSCF), which controls functions such as session participant registration and session control, and application server AS (Application Server) that provides various service logic control functions. The home subscriber server HSS (Home Subscriber Server) and the MGCF (Media Gateway Control Function) for interworking with the circuit switched network, the session participants access through the current local proxy node P-CSCF (Proxy CSCF) The IMS, session and service trigger control and the service control interaction with the AS are completed by the home domain service node call control unit of its place of registration.

Billing is one of the capabilities that an IMS network must have. 3GPP defines two IMS charging capabilities, namely Online billing capability and offline billing capability. Online charging is the charging process in which the IMS entity interacts with the online charging system, that is, the online charging system interacts with the user account in real time, and controls or monitors the fees associated with the service usage; offline charging is mainly collected after the session. Billing information, and the billing system does not affect the billing process of the services used in real time.

 The IMS architecture based on GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) access is shown in Figure 1. The GPRS Charging Identifier generated on the GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) is GPRS Charging Identifier. And the GGSN address information is passed to the PDF (Policy Decision Function) through the COPS (Common Open Policy Service) protocol and then passed to the P-CSCF and the S-CSCF for charging association. To this end, the interface protocol between the GGSN and the PDF, that is, the PIB (Policy Information Base) of the COPS protocol, the interface protocol of the PDF and the P-CSCF, that is, the AVP (Attribute Value Pair) of the Diameter protocol. The interface protocol of the medium, P-CSCF and S-CSCF, that is, the SIP header field of the SIP protocol, defines a relevant extension, carrying the above GCID and GGSN address.

 At present, under the development trend of network convergence, an IMS-based network convergence scheme is proposed, which aims to make IMS a universal platform based on SIP sessions, and supports multiple mobile and fixed access modes. Since the terminal and access network are various in the framework of NGN, and the core network based on SIP session has only one IMS network, it provides services for both fixed and mobile terminals, which requires IMS network from the network framework, The network's functional entities, QoS (Quality of Service), and security all support fixed access methods.

 In this convergence mode, how the charging of the user accessing the fixed network at the transport layer is related and

The transmission in IMS becomes a new problem. For example, when the network operator providing fixed access and the network operator providing IMS service are not the same operator, the two operators will separately charge the user session to generate their own billing. information.

 In addition, in an IMS network, an operator that provides application layer media resources and an operator that provides IMS services may not be the same carrier. When the two operators separately charge user sessions to generate respective charging information, How to charge and communicate in IMS is also a problem. The application layer media resources include conference resources, playback resources, content resources (such as movie and TV streaming media content) and other media resources provided by the system.

How to mention the transport layer session charging information and application layer resource charging information for fixed network access The IMS core network charging information for the IMS service is associated and transmitted in the IMS to complete the charging of the user. There is no effective solution in the prior art.

Summary of the invention

 The embodiment of the invention provides a method and a system for implementing an IP multimedia subsystem to charge a user, so that the IMS network can transmit the charging information generated by the fixed access transport layer or the application layer media resource device to related entities in the network. In the middle, the charging information generated by each layer is associated, and the charging for the user is realized.

 To this end, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

 A method for charging a user by an IP multimedia subsystem, including:

 During the session establishment process, the related charging information of the access user is generated on the functional entity of the fixed access transport layer or the application layer media resource device;

 Transmitting the charging information to a call session control function entity CSCF serving the user; charging the access user according to the charging information.

 A system for charging a user by an IP multimedia subsystem, comprising: a transport layer resource processing module, a core module, and a billing processing module, where

 a transport layer resource processing module, configured to generate session-related transport layer charging information of a fixed access user;

 a core module, configured to be connected to the transport layer resource processing module, configured to receive transport layer charging information related to a session of a fixed access user generated by the transport layer resource processing module, and use the transport layer charging information and the core module The core network charging information generated by the user is transmitted to the charging processing module; the charging processing module is connected to the core module, and configured to perform charging according to the transport layer charging information and the core network charging information. deal with.

 A system for charging a user by an IP multimedia subsystem, comprising: an application layer media resource processing module, a core module, and a billing processing module, where

 An application layer media resource processing module is configured to generate application layer resource accounting information related to the session of the user, and transmit the application layer resource charging information to the core module;

a core module, configured to be connected to the application layer media resource processing module, configured to receive application layer resource charging information related to a session generated by an application layer media resource processing module, and use the application layer resource charging information and a core The module transmits the core network charging information generated by the user to the charging process. Module

 The billing processing module is connected to the core module, and configured to perform charging processing according to the application layer resource charging information and the core network charging information.

 As can be seen from the technical solutions provided by the foregoing embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention extend the protocols such as the H.248 protocol, the Diameter protocol, and the SIP, so that the Re interfaces (RCEF and A-RACF) of the foregoing protocols are applied in the IMS network. Interface between), la interface (interface between BGF and SPDF), Rq interface (interface between A-RACF and SPDF), Gq' interface (interface between SPDF and AF) and Mw interface (P- The interface between the CSCF and the S-CSCF transmits the charging related information generated by the fixed access transport layer or the application layer media resource device, thereby realizing the association of the charging information of each layer, thereby improving the fusion capability of the IMS network.

DRAWINGS

 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing IMS architecture based on GPRS access;

 2 is a schematic diagram of an IMS network architecture defined by TISPAN;

 3 is a flowchart of an implementation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 4 is a message flow chart of the delivery of billing information during the process of establishing a session by a fixed access user as a calling party by using the method of the present invention;

 Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of the system of the present invention;

 Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of the system of the present invention;

 Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a third embodiment of the system of the present invention.

detailed description

 In the embodiment of the present invention, by extending the protocols such as the H.248 protocol, the Diameter protocol, and the SIP, the Re interface (the interface between the RCEF and the A-RACF) and the la interface (between the BGF and the SPDF) in the IMS network are used. Interface), Rq interface (interface between A-RACF and SPDF), Gq' interface (interface between SPDF and AF) and Mw interface (interface between P-CSCF and S-CSCF) are transmitted by fixed Access to billing related information generated by the transport layer or application layer media resource device.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the IMS defined by the current Telecommunications and Internet Converged Services and Protocols for Advanced Networking (TISPAN), and are applicable to other networks developed based on such a network architecture, as long as they satisfy the network architecture. But for The creation point of the embodiment of the present invention is more convenient and clear. The following is an example of an IMS network defined by TISPAN.

 First, referring to Figure 2, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the IMS network architecture defined by TISPAN. The NAS (Network Attachment Sub-system) completes the management of the user's attachment to the access network. The RACS (Resource and Admission Control Subsystem) is mainly responsible for policy control, resource reservation, and admission. Control and NAT and firewall traversal. From the perspective of logical architecture, the RACS is between the core control layer and the access layer, and has both a part of the control layer function and a part of the access level. The entities are described as follows:

 A-MGF (Access Media Gateway Function), accessing the media gateway function entity, providing an emulation user access IMS;

 AGCF (Access Gateway Control Function), access gateway control function entity, access gateway control, providing simulated user access IMS control;

 RCEF (Resource Control Enforcement Function), resource control execution function, according to the set control information, perform allocation bandwidth, quality of service control;

 S-CSCF (Serving-CSCF), the service call session control function entity, authenticates the user, provides session routing, completes session control, and the like;

 P-CSCF (Proxy-CSCF), proxy call session control function, accessing the SIP user's session signaling;

 SPDF (Service Policy Decision Function), a service-based policy decision function, consistent with PDF functionality;

 BGF (Border Gateway Function), a border gateway function, a gateway located at the network boundary, where C-BGF is a core network border gateway function, and I-BGF is an interworking border gateway function;

 A-RACF (Access-Resource and Admission Control Function), an access resource and admission management function, an entity located in the access network to implement resource and admission management functions;

 MRFP/MRFC (Media Resource Function Process/ Media Resource Function

Control), the media resource execution function entity/media resource control function entity, provides media resource execution/control function, and uses H.248 interface between MRFP and MRFC;

BGCF (Border Gateway Control Function), completes the network exit selection function; The MGCF (Media Gateway Control Function) is an interworking entity of the same circuit domain network signaling, and cooperates with the T-MGF (Relay Media Gateway Function) to complete the interworking between the IMS network and the circuit domain network;

 IBCF (Interconnection Border Control Function) is an interworking entity between the IMS network and the IP network;

 SGF (Signaling Gateway Function) is a signaling function between the circuit domain network and the MGCF.

 In the IMS architecture shown in FIG. 2, the embodiment of the present invention provides a Re interface (an interface between RCEF and A-RACF), a la interface (an interface between C-BGF/I-BGF and SPDF), and an Rq interface (A-RACF and SPDF interface), Gq 'interface (interface between SPDF and Application Function), P1 interface (interface between A-MGF and AGCF), Mw interface (interface between P-CSCF and S-CSCF), P2 interface (AGCF and S- The interface protocol used between the CSCF interface and the Mp interface (the interface between the MRFC and the MRFP) is extended, and the charging information generated from the access layer is transmitted between these interfaces.

 Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows an implementation flow of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, which includes the following steps: Step 301: Generate transport layer charging information of a fixed access user on a functional entity of a transport layer in a session establishment process. .

 For example, when a fixed access user performs a basic session or a service occurs, the functional entity of the transport layer accessed by the fixed access user, as shown in the A-MGF of FIG. 2, generates transport layer charging information. The billing information mainly includes: billing identifier TCID information.

 Step 302: Transfer the transport layer charging information to the call session control function entity CSCF of the core network serving the user.

 As can be seen from the IMS network architecture defined by TISPAN shown in FIG. 2, since the access of the fixed access user can be in various ways, for example, the POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) phone is connected from the A-MGF. Into, AGCF realizes the control of A-MGF through H.248, completes the operations of receiving and playing, and the new SIP terminal is accessed through NASS and RACS. Different access methods produce different functional entities for accessing the user's transport layer charging information. The transport layer charging information generated on these different functional entities is finally transmitted to the S-CSCF to provide the transport layer charging function entity and the event charging function entity in the user home network with the transport layer charging corresponding to the user. information.

The functional entities of these transport layers have different paths to the S-CSCF, so the paths they pass are different. The protocols supported by the interfaces between entities are also different. Some of the interfaces defined in TISPAN and the types of protocols supported by these interfaces are listed in Table 1 below.

 For this situation, the embodiment of the present invention extends the H.248 protocol, the Diameter protocol (a new generation of AAA protocol), and the SIP protocol message used between these interfaces, and generates a fixed function layer of the transport layer through the extended protocol. The transport layer charging information of the access user is transmitted to the S-CSCF.

 For example, the media gateway entity reports the transport layer charging information to the media gateway control entity by using the extended H.248 protocol notification command or response command; and/or

 SPDF uses the extended Diameter protocol to transmit transport layer charging information to the access functional entity when sending commands or responses to application functional entities (such as P-CSCF, or IBCF); and/or

 The application function entity or AGCF transmits the transport layer charging information to the S-CSCF when sending a command or response to the S-CSCF using the extended SIP protocol.

 The specific extension of each protocol will be described in detail later.

 Step 303: Perform charging on the fixed access user according to the transport layer charging information.

 Specifically, the charging set function in the user's home network (CCF, Charging Collection)

The entity and event charging function (ECF) entity collects the transport layer charging information corresponding to the user from the S-CSCF, and then generates the user's billing bill based on the billing information.

As mentioned above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the H.248 protocol, the Diameter protocol, and the SIP protocol message are extended to enable the transmission layer of the fixed access user generated on the transport layer functional entity. The fee information is passed through a series of passes to the S-CSCF that serves the user. Further descriptions of these existing protocols and their extensions in the embodiments of the present invention are provided below.

 The H.248 protocol is the product of the concept of gateway separation. The core of gateway separation is separation of services and control, separation of control and bearer. In this way, services, control and bearer can be developed independently. Operators can make full use of new technologies while providing a variety of services to enhance network value through innovative and innovative services. The H.248 protocol is a protocol developed on the basis of MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol) and other media gateway control protocol features. It provides control media establishment, modification and release mechanisms. It can also carry some associated call signaling to support calls of traditional network terminals.

 A message of the H.248 protocol contains one or more events (Event), each event containing one or more contexts, each context containing one or more commands, each command containing one or more descriptors. H.248 contains eight commands: Add, Subtract, Move, Modify, Audit Value, Audit Capabilities, Notify, Service Change. Various commands implement various services through the parameters they carry.

 Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention may extend an event in the H.248 protocol, for example, named "Transfer Charging Information", for the media gateway to control the transmission layer charging information to the media gateway. When the media gateway needs to report the charging information of a certain session media stream, such as the TCID, to the media gateway control, the media gateway uses the Notify command to report the event to the media gateway control, or may use the Reply command to The media gateway control reports the event. The parameters attached to the event report include the charging identifier TCID generated by the transport layer, and may further include further parameters to give the address information of the transport layer device, such as C-BGF (Core Network - Border Gateway Function, Core Network Border Gateway) Function) address information or RCEF address information.

The Diameter protocol is a new generation of AAA (Authentication Authorization Accounting) protocol developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The Diameter basic protocol provides the most basic services for applications such as mobile IP and network access services, such as user sessions and billing, and has functions such as capability negotiation and error notification. The protocol element consists of a number of commands and AVP (Attribute Value Pair), which can pass authentication, authorization, and accounting information between clients, agents, and servers. But whether it's a client, a proxy, or a service The server can actively issue a session request, and the other party gives a response, so it is also called an agreement between peer entities.

 Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention can extend the AVP in the Diameter protocol to carry the charging information generated at the transport layer when the fixed network accesses the user session, and the AVP is used in the SPDF to apply the functional entity (such as P-CSCF or IBCF). The charging information generated by the transport layer is carried when the command or response is sent. If carried in AA- Answer or carried in Re-Auth-Request. The AVP parameter includes a charging identifier TCID generated by the transport layer, and may also include address information of the transport layer device.

 The SIP protocol is an application layer protocol for establishing, modifying, and terminating multimedia sessions in an IP network. There are two types of SIP messages: request messages and response messages. The SIP message consists of the first line, the message header, and the body. The first line and the message header define the call according to the service, the address, and the protocol feature. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention can extend the message header parameter P-Charging-Vector in the SIP protocol. Header), which carries the charging information generated at the transport layer when the fixed network accesses the user session; it can also extend the header field parameters such as "tcid" to carry the meter generated at the transport layer when the fixed network accesses the user session. Fee information. Of course, it is also possible to further expand the address information of the parameter carrying the transport layer device. The charging information generated at the transport layer when extending the fixed network access user session in the SIP protocol can also be carried by the existing parameters "gcid" and "ggsn" in the P-Charging-Vector header field, such as the parameter "gcid". The charging identifier TCID generated at the transport layer when the fixed network access user session is carried; In addition, the information may be carried in the SIP protocol by extending a new header field or a message body.

 Of course, the extension of the foregoing protocols is not limited to the manner described above, and other extension manners may be used, as long as the extended protocol message can carry the charging information generated at the transport layer when the fixed network accesses the user session. Pass it to the relevant network entity.

 There are two types of network elements that can generate accounting information in the transport layer: resource management network elements (network elements that perform management functions such as resource allocation, authorization, and control, such as resource control execution function entity RCEF, etc.), and media gateways ( A network element that performs processing such as media stream generation, termination, forwarding, or conversion, such as accessing the media gateway function entity A-MGF, various types of BGF, and the like.

In the following, the TCID is generated by the C-BGF in the basic call, and the transport layer charging information is generated and reported as an example. The charging information generated by the transport layer in the method of the embodiment of the present invention is further transmitted between the network entities. Step description.

 The fixed access user is used as the calling party to access from the home network, and the message flow of establishing the session is as shown in FIG. 4:

 Step 1: The UE (User equipment) initiates a session request (Invite), and the request is sent to the P-CSCF. The request message contains all the desired media and coding schemes of the UE. For IMS Based PES (IMS-based PSTN/ISDN Evolution Subsystem) users, the request is sent to the AGCF;

 Step 2-6: The P-CSCF requests the Reserve IMS Connection on the C-BGF through the SPDF. The C-BGF reserves the connection resource. The response message includes the charging identifier TCID and C-BGF generated by the access network. Address information, the above charging information is passed to the P-CSCF in the AA-Answer message via SPDF;

 Step 7: The P-CSCF sends the session request (Invite) to the S-CSCF serving the UE, and the request message carries the charging identifier TCID and the address information of the C-BGF generated by the access network.

 Step 8: The S-CSCF routes the request message to the called party of the session;

 Step 9: The called party of the session responds to the request, and responds to the supported media and the supported coding scheme in the session progress message (183 Session Progress), and the message is sent to the S-CSCF;

 Step 10: The S-CSCF adds a P-Charging-Function-Address header in the session progress message (183 Session Progress), which carries the assigned CCF (Charging Collection Function) entity and ECF (Event Charging Function, Event charging function) A real address, sending a message to the P-CSCF accessed by the UE;

 Step 11-14: P-CSCF triggers SPDF, SPDF requires A-RACF to perform admission control according to the parameters provided and answered;

 Step 15-18: The SPDF configures the connection resources reserved on the C-BGF according to the media information of the response; Step 19: The P-CSCF deletes the P-Charging-Function-Address header in the session progress message (183 Session Progress), and the message is sent. Forward to the UE;

 Step 20-25: The UE responds to the 183 message, and the message is sent to the called party after passing through the P-CSCF and the S-CSCF; the called party confirms the response message, and the message returns to the UE along the original path;

 Step 26-28: The called party rings, and the ringing message (180) is sent along the signaling path of the session.

UE; Step 29-30: The called party answers, and the response message (200 OK) is sent to the P-CSCF after passing through the S-SCSF serving the user;

 Step 31-37: The P-CSCF approves the QoS and triggers the SPDF. After requesting the C-BGF to open the gating, the P-CSCF sends a response message to the UE, and connects the media streams of both sessions.

 Step 38-40: The UE responds to the response message (ACK), and the message is sent to the called party after passing through the P-CSCF and the S-CSCF.

 In the above process, after the C-BGF requests the reserved connection resource, the C-BGF carries the charging information generated by the transport layer in the AA-Answer message sent to the SPDF (step 5), and the charging information includes the TCID, and may further include The transmission device address information, that is, the network element address information of the TCID, such as the address information of the C-BGF in this example, the charging information may further include a stream identifier of the delivered media stream, a token for media authorization, and the like; The above charging information is forwarded by the SPDF and the P-CSCF and then transmitted to the S-CSCF serving the UE (step 6-7).

 The above process describes the flow of delivering the charging information generated by the transport layer when the user makes the call. Similarly, when the user makes a call, the charging information generated by the delivery transport layer can also be transmitted to the S-CSCF through a process similar to the above, and will not be described in detail herein.

 The foregoing process describes the process in which the C-BGF generates and transmits the charging information, and the other layers of the transport layer can generate charging information, such as the resource control execution function entity RCEF, the access media gateway function entity A-MGF, and other types of BGF. Etc., the billing information delivery process will not be specifically described here.

 The method of the embodiment of the present invention is not only applicable to the delivery of the billing information when the fixed access user establishes the basic session, but also applies when the service occurs, and the implementation process is similar to the above, and details are not described herein.

In the foregoing embodiment, only the process of reporting the transport layer charging information by the C-BGF is described. The RCEF, the A-MGF, the I-BGF, and the MRFP can also apply the method of the present invention to report the transport layer charging information, and the aforementioned Re The method of the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the charging information of the transport layer between the interface, the la interface, the Rq interface, the Gq 'interface, the P1 interface, the Mw interface, the P2 interface, and the Mp interface. Further, the R interface between the S-CSCF, the IBCF, the MRFC, and the like in the IMS and the ECF, the protocol used by the Rf interface between the S-CSCF, the IBCF, the MRFC, and the CCF is also a Diameter protocol, and the embodiment of the present invention is applied. Methods and extensions, S-CSCF, IBCF, MPFC, etc. can also pass the Ro interface, The Rf interface transmits the charging information generated by the fixed network access user at the transport layer to the network element processing the charging function to complete the charging function for the user.

 The foregoing implementation process of the embodiment of the present invention uses the charging information generated by the fixed network access user defined by the current TISPAN to be transmitted and transmitted at the transport layer. The current main consideration of TISPAN is various types of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). The access of the embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to other types of fixed network access users, such as Packet Cable access.

 With the method of the embodiment of the present invention, not only the charging information generated by the user from the fixed network accessing the transmission layer but also the non-GGSN accessing user, such as a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network, wireless), can be transmitted between the network entities. The charging information generated by the user accessing the LAN at the transport layer. That is, the fixed network access that is applicable to the embodiments of the present invention does not refer to the access type of the traditional fixed user terminal, but specifically refers to the types of access that are not accessed by the GGSN.

 Therefore, in addition, in order to distinguish between types of user accesses that are not accessed by the GGSN, the user access type information may be transmitted in addition to the charging information generated by the transport layer, and the charging information may be carried. The same information segment is transmitted, for example, the charging information parameter GCID generated by the GGSN, and the charging information parameter TCID generated by the TISPAN access type defined in the embodiment of the present invention, that is, by defining different access type charging information. The parameter is used to pass the user access type information; it can also be transmitted in an information segment other than the information piece carrying the charging information. Of course, it is also possible to use a transport layer session charging information segment to be transmitted without distinguishing the charging information generated by the transport layer of different access types, such as a unified charging information parameter ACID (Access Charging Identifier). Identifier).

 The method for how the charging information generated by the transport layer for the user session is transmitted in the IMS under fixed access is described above, because the session of the IMS core network element devices such as P-CSCF, AGCF, MGCF, IBCF, AS, etc. is related. The core network session charging information is also transmitted to the network element processing the charging function through the Ro interface and the Rf interface, and the network element processing the charging function associates the two types of charging information to determine that this is the same user session. Billing information, which enables billing for fixed access user sessions. The core network session charging information also includes a charging identifier: an ICID (IMS charging identifier).

Similarly, the charging information generated by the application layer media resource device can also be transmitted and associated in the IMS. The application layer media resource device refers to a device that provides application layer media resources, such as a media resource server, an MRFP, and the like. Further, it may further include a device that controls application layer media resources, such as an MRFC. During the call session, the application layer resource charging information generated by the application layer media resource device is transmitted to the S-CSCF, and then transmitted to the network element processing the charging function through the Ro interface and the Rf interface. The application layer resource charging information may include a charging identifier RCID (Resource Charging Identifier), and may further include other information such as an address of a device of the application layer media resource.

 The interface between the application layer media resource device and the core network device may be an H.248 protocol, or a SIP protocol, etc., and the method for transmitting the application layer resource charging information is as described above. In addition, when the application layer media resource device provides different media resources, the interface between the core network device and the core network device is different, such as a streaming media protocol such as RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), for providing content streaming media. When a protocol such as HTTP (Hyper Text Transport Protocol) is used to provide Internet resources, the construction of these protocols is similar to that of the SIP protocol, and the header information or the message body can be used to deliver the charging information. It will not be described in detail here.

 In addition, the core network S-CSCF and the like transmit the fixed access transport layer session charging information and the application layer resource charging information to the network element that processes the charging function, and the latter may be the foregoing CCF, ECF or SCF. The core network transmits the charging information through the Diameter protocol or the SIP protocol. It can also be a traditional intelligent service control point that provides an online charging function. The core network uses various traditional intelligent network protocols, such as INAP (Intelligent Network Application Protocol, INAP). The intelligent network application protocol) protocol, CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic) protocol, WIN (Wireless Intelligent Network) protocol to transmit the above various billing information.

 Referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the system of the present invention:

The system includes: a transport layer resource processing module S1, an application layer media resource processing module S3, a core module S2, and a billing processing module S4, wherein the transport layer resource processing module S1 is configured to generate a session-related transport layer of a fixed access user. The application layer media resource processing module S3 is configured to generate application layer resource charging information that is invoked by the network media resource; the core module S2 is configured to receive the session related information of the fixed access user generated by the transport layer resource processing module S1. Transport layer charging information, or application layer resource charging information generated by the application layer media resource processing module S3, and the transport layer meter The fee information, or the application layer resource charging information and the core module S2, the core network charging information related to the session generated by the user is transmitted to the charging processing module S4; the charging processing module S4 is configured to charge according to the transport layer session. The information, or application layer resource charging information, and the core network session charging information are used for charging processing.

 The transport layer resource processing module S1 includes various modules for performing session resource related processing at the transport layer under non-GGSN access, including resource management network elements, media gateways, etc., which can generate session-related charging information of the transport layer.

 The core module S2 is a module for processing core network functions such as call session control, routing, service logic control, user access management, inter-domain interworking, such as P-CSCF, AGCF, MGCF, IBCF, S-CSCF, AS, etc., core module The E3 interface between S2 and the transport layer resource processing module S1 may be, but not limited to, using the Diameter protocol, the H.248 protocol, and the like.

 The application layer media resource processing module S3 is a network media resource providing module, such as a media resource server, MRFP, etc., and the E2 interface between the application layer media resource module S3 and the core module S2 may be, but not limited to, using the H.248 protocol, the SIP protocol, RTSP protocol, HTTP protocol, etc. Among them, the MRFC that provides the network media resource control function can be located in the application layer media resource processing module, and sometimes in the core module.

 The billing processing module S4 is a module that provides a user with an offline or online charging function, such as an ECF, a CCF, an SCF (Session Charging Function), and an SCP (Service Control Point) that provides an online charging function. The E1 interface between the billing processing module S4 and the core module S2 may be, but not limited to, the Diameter protocol, the SIP protocol, the INAP (Intelligent Network Application Protocol) protocol, and the CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic). , mobile network enhanced logic user application) protocol, WIN (Wireless Intelligent Network, wireless intelligent network) protocol.

 It can be seen that the transport layer resource processing module S1 generates the transport layer session charging information of the fixed access user, and transmits the information to the core module S2 through the Ε3 interface, and the core module S2 transmits the same to the billing processing module S4 through the E1 interface. The core module S2 also needs to transmit the core network session charging information generated by the user to the charging processing module S4, so as to implement the charging information association function of the user plane and the control plane, that is, the transmission network (access network) It is associated with the charging of the core network to complete the charging function of the user.

In addition, the application layer media resource processing module S3 can also separately generate charging information, which is also required at this time. To associate the charging information of the media resource with the core network charging information, the charging information generated by the application layer media resource processing module S3 is transmitted to the core module S2 through the E2 interface, and the core module S2 uses the E1 network element to apply the application layer resource. The charging information and the core network session charging information are transmitted to the charging processing module S4 to complete the charging function of the user. Obviously, it can be seen that when the core module S2 receives the application layer resource charging information, if the transport layer session charging information (including the charging information generated by the GGSN) is also received, the core module S2 can also apply the application layer. The resource charging information, the transport layer session charging information, and the core network session charging information are transmitted to the charging processing module S4.

 It should be noted that the foregoing E2 and E3 interfaces are used to transmit application layer resource charging information and transport layer session charging information. In some cases, such as an application layer media resource processing module S3 and a transport layer resource processing module S1. When the charging status of the core module S2 needs to be known, the core network session charging information may be transmitted to the application layer media resource processing module S3 or the transport layer resource processing module. Sl. For example, when the application layer media resource processing module S3 or the transport layer resource processing module S1 needs to be independently charged (for example, when the application layer media resource processing module or the transport layer resource processing module belongs to an independent operator), and between the billing processing module S4 There is also an interface that can transmit charging information. Obviously, in order to perform association, the core module S4 needs to first transmit the core network session charging information to the application layer media resource processing module S3 or the transport layer resource processing module S1 through the E2 or E3 interface. The layer media resource processing module S3 or the transport layer resource processing module S1 further transmits the respective generated charging information and the core network session charging information to the charging processing module S4, and the charging processing module S4 accordingly performs corresponding calculation on the user. fee. Related protocol extensions are similar to the foregoing, and are not described in detail herein.

 In the embodiment of the present invention, the H.248 protocol, the Diameter protocol, and the SIP protocol are respectively extended to transmit the foregoing information, and the foregoing protocol is used in the relevant interface part in the current network, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the current The relevant protocol used by the interface. For the protocol other than the non-COPS (Common Open Policy Service) protocol, the charging information generated by the non-GGSN access user in the transport layer and the application layer media resource device in the embodiment of the present invention should be Within the scope of protection of the invention.

 Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the system of the present invention:

Different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the application layer media resource processing module is not included. When the system shown in this embodiment is applied, only the solid generated on the transport layer resource processing module S1 The transport layer session charging information of the access user is transmitted to the core module S2, and is transmitted to the core module S2 through the E3 interface, and the core module S2 transmits it to the billing processing module S4 through the E1 interface. At the same time, the core module S2 needs to be The core network session charging information generated by the user is transmitted to the charging processing module S4 to implement the charging information association function of the user plane and the control plane, that is, the charging network (access network) and the core network charging. Associated to complete the user's billing function.

 The transmission process of the transport layer charging information and the protocol used between the interfaces are the same as those of the foregoing embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and details are not described herein again.

 Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the system of the present invention:

 Different from the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the application layer media resource processing module is not included. When the system shown in this embodiment is applied, only the transport layer session charging information of the fixed access user generated on the transport layer resource processing module S1 is transmitted to the core module S2, and is transmitted to the core module S2 through the E3 interface, and the core module S2 The core module S2 also needs to transmit the core network session charging information generated by the user to the charging processing module S4 to implement the user plane and the control plane. The fee information association function, that is, the charging network (access network) and the core network's charging association, completes the user's charging function.

 While the invention has been described by the embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that

Claims

Rights request  A method for charging a user by an IP multimedia subsystem, the method comprising:  During the session establishment process, the related charging information of the access user is generated on the functional entity of the fixed access transport layer or the application layer media resource device;  Transmitting the charging information to a call session control function entity CSCF serving the user; charging the access user according to the charging information.  The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the relevant charging information of the access user on the functional entity of the transport layer comprises:  The transport layer charging information of the fixed access user is generated on the resource control execution function entity RCEF of the transport layer or the media gateway function entity.  3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of transmitting the charging information to the call session control function entity CSCF serving the user comprises:  Extending the protocol used by the functional entities of the transport layer to the interfaces between the CSCFs;  The transport layer charging information is transmitted to the CSCF through the extended protocol.  The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of extending the functional entity of the transport layer to the protocol used by each interface between the CSCFs comprises:  Extending the H.248 protocol message; and/or extending the Diameter protocol message; and/or extending the SIP protocol message.  5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of extending the H.248 protocol message comprises:  An event is extended in the H.248 protocol, and the transport layer charging information is carried by the event. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of expanding the Diameter protocol message comprises:  The attribute value pair AVP is extended in the Diameter protocol to carry the transport layer charging information. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of extending the SIP protocol message comprises:  The header or header parameters are extended in the SIP protocol to carry the transport layer charging information. 8. The method according to claim 5 or 6 or 7, wherein the The step of transmitting the transport layer charging information to the CSCF by the protocol includes:  The media gateway entity reports the transport layer charging information to the media gateway control entity by using the extended H.248 protocol notification command or response command; and/or  The policy decision function entity transmits the transport layer charging information to the application function entity when sending a command or response to the application function entity using the extended Diameter protocol; and/or  The application function entity or the access gateway control function entity AGCF transmits the transport layer charging information to the S-CSCF when transmitting a command or response to the service call session function entity S-CSCF using the extended SIP protocol.  The method according to claim 8, wherein the application function entity comprises: a proxy call session function entity P-CSCF, or a border gateway control function entity IBCF.  The method according to claim 2, wherein the fixed access user is an access user other than the gateway general-purpose packet radio service support node GGSN accessing the IP multimedia subsystem network mode.  The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of charging the access user according to the charging information comprises:  Charging information corresponding to the user is collected from the CSCF by the charging set function entity and the event charging function entity;  Generating a bill for the user based on the billing information.  12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the charging information corresponding to the user comprises:  The transport layer charging information of the fixed access user generated on the functional entity of the fixed access transport layer and the core network charging information corresponding to the user generated on the CSCF; or  The application layer charging information of the access user generated on the application layer media resource device and the core network charging information corresponding to the user generated on the CSCF.  A system for charging a user by an IP multimedia subsystem, wherein the system includes: a transport layer resource processing module, a core module, and a billing processing module, where  a transport layer resource processing module, configured to generate session-related transport layer charging information of a fixed access user; a core module, connected to the transport layer resource processing module, for receiving resources from the transport layer The transport layer charging information related to the session of the fixed access user generated by the management module, and transmitting the charging information of the transport layer and the core network charging information generated by the core module to the charging processing module; And a module, connected to the core module, configured to perform charging processing according to the transport layer charging information and the core network charging information.  14. The system of claim 13 wherein:  The transport layer resource processing module accesses the core module by using a type other than the access of the general packet radio service support node GGSN, and performs message interaction with the core module through a Diameter protocol or an H.248 protocol.  The system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the system further comprises: an application layer media resource processing module, performing message interaction with the core module by using an H.248 protocol or an initial session protocol, Generating application layer resource charging information related to the session of the user, and transmitting the application layer resource charging information to the core module;  The core module transmits the application layer resource charging information to the charging processing module.  16. System according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that  The charging processing module interacts with the core module through a Diameter protocol or an initial session protocol, or an intelligent network application protocol, or a user application protocol of a mobile network enhanced logic, or a wireless intelligent network protocol.  A system for charging a user by an IP multimedia subsystem, the system comprising: an application layer media resource processing module, a core module, and a billing processing module, wherein  An application layer media resource processing module is configured to generate application layer resource accounting information related to the session of the user, and transmit the application layer resource charging information to the core module;  a core module, configured to be connected to the application layer media resource processing module, configured to receive application layer resource charging information related to a session generated by an application layer media resource processing module, and use the application layer resource charging information and a core The module transmits the core network charging information generated by the user to the charging processing module;  The billing processing module is connected to the core module, and configured to perform charging processing according to the application layer resource charging information and the core network charging information.  18. The system of claim 17 wherein: The application layer media resource processing module and the core module pass the H.248 protocol or the initial session protocol. Line message interaction.  19. The system of claim 17 wherein:  The charging processing module interacts with the core module through a Diameter protocol or an initial session protocol, or an intelligent network application protocol, or a user application protocol of a mobile network enhanced logic, or a wireless intelligent network protocol.