Online charging architecture in LTE/EPC communication networks

摘要

Communication networks and methods are disclosed for performing online charging in LTE/EPC communication networks. In an LTE/EPC communication network, one or more LTE network elements connect to an Online Charging System (OCS) over an enhanced interface. The LTE network element that is serving a session for a mobile device triggers on a charging event, and generates a credit request message (e.g., Diameter CCR). The LTE network element identifies access information for the session indicating the type of access for the mobile device to the LTE/EPC communication network, and inserts the access information in the credit request message. Through the enhanced interface, the LTE network element is able to transmit the credit request message to the OCS with the access information. The access information may then be used in the OCS to determine a more accurate charging rate for the session.