Charging functions and methods for updating charging resources

A method performed by a first charging function;

• (CHF), the method comprising:
• the first CHF receiving a first request message transmitted by a first network function, wherein the first request message relates to a chargeable service requested by a subscriber;
• after receiving the first request message, the first CHF transmitting a second request message to a second network function;
• receiving from the second network function a first response message responsive to the second request message, wherein the first response message includes a first resource identifier identifying a first resource created by the second network function or a third network function;
• and
• after receiving the first response message transmitted by the second network function, the first CHF transmitting to the first network function a second response message responsive to the first request message, wherein
• the second response message includes the first resource identifier received from the second network function.

A charging function (CHF), the CHF comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• and
• a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry, wherein the CHF is configured to:
• receive a first request message transmitted by a first network function, wherein the first request message relates to a chargeable service requested by a subscriber;
• after receiving the first request message, transmit a second request message to a second network function and receiving from the second network function a first response message responsive to the second request message, wherein the first response message includes a first resource identifier identifying a first resource created by the second network function or a third network function;
• and
• after receiving the first response message transmitted by the second network function, transmit to the first network function a second response message responsive to the first request message, wherein
• the second response message includes the first resource identifier received from the second network function.

A charging function (CHF), the CHF comprising:

• a receiver for receiving a charging data request message transmitted by a network function, wherein the charging data request message is not an initial charging data request message, and the charging data request message comprises a first resource identifier comprising a first host portion identifying a host and a first specific resource identifier portion;
• a transmitter;
• processing circuitry;
• and
• a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry, wherein the CHF is configured to:
• employ the transmitter to transmit a request message to the host identified by the host portion of the first resource identifier, wherein the request message comprises the first specific resource identifier portion.

A charging function, the CHF comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• and
• a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry, wherein the CHF is configured to perform a method comprising:
• receiving a first request message transmitted by a first network function, wherein the first request message relates to a chargeable service requested by a subscriber;
• after receiving the first request message, transmitting a second request message to a second network function;
• receiving from the second network function a first response message responsive to the second request message, wherein the first response message includes a first resource identifier identifying a first resource created by the second network function or a third network function;
• after receiving the first response message transmitted by the second network function, transmitting to the first network function a second response message responsive to the first request message, wherein the second response message includes the first resource identifier received from the second network function;
• receiving a charging data request message transmitted by a network function, wherein the charging data request message is not an initial charging data request message, and the charging data request message comprises a first resource identifier comprising a first host portion identifying a host and a first specific resource identifier portion;
• and
• transmitting a request message to the host identified by the host portion of the first resource identifier, wherein
• the request message comprises the first specific resource identifier portion.