Novel Data Accounting Procedure in 4G and 5G Networks

Abstract

3GPP has defined networks, which provide data services to the user equipment (UE) via wireless mediums. A service provider invests money to install and maintain a network, which provides services to the user. The service provider in turn charges the user based on usage of the network. Usage of the network is calculated in terms of the amount of data, transferred in the network for that user. Specific nodes in the network are assigned the responsibility of tracking the usage of data per user. Such node (referred, data accounting node) sits at the edge of the core network (CN) from where a packet from internet enters the service provider’s core network and later radio access network (RAN) to reach final destination UE. Usage information is tracked in the data accounting node at edge of CN and provided to charging servers to charge the user’s UE for network usage. Once a packet leaves the data accounting node, it has multiple intermediate nodes to travel before it reaches the UE, like multiple routers, switches etc. There is a possibility of packet drop at any intermediate node due to network congestion etc. When a packet is dropped in intermediate nodes, the entry node which calculates the network usage, does not come to know that the packet is dropped, but the UE is charged for the dropped packets. Our novel idea addresses the above issue and provides a feedback mechanism, which aids in calculating the packet drops in the CN and RAN and provide accurate charging to the user.