Charging in the integrated small cell/wi-fi networks (iswn)
AssigneeConvida Wireless, LLC
InventorsAhmed MOHAMED, Michael F. STARSINIC, Qing LI
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) can be aware of whether a UE connects through a cellular or WIFI connection through a gateway. Management messages can be modified to allow the PCEF volume based online charging functionality to remain in the core network (i.e. in the P-GW/PCEF). Session management messaging between the ISWN (ISW-GW) and the core network (P-GW/PCEF) may be modified so that the core network may be notified when the ISWN moves a bearer, or flow, from one RAT to another. Alternately, PCEF volume based online charging functionality can be added to the ISWN. The PCEF of the ISWN can be tasked with performing volume based online charging while the UE is in the ISWN.
Claims23
A method for use by a node connected to a network, wherein the node comprises a processor and memory, and wherein the node further includes computer-executable instructions stored in the memory which, when executed by the node, perform the method comprising:
- receiving a message indicating whether a flow is associated with unlicensed spectrum or is associated with licensed spectrum access point, the flow passing through a gateway that connects both the unlicensed spectrum access point and the licensed spectrum access point with the network, the message also indicating that the flow is associated with User Equipment (UE) or some other device;
- and
- performing an operation at the network based on the message.
(canceled)
A method for use by a node connected to a network, wherein the node comprises a processor and memory, and wherein the node further includes computer-executable instructions stored in the memory which, when executed by the node, perform the method comprising:
- at the node, determining whether a flow from a User Equipment (UE) comes from unlicensed spectrum or a licensed spectrum;
- and
- using the determination to update charging operations at the node for the network or to obtain policies that are associated with the UE.
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method for use by a node connected to a network, wherein the node comprises a processor and memory, and wherein the node further includes computer-executable instructions stored in the memory which, when executed by the node, perform the method comprising:
- when User Equipment (UE) is connected to the node through a licensed spectrum access point, receiving a message indicating whether the user equipment will be charged for connecting through the licensed spectrum access point or charged out at a rate used for a connection through an unlicensed spectrum access point;
- and
- using the message to produce a display at the user equipment.
A node comprising a processor, a memory, and communication circuitry, the node being connected to a communications network via its communication circuitry, the node further including computer-executable instructions stored in the memory of the node which, when executed by the processor of the node, cause the node to:
- receive a message indicating whether a flow is associated with an unlicensed spectrum access point or is associated with a licensed spectrum access point, the flow passing through a gateway that connects both the unlicensed spectrum access point and the licensed spectrum access point with the network, the message also indicating whether User Equipment (UE) or some other device selected if the unlicensed spectrum access point or licensed spectrum access point is used by the flow;
- and
- updating a charging operation at the network based on the message.
A node comprising a processor, a memory, and communication circuitry, the node being connected to a communications network via its communication circuitry, the node further including computer-executable instructions stored in the memory of the node which, when executed by the processor of the node, cause the node to:
- determine whether a flow from User Equipment (UE) comes from an unlicensed spectrum access point or a licensed spectrum access point;
- and
- use the determination to update charging operations at the node for the network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.