Method for controlling charging of packet data service

Abstract

A method for controlling the charging of packet data service is disclosed, which includes: monitoring a number of event triggers; and when one of the event triggers is met, a Traffic Plane Function (TPF) requesting charging rules from a Charging Rule Function (CRF). In the preferred embodiments of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the event triggers, which the TPF is required for request charging rules from the CRF according to are set by the CRF and then are provided to the TPF. Charging-relevant input information is provided in the request, based on which the CRF determines proper charging rules and sends the determined charging rules to the TPF. In this way, the timing that the TPF requests charging rules from the CRF becomes controllable, and redundant information caused by the unnecessary charging rule from the TPF becomes avoidable, which enables interaction between the TPF and the CRF more effective and the charging control of packet data service reasonable and perfect.

1 . A method for controlling charging of packet data service, comprising:
 monitoring, by a Traffic Plane Function (TPF), an event trigger provided by a Charging Rule Function (CRF); and   sending, by the TPF, a charging rule request to the CRF, if the event trigger is met.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the charging rule request carries the occurrence indicator of the event trigger. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the charging rule request carries charging-relevant input information which is provided to the CRF for charging rule selection. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the event trigger includes a bearer modification event. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the bearer modification event comprises at least one of a change of a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), a change of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a change of a Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, a change of a Traffic Flow Template (TFT), and a change of Quality of Service (QoS). 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving, by the TPF, a charging rule from the CRF in a charging rule provision procedure.   
     
     
         7 . A communication system for controlling charging of packet data service, wherein the communication system comprises a Traffic Plane Function (TPF) which is in communication with a Charging Rule Function (CRF), wherein the TPF is configured to monitor an event trigger provided by the CRF; and
 send a charging rule request to the CRF if the event trigger is met.   
     
     
         8 . The communication system according to  claim 7 , wherein the charging rule request carries the occurrence indicator of the event trigger. 
     
     
         9 . The communication system according to  claim 7 , wherein the charging rule request carries charging-relevant input information which is provided to the CRF for charging rule selection. 
     
     
         10 . The communication system according to  claim 7 , wherein the event trigger includes a bearer modification event. 
     
     
         11 . The communication system according to  claim 10 , wherein the bearer modification event comprises at least one of a change of a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), a change of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a change of a Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, a change of a Traffic Flow Template (TFT), and a change of Quality of Service (QoS). 
     
     
         12 . The communication system according to  claim 9 , the TPF is further configured to receive a charging rule from the CRF in a charging rule provision procedure. 
     
     
         13 . A method for controlling the charging of packet data service, comprising:
 determining, by a Charging Rule Function (CRF), an event trigger;   providing, by the CRF, the event trigger to a Traffic Plane Function (TPF); and   receiving, by the CRF, a charging rule request from the TPF if the TPF monitors that the event trigger is met.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the event trigger includes a bearer modification event. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the bearer modification event comprises at least one of a change of a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), a change of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a change of a Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, a change of a Traffic Flow Template (TFT), and a change of Quality of Service (QoS). 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising:
 sending, by the CRF, a charging rule to the TPF in a charging rule provision procedure.   
     
     
         17 . A communication system for controlling charging of packet data service, wherein the communication system comprises a Charging Rule Function (CRF) which is in communication with a Traffic Plane Function (TPF) , wherein the CRF is configured to
 determine an event trigger;   provide the event trigger to the TPF; and   receive a charging rule request from the TPF if the TPF monitors that the event trigger is met.   
     
     
         18 . The communication system according to  claim 17 , wherein the CRF is further configured to
 send a charging rule to the TPF in a charging rule provision procedure.   
     
     
         19 . The communication system according to  claim 17 , wherein the event trigger includes a bearer modification event.