CN103974219A

CN103974219A - Group charging ID (GCID) allocating and issuing method and GCID processing entity

Info

Publication number: CN103974219A
Application number: CN201310027470.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘晴; 谢宝国
Original assignee: ZTE Corp
Current assignee: ZTE Corp
Priority date: 2013-01-24
Filing date: 2013-01-24
Publication date: 2014-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2033-01-24
Also published as: CN103974219B

Abstract

The invention discloses a group charging ID (GCID) allocating and issuing method and a GCID processing entity. The GCID allocating and issuing method includes the steps that after the GCID processing entity receives a request message, whether an allocated GCID corresponding to a current MTC group communication service exists or not is inquired according to information, related to the current MTC group communication service, in the request message; when the GCID corresponding to the current MTC group communication service is not found, a new GCID is allocated to the current MTC group communication service, and the new GCID is forwarded to other network elements involved in the current MTC group communication service. By the GCID allocating and issuing method and the GCID processing entity, GCIDs can be allocated and issued effectively, and it can be ensured that the allocated unique GCID can be associated with group CDRs generated by different network elements involved in the same charging event.

Description

The distribution of a kind of group of charging identifier and delivery method, batch total take identification process entity

Technical field

The present invention relates to machine type communication (MTC, Machine Type Communication) technical field, relate in particular to the distribution of a kind of group of charging identifier and delivery method, batch total expense identification process entity.

Background technology

The communication of machine to machine (M2M, Machine to Machine), also claims MTC communication, be a kind of machine terminal with machine terminal or machine terminal and machine type application server between communicate by letter.MTC communication can be widely used in the aspects such as traffic (as Logistic Scheduling, location navigation), electric power (as remote meter reading, load monitoring), city management (as elevator monitoring, street lamp are controlled) and household (as old man's nurse, household safety-protection), and it can communicate by the network of operator.

Fig. 1 is the mobile network architecture schematic diagram of MTC communication in prior art, it is the grouping system (EPS with evolution, Evolved Packet System) and general packet radio service technology (GPRS, GeneralPacket Radio Service) as the bearer network of bottom.Network element in Fig. 1 mainly comprises two parts: mobile network feature network element, MTC business function network element.

Wherein, mobile network feature network element comprises: Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN, Serving GeneralPacket Radio Service Support Node), Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN, GatewayGPRS Support Node), Mobility Management Entity (MME, Mobility Management Entity), gateway (SGW, Serving GateWay), packet data network gateway (PGW, Packet Data NetworkGateWay), home subscriber server (HSS, Home Subscriber Server), charging data function (CDF, Charging Data Function) and Charging Gateway Functionality (CGF, Charging GatewayFunction) etc.

MTC business function network element comprises: MTC interoperability functional entity (MTC-IWF, MTC-InterWorking Function), service capability server (SCS, Services Capability Server) and MTC terminal (MTC Device).

After MTC communication extensive use, can cause the quantity of MTC terminal considerably beyond the quantity of ordinary terminal.In order to save the management of Internet resources and simplification MTC terminal; operator can be divided into a group by all MTC terminals under a user conventionally; or a plurality of MTC terminals with identical MTC attribute are divided into a group; and be common group sign (Group ID) of terminal distribution in group; this group sign is for the different MTC set of terminal of unique differentiation in the whole network; regard the MTC terminal on the same group as an integral body, realize data sharing and holistic management.For example, the communication of MTC terminal is organized to accounting management.When terminal is carried out MTC communication on the same group, the charging message of terminal in network side collection group, and be chargeable event generation group ticket (CDR, Charging Data Record) based on group, rather than be that chargeable event generates single CDR based on each MTC terminal.In addition, in MTC communication, also need according to group charging identifier association to go out the group CDR generating with the involved different network elements (as MME/SGSN, PGW/GGSN and IWF) of MTC group communication behavior that once can charging.This will be conducive to reduce the quantity that CDR generates, avoid the frequent transmission of charging signaling to cause consumption to Internet resources, and the magnanimity CDR generating for single MTC terminal charging causes the decline of taking in a large number of charging network element storage resources and disposal ability, contribute to improve the efficiency of MTC batch total expense.

In the prior art, for example, in the packet-based core networks (EPC) of evolution, by PGW when creating EPS bearer context, for default bearing generates a charging identifier, and in response message, carry this charging identifier and return to SGW, charge system can go out the CDR generating with once can the involved different network elements of charging communication behavior according to charging identifier association.Yet, in some scenes of MTC group communication, the generation of group charging identifier, distribute and issue some problems that exist:

One, some communication services of MTC may be passed through signaling plane, by MME, directly to IWF, send or receive service request and packet (as Small Data business), therefore in operator's demand, for MTC signaling, also want charging, need MME or IWF also to there is charging identifier generative capacity;

Two, in group, there are a plurality of terminals to be linked into respectively different signaling plane network elements (as MTC terminal resides in different MME), and while sending MTC service request to different signaling plane network elements, be likely a plurality of groups of charging identifier of same MTC group traffic assignments, same MTC group communication business that once can charging that charge system cannot identify that terminal is carried out on the same group according to a plurality of groups of charging identifier like this; Therefore, how to keep the batch total expense of terminal to be on the same group identified at unique distribution shared in different signaling plane network elements, most important for charge system;

Three, when the network element (as MME or IWF) of signaling plane and media gateway (as PGW) have the ability of assign group charging identifier, how to solve and between each network element, organize unique generation of charging identifier and share, the group CDR that this unique group charging identifier can be associated be generated with related different network elements of chargeable event, also very important for charge system.

Based on above reason, distribution and the delivery method of a kind of group of charging identifier need to be proposed, be applied to the batch total expense of MTC business, make charge system can obtain fully effectively information, identification MTC group service charging information.Yet prior art also cannot provide the solution that can achieve the above object.

Summary of the invention

In view of this, main purpose of the present invention is to provide the distribution of a kind of group of charging identifier and delivery method, batch total expense identification process entity, with effective distribution of realization group charging identifier with issue, and guarantee the group CDR that unique group charging identifier of distributing can be associated generates with related different network elements of chargeable event.

For achieving the above object, technical scheme of the present invention is achieved in that

The distribution and the delivery method that the invention provides a kind of group of charging identifier, the method comprises:

Batch total expense identification process entity receives after request message, according in described request message with the information of this machine type communication MTC group communication traffic aided, whether inquiry there is the group charging identifier GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business;

When not inquiring the GCID corresponding with this MTC group communication business, be the new GCID of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and forward GCID to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business.

According in described request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, whether inquiry there is the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business, comprising:

According in described request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, inquire about described batch total expense identification process entity this locality and whether stored the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business; And/or, in inquiry home subscriber server HSS, whether stored the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

The method also comprises:

When described batch total take identification process entity according in described request message with the information of this machine type communication MTC group communication traffic aided, while inquiring the GCID corresponding with this MTC group communication business, local storing queries to GCID and forward GCID to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business.

Described request message is business request information or bearer update request message.

The method further comprises: described batch total takes after the GCID that identification process entity partitioning is new, and newly assigned GCID is sent to HSS, and described HSS preserves described newly assigned GCID in the CAMEL-Subscription-Information with corresponding terminal.

The method further comprises: during described HSS receives that plural batch total expense identification process entity sends the different GCID corresponding from this MTC group communication business, HSS selects one of them GCID as the GCID of this MTC group communication business, and notify described batch total expense identification process entity to upgrade GCID, described batch total takes the GCID of identification process entity using the GCID of HSS selection as this MTC communication service.

Described batch total expense identification process entity is Mobility Management Entity MME, service universal grouping wireless business supporting node SGSN, interoperability functional entity IWF, packet data network gateway PGW or ggsn GGSN.

Described other network elements are MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW, GGSN or HSS.

The present invention also provides a kind of batch total expense identification process entity, comprising: enquiry module, processing module and storage forwarding module, wherein,

Described enquiry module, for after receiving request message, according in described request message with the information of this machine type communication MTC group communication traffic aided, whether inquiry there is the group charging identifier GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business, when inquiring the GCID corresponding with this MTC group communication business, notify described storage forwarding module; When not inquiring the GCID corresponding with this MTC group communication business, notify described processing module;

Described processing module, be used for according to the notification message of described enquiry module, for the new GCID of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and newly assigned GCID is sent to described storage forwarding module, notify described storage forwarding module stores and be transmitted to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business;

Described storage forwarding module, for according to the notification message of described enquiry module, local storing queries to GCID and forward GCID to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business; Or according to the notification message of described processing module, the newly assigned GCID of local storage also forwards GCID to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business.

Described enquiry module is further used for, according in described request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, inquire about described batch total expense identification process entity this locality and whether stored the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business; And/or, in inquiry home subscriber server HSS, whether stored the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

Described storage forwarding module is further used for, and newly assigned GCID is sent to HSS, notifies described HSS to preserve described newly assigned GCID in the CAMEL-Subscription-Information with corresponding terminal.

During described HSS receives that plural batch total expense identification process entity sends the different GCID corresponding from this MTC group communication business, HSS selects one of them GCID as the GCID of this MTC group communication business, and notify described batch total expense identification process entity to upgrade GCID, described batch total takes the GCID of identification process entity using the GCID of HSS selection as this MTC communication service.

Described other network elements are MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW, GGSN or HSS.

The distribution of a kind of group of charging identifier provided by the present invention and delivery method, batch total take identification process entity, can realize batch total expense is identified between the different network elements in the whole network and transmits, and guarantee in the whole network unique, the same MTC group communication business that once can charging that makes that charge system can identify according to unique group charging identifier that terminal is carried out on the same group, thereby the associated group CDR charging data record going out with the different network elements once can charging communication behavior relating to, can improve the efficiency of MTC batch total expense.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the mobile network architecture schematic diagram of MTC communication in prior art;

Fig. 2 is the distribution of a kind of group of charging identifier and the flow chart of delivery method of the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention one, distributes GCID, and be handed down to IWF in the present embodiment by identical MME/SGSN;

Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention two, distributes GCID, and be handed down to PGW in the present embodiment by identical MME/SGSN;

Fig. 5 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention three, under the scene that the present embodiment accesses for endless simultaneously, by different MME/SGSN, distributes GCID;

Fig. 6 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention four, and the present embodiment is for distribute GCID by different MME/SGSN under the scene that has terminal to access simultaneously;

Fig. 7 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention five, and the present embodiment is for distributing GCID by PGW under the identical scene in terminal communication path;

Fig. 8 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention six, and the present embodiment is for distributing GCID by PGW under the different scene in terminal communication path;

Fig. 9 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention seven, and the present embodiment distributes GCID by IWF for MTC terminal under the upstream data communication scene of IWF transmission service request;

Figure 10 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention eight, under the downlink data communication scenes of the present embodiment for MTC terminal transmission service request, by IWF, distributes GCID;

Figure 11 is the structural representation of a kind of batch total expense identification process entity of the embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiment

Below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments, the technical solution of the present invention is further elaborated.

The distribution of a kind of group of charging identifier that the embodiment of the present invention provides and delivery method, as shown in Figure 2, mainly comprise:

Step 201, batch total expense identification process entity is received after request message, according in described request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, whether inquiry there is the group charging identifier (GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business, Group Charging Identity), if inquire the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, perform step 202; If do not inquire the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, perform step 203.

Wherein, according in request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, whether inquiry there is the group charging identifier that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business, comprising:

According in described request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, whether inquiry batch total expense identification process entity this locality has stored the group charging identifier that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business; And/or, in inquiry HSS, whether stored the group charging identifier that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

Described request message can be business request information or bearer update request message.

The information of described MTC group communication traffic aided comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the embodiment of the present invention, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

It should be noted that, in described request message, also may carry group charging identifier, this situation shows that this group charging identifier is generated and forwarded by other network elements, or forwarded by HSS.

Step 202, the group charging identifier that local storing queries arrives, and forward batch total expense and be identified to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business.

Step 203, is the new group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and forwards batch total expense and be identified to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business.

The embodiment of the present invention is not specifically limited the generating mode of group charging identifier; the form of expression of group charging identifier is also not specifically limited, the group charging identifier generating mode of any applicable embodiment of the present invention and the protection range that the form of expression should all belong to the embodiment of the present invention in actual answering.

Preferably, batch total takes after the group charging identifier that identification process entity partitioning is new, and newly assigned group of charging identifier sent to HSS, and HSS preserves described newly assigned batch total expense and is identified in the CAMEL-Subscription-Information with corresponding terminal.

Further, during HSS receives that plural batch total expense identification process entity sends the different group charging identifier corresponding from this MTC group communication business, HSS selects one of them group charging identifier as the group charging identifier of this MTC group communication business, and notify described batch total expense identification process entity renewal group charging identifier, described batch total takes the group charging identifier of identification process entity using the group charging identifier of HSS selection as this MTC communication service.

It can be MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW or GGSN that batch total in the embodiment of the present invention takes identification process entity.Other network elements in the embodiment of the present invention can be MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW, GGSN or HSS.

It should be noted that, with in once can the MTC group communication business of charging, all network elements that relate to (being MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW, GGSN) should adopt unique group charging identifier generation group CDR; Charge system can be associated goes out the group CDR generating with different network elements in once can the MTC group communication business of charging according to this group charging identifier.

Below in conjunction with specific embodiment, the distribution of above-mentioned group of charging identifier and delivery method are further described.

In embodiments of the invention one, batch total expense identification process entity is MME/SGSN (MME or SGSN), the present embodiment is described is when belonging to MTC terminal under same MME/SGSN scope (being that UE1 and UE2 belong in identical MME/SGSN compass of competency) and carrying out MTC group communication business, by described MME/SGSN assign group charging identifier, and be handed down to the scene of IWF.Wherein, UE1 and UE2 belong to same MTC group, have the information such as identical MTC attribute and MTC group sign.Fig. 3 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention one, and as shown in Figure 3, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 301, UE1 sends business request information to MME/SGSN.

Wherein, UE1 represents that in group, first sends the terminal of MTC group communication service request.

Step 302, MME/SGSN receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier;

Wherein, the information of MT reconnaissance C group communication traffic aided comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

According to the information of the MTC group communication traffic aided carrying in service request, MME/SGSN first inquires in local network element and does not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, then to HSS, send query messages, inquire in HSS and also do not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, thereby by MME/SGSN, be new unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and be stored in local network element and HSS.

It should be noted that, the group charging identifier unique according to this, charge system can be associated goes out the group CDR generating with the involved different network elements of MTC group communication business that once can charging.

Step 303, MME/SGSN sends business request information to IWF.

In business request information, carried the newly assigned group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business of MME/SGSN, this group charging identifier is stored in IWF this locality.

Step 304, IWF returns to service response message to MME/SGSN.

Step 305, MME/SGSN returns to service response message to UE1.

Step 306, UE2 sends business request information to MME/SGSN.

Wherein, UE2 represents to organize interior second terminal that sends MTC group communication service request.

The information of having carried MTC group communication traffic aided in the business request information that UE2 sends, comprise MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

Step 307, MME/SGSN receives business request information, therefrom obtains the information with this MTC group communication traffic aided, and inquiry is local has stored the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in service request, MME/SGSN inquires local network element and has stored the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC batch total expense communication service, does not need to HSS inquiry group charging identifier.

Step 308, MME/SGSN sends business request information to IWF.

In this business request information, carried the group charging identifier having distributed, IWF receives after business request information, can compare with the group charging identifier of this locality storage, discovery is local has stored group charging identifier corresponding to this MTC group communication business, does not organize accordingly charging identifier storage operation.

Step 309, IWF returns to service response message to MME/SGSN.

Step 310, MME/SGSN returns to service response message to UE2.

It should be noted that, when two the MTC terminals of the present embodiment in only having described are on the same group carried out MTC group communication business, the handling process of group charging identifier; When a plurality of MTC terminals are carried out MTC group communication business, the handling process of group charging identifier is also similar with the method for the present embodiment, repeats no more herein.

In embodiments of the invention two, batch total expense identification process entity is MME/SGSN, the present embodiment is described is when belonging to MTC terminal under same MME/SGSN scope (being that UE1 and UE2 belong in identical MME/SGSN compass of competency) and carrying out MTC group communication business, by described MME/SGSN assign group charging identifier, and be handed down to the scene of PGW/GGSN.Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention two, and as shown in Figure 4, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 401, UE1 sends business request information to MME/SGSN.

Step 402, MME/SGSN receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier;

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in service request, MME/SGSN first inquires in local network element and does not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, then to HSS, send query messages, inquire in HSS and also do not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, thereby by MME/SGSN, be new unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and be stored in local network element and HSS.

Step 403, MME/SGSN sends bearer update request message to PGW/GGSN, and indication PGW/GGSN is that the terminal UE 1 of carrying out this MTC group communication business is set up carrying.

In this bearer update request message, carried the newly assigned group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, this group charging identifier is stored in PGW/GGSN this locality.

Step 404, PGW/GGSN returns to bearer update response message to MME/SGSN.

Step 405, MME/SGSN returns to service response message to UE1.

Step 406, UE2 sends business request information to MME/SGSN.

Step 407, MME/SGSN receives business request information, therefrom obtains the information with this MTC group communication traffic aided, has inquired as this MTC group communication traffic assignments group charging identifier.

Step 408, MME/SGSN sends bearer update request message to PGW/GGSN, and indication PGW/GGSN is that the terminal UE 2 of carrying out this MTC group communication business is set up carrying.

In this bearer update request message, carried the group charging identifier having distributed, PGW/GGSN receives after this bearer update request message, can compare with the group charging identifier of this locality storage, discovery is local has stored group charging identifier corresponding to this MTC group communication business, does not organize accordingly charging identifier storage operation.

Step 409, PGW/GGSN returns to bearer update response message to MME/SGSN.

Step 410, MME/SGSN returns to service response message to UE2.

In embodiments of the invention three, batch total expense identification process entity is MME/SGSN, what the present embodiment was described is that the MTC terminal belonging under different MME/SGSN scopes (is that UE1 belongs in MME1/SGSN1 compass of competency, and UE2 belongs in MME2/SGSN2 compass of competency) while carrying out MTC group communication business, by MME/SGSN (being MME1/SGSN1) the assign group charging identifier at terminal (being UE1) place of first initiation group MTC communication service in group, and be handed down to the scene of IWF.Wherein, UE1 and UE2 belong to same MTC group, have the information such as identical MTC attribute and MTC group sign.Fig. 5 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention three, and as shown in Figure 5, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 501, UE1 sends business request information to MME1/SGSN1.

Step 502, MME1/SGSN1 receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier;

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in service request, MME1/SGSN1 first inquires in local network element and does not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, then to HSS, send query messages, inquire in HSS and also do not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, thereby by MME1/SGSN1, be new unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and be stored in local network element and HSS.

Step 503, MME1/SGSN1 sends business request information to IWF.

In business request information, carried the newly assigned group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business of MME1/SGSN1, this group charging identifier is stored in IWF this locality.

Step 504, IWF returns to service response message to MME1/SGSN1.

Step 505, MME1/SGSN1 returns to service response message to UE1.

Step 506, UE2 sends business request information to MME2/SGSN2.

Step 507, MME2/SGSN2 receives business request information, therefrom obtains the information with this MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes the inquiry of charging identifier, and not at local search to the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

Step 508, MME2/SGSN2 sends query messages to HSS, inquire the existence group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business in HSS, therefore, HSS returns to response message to MME2/SGSN2, wherein carry the group charging identifier inquiring, this group charging identifier is kept in MME2/SGSN2

Wherein, in above-mentioned query messages, carried the information with this MTC group communication traffic aided, this information comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

Step 509, MME2/SGSN2 sends business request information to IWF.

Step 510, IWF returns to service response message to MME2/SGSN2.

Step 511, MME2/SGSN2 returns to service response message to UE2.

In embodiments of the invention four, batch total expense identification process entity is MME/SGSN, what the present embodiment was described is that the MTC terminal belonging under different MME/SGSN scopes (is that UE1 belongs in MME1/SGSN1 compass of competency, and UE2 belongs in MME2/SGSN2 compass of competency) while carrying out MTC group communication business, by MME/SGSN (being MME1/SGSN1) the generation group charging identifier at terminal (being UE1) place of first initiation group MTC communication service in group, and be handed down to the scene of IWF.It should be noted that, this scene is a plurality of terminals MTC group communication business scenarios of initiating business request simultaneously.Be in the present embodiment, describe UE1 and UE2 and to the MME/SGSN at place separately, send business request information simultaneously, and by MME1/SGSN1 and MME2/SGSN2, be respectively the scene of identical MTC group communication business generation group charging identifier.Wherein, UE1 and UE2 belong to same MTC group, have the information such as identical MTC attribute and MTC group sign.Fig. 6 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention four, and as shown in Figure 6, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 601a～b, UE1 sends business request information to MME1/SGSN1, and meanwhile, UE2 sends business request information to MME2/SGSN2.

Wherein, UE1 and UE2 represent, in same MTC group terminal, to send the terminal of MTC group communication service request to different MME/SGSN simultaneously.

In described business request information, carried the information of MTC group communication traffic aided; The information of described MTC group communication traffic aided comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

Step 602a, MME1/SGSN1 receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier.

The information of described MTC group communication traffic aided comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in service request, MME1/SGSN1 first inquires in local network element and does not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, then to HSS, send query messages, inquire in HSS and also do not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, thereby by MME1/SGSN1, be new group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments (as generation group charging identifier 1), and be stored in local network element and HSS.

Step 602b, MME2/SGSN2 receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier.

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in service request, MME2/SGSN2 first inquires in local network element and does not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, then to HSS, send query messages, inquire in HSS and also do not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, thereby by MME2/SGSN2, be new group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments (as generation group charging identifier 2), and be stored in local network element and HSS.

It should be noted that, step 602b and step 602a carry out simultaneously, also identical to the handling process of group charging identifier.Therefore, in the scene of describing at the present embodiment, MME1/SGSN1, MME2/SGSN2 cannot inquire the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business in this locality with HSS place, so the group charging identifier that has been respectively identical MTC group communication traffic assignments: group charging identifier 1 and group charging identifier 2.

Step 603, group charging identifier redundancy handling process.

The mechanism of described group of charging identifier redundancy processing is: HSS can be according to the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, the MTC group communication business that judgement is initiated by different terminals belongs to a MTC group communication business, and be together a MTC group communication traffic assignments a plurality of groups of charging identifier; Then HSS is according to local policy, and for this MTC group communication service selection, one of them is organized charging identifier as unique group of charging identifier of this MTC group communication business and stores, and this group charging identifier is handed down to different MME/SGSN; The group charging identifier that MME/SGSN sends HSS replaces original group of charging identifier, as unique group of charging identifier of this MTC group communication business.

For example: in the present embodiment, because MME1/SGSN1 and MME2/SGSN2 do not inquire relevant group charging identifier in this locality and HSS, thus be respectively identical MTC group communication traffic assignments group charging identifier 1 and group charging identifier 2; The group charging identifier that sends each self-generating as MME1/SGSN1 and MME2/SGSN2 is stored to HSS, when HSS has found with a MTC group communication business correspondence two group charging identifier, carries out redundancy processing; HSS will be that one of them group charging identifier of this MTC group communication service selection is as unique group of charging identifier of this MTC group communication business, as the unique group charging identifier of selection group charging identifier 1 as this MTC group communication business according to local policy; HSS returns to MME1/SGSN1 and MME2/SGSN2 by group charging identifier 1.In MME1/SGSN1, the group charging identifier 1 that the group charging identifier 1 of having stored returns with HSS is identical, nothing impact after replacing; In MME2/SGSN2, the group charging identifier 1 that the group charging identifier 2 of having stored returns from HSS is different identical, and the group charging identifier 1 replacement group charging identifier 2 returning with HSS is stored in this locality.

Step 604～605, MME1/SGSN1 sends after business request information to IWF, and IWF returns to service response message to MME1/SGSN1.

In this business request information, carry the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business after reunification, organize charging identifier 1, and this group charging identifier is stored in IWF this locality.

Step 606～607, MME2/SGSN2 sends after business request information to IWF, and IWF returns to service response message to MME2/SGSN2.

In this business request information, carry group charging identifier after reunification, organize charging identifier 1, IWF receives after business request information, can compare with the group charging identifier of this locality storage, find to have stored group charging identifier corresponding to this MTC group communication business, thereby do not organize accordingly charging identifier storage operation.

Step 608, MME1/SGSN1 returns to service response message to UE1.

Step 609, MME2/SGSN2 returns to service response message to UE2.

It should be noted that, when two the MTC terminals (UE1 and UE2) of the present embodiment in only having described are on the same group carried out MTC group communication business simultaneously, generation, the redundancy of group charging identifier are processed and allocation flow; When a plurality of MTC terminals are carried out MTC group communication business simultaneously, the handling process of group charging identifier is also similar with the method for the present embodiment, repeats no more herein.

In embodiments of the invention five, batch total expense identification process entity is PGW/GGSN, what the present embodiment was described is that the MTC terminal belonging under different MME/SGSN scopes (is that UE1 belongs in MME1/SGSN1 compass of competency, and UE2 belongs in MME2/SGSN2 compass of competency) while carrying out MTC group communication business, by the same PGW/GGSN under different MTC terminals, distribute unique group charging identifier, and this group charging identifier is handed down to the scene of MME/SGSN storage.It should be noted that, the communication path of all terminals under this scene is identical, and as the present embodiment is described, all terminals of MTC are on the same group all that by MME/SGSN, to indicate PGW/GGSN be that MTC group communication business is set up bearing link and communicated.Wherein, UE1 and UE2 belong to same MTC group, have the information such as identical MTC attribute and MTC group sign.Fig. 7 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention five, and as shown in Figure 7, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 701, UE1 sends business request information to MME1/SGSN1.

In described business request information, carried the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, comprise MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

Step 702, MME1/SGSN1 sends bearer update request message to PGW/GGSN.

In described bearer update request message, carried the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, comprise MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

Step 703, PGW/GGSN receives after bearer update request message, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier;

According to the information of the MTC group communication traffic aided carrying in bearer update request message, PGW/GGSN inquires in local network element the storage group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC batch total expense communication service, by PGW/GGSN, is new unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments and is stored in this locality.

It should be noted that, according to this group charging identifier, charge system can be associated goes out the group CDR generating with the involved different network elements of MTC group communication business that once can charging.

Step 704, PGW/GGSN returns to bearer update response message to MME1/SGSN1, has wherein carried as unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments.

Step 705, MME1/SGSN1 is stored in the group charging identifier receiving in local and HSS.

Step 706, MME1/SGSN1 returns to service response message to UE1.

Step 707, UE2 sends business request information to MME2/SGSN2.

Step 708, MME2/SGSN2 sends bearer update request message to PGW/GGSN.

Step 709, PGW/GGSN receives bearer update request message, according to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of wherein carrying, at local search, arrives the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

Step 710, PGW/GGSN returns to bearer update response message to MME2/SGSN2.

Step 711, MME2/SGSN2 returns to service response message to UE2.

It should be noted that, when two the MTC terminals of the present embodiment in only having described are on the same group carried out MTC group communication business, the handling process of group charging identifier; When a plurality of MTC device ends carry out MTC group communication business, the handling process of group charging identifier is also similar with the method for the present embodiment, repeats no more herein.

In embodiments of the invention six, batch total expense identification process entity is PGW/GGSN, what the present embodiment was described is that the MTC terminal belonging under different MME/SGSN scopes (is that UE1 belongs in MME1/SGSN1 compass of competency, and UE2 belongs in MME2/SGSN2 compass of competency) while carrying out MTC group communication business, by the same PGW/GGSN under different MTC terminals, distribute unique group charging identifier, and this group charging identifier is handed down to the scene of MME/SGSN and IWF storage.It should be noted that, the communication path of the terminal under this scene is different, as the present embodiment, describing the MTC terminal belong to MME1/SGSN1 is to be that MTC group communication business is set up carrying communication by PGW/GGSN, and the MTC terminal that belongs to MME2/SGSN2 is directly to IWF, to send business request information to communicate.Wherein, UE1 and UE2 belong to same MTC group, have the information such as identical MTC attribute and MTC group sign.Fig. 8 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention six, and as shown in Figure 8, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 801, UE1 sends business request information to MME1/SGSN1.

In described business request information, carry the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, comprise MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

Step 802, MME1/SGSN1 receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes the inquiry of charging identifier;

The information of described MTC group communication traffic aided comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), further, can also comprise: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc., but be not limited to this several information.

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in service request, MME1/SGSN1 first inquires in local network element and does not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, then to HSS, send query messages, inquire in HSS and also do not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service.

Step 803, MME1/SGSN1 sends bearer update request message to PGW/GGSN.

The information of carrying MTC group communication traffic aided in described bearer update request message, comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

Step 804, PGW/GGSN receives after bearer update request message, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier;

The information of described MTC group communication traffic aided comprises MTC group sign (Group Id), can also comprise following at least one: MTC terminal iidentification, MTC type of service sign, MTC group type of service sign etc.Certainly, in the present embodiment, be also not limited in and comprise these information.

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in bearer update request message, PGW/GGSN inquires in local network element and does not store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, by PGW/GGSN, be new unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and be stored in this locality.

Step 805, PGW/GGSN returns to bearer update response message to MME1/SGSN1, has wherein carried as unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments.

Step 806, MME1/SGSN1 is stored in the group charging identifier receiving in local and HSS.

Step 807, MME1/SGSN1 returns to service response message to UE1.

Step 808, UE2 sends business request information to MME2/SGSN2.

Step 809, MME2/SGSN2 receives business request information, therefrom obtains the information with this MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes the inquiry of charging identifier, and not at local search to the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business;

Step 810, MME2/SGSN2 sends query messages to HSS, inquire in HSS and stored the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, the group charging identifier that HSS inquires sends to MME2/SGSN2, and this group charging identifier is stored in MME2/SGSN2.

Step 811, MME2/SGSN2 sends business request information to IWF, has wherein carried the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business; IWF is stored in the local backward MME2/SGSN2 of IWF by this group charging identifier and returns to service response message.

Step 812, MME2/SGSN2 returns to service response message to UE2.

In embodiments of the invention seven, batch total expense identification process entity is IWF, what the present embodiment was described is that the MTC terminal belonging under different MME/SGSN scopes (is that UE1 belongs in MME1/SGSN1 compass of competency, and UE2 belongs in MME2/SGSN2 compass of competency) while carrying out MTC group communication business, by the same IWF under different MTC terminals, distribute unique group charging identifier, and this group charging identifier is handed down to the scene of different MME/SGSN storages.It should be noted that, this scene is that MTC terminal sends the upstream data communication scene of service request to IWF, and the communication path of terminal is not identical.As the present embodiment, describing the MTC terminal belong to MME1/SGSN1 is that MTC group communication business is set up after carrying by PGW/GGSN, communicates with IWF; And the MTC terminal that belongs to MME2/SGSN2 directly communicates to IWF transmission business request information.Wherein, UE1 and UE2 belong to same MTC group, have the information such as identical MTC attribute and MTC group sign.Fig. 9 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention seven, and as shown in Figure 9, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 901, UE1 sends business request information to MME1/SGSN1.

Step 902, MME1/SGSN1 receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes the inquiry of charging identifier;

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, MME/SGSN is not batch total expense identification process entity.Therefore,, when MME/SGSN does not all inquire the group charging identifier with this MTC group communication traffic aided in local and HSS, to IWF, send a request message, and distribute required group charging identifier by IWF.

Step 903, MME1/SGSN1 sends business request information to IWF.

Step 904, IWF receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier;

According to the relevant information of the MTC group communication business of carrying in business request information, IWF inquires in local network element and HSS and does not all store with this MTC batch total and take group charging identifier corresponding to communication service, by IWF, be new unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments, and be stored in local network element and HSS.

Step 905, IWF returns to service response message to MME1/SGSN1, has wherein carried as unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments.

Step 906, MME1/SGSN1 will receive group charging identifier and be stored in this locality.

Step 907, while carrying out data communication, sends bearer update request message by MME1/SGSN1 to PGW/GGSN with SCS if UE need to set up carrying by PGW.

In described bearer update request message, carried the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, PGW/GGSN is stored in this locality by this group charging identifier.

Step 908, PGW/GGSN returns to bearer update response message to MME1/SGSN1.

Step 909, MME1/SGSN1 returns to service response message to UE1.

Step 910, UE2 sends business request information to MME2/SGSN2.

Step 911, MME2/SGSN2 receives business request information, therefrom obtains the information with this MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes the inquiry of charging identifier, and not at local search to the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business;

Step 912, MME2/SGSN2 sends query messages to HSS, inquires in HSS and has stored the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, and HSS sends to MME2/SGSN2 by this group charging identifier, the group charging identifier that MME2/SGSN2 storing received arrives.

Step 913, MME2/SGSN2 sends after business request information to IWF, and IWF returns to service response message to MME2/SGSN2.

In described business request information, carried the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business having distributed, after IWF receives, can compare with the group charging identifier of this locality storage, find to have stored group charging identifier corresponding to this MTC group communication business, do not carry out the storage operation of respective sets charging identifier.

Step 914, MME2/SGSN2 returns to service response message to UE2.

In embodiments of the invention eight, batch total expense identification process entity is IWF, what the present embodiment was described is that the MTC terminal belonging under different MME/SGSN scopes (is that UE1 belongs in MME1/SGSN1 compass of competency, and UE2 belongs in MME2/SGSN2 compass of competency) while carrying out MTC group communication business, by the same IWF under different MTC terminals, distribute unique group charging identifier, and this group charging identifier is handed down to the scene of different MME/SGSN storages.It should be noted that, this scene is that IWF receives after the notice of SCS, sends the downlink data communication scenes of service request to MTC terminal.Wherein, UE1 and UE2 belong to same MTC group, have the information such as identical MTC attribute and MTC group sign.Figure 10 is the flow chart of the embodiment of the present invention eight, and as shown in figure 10, this flow process mainly comprises:

Step 1001SCS sends business request information to IWF

It should be noted that, above-mentioned business request information can be to issue the business request information of all terminals in group, or issues the business request information of a plurality of terminals in group.

Step 1002, IWF receives after business request information, therefrom obtains the information of MTC group communication traffic aided, organizes inquiry, distribution and the storage of charging identifier;

Step 1003, IWF sends business request information to MME1/SGSN1.

Wherein, in described business request information, also carried as unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments.

Step 1004, MME1/SGSN1 receives after group charging identifier, is stored in local network element.

Step 1005, MME1/SGSN1 sends business request information to UE1.

Step 1006, IWF sends business request information to MME2/SGSN2.

In described business request information, also carried as unique group charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments.

It should be noted that, this step can be carried out with step 1003 simultaneously, be IWF can be simultaneously sends business request information to the MME/SGSN under different MTC terminals, wherein carry that distributed and unique group charging identifier this MTC group communication traffic aided.

Step 1007, MME2/SGSN2 receives after group charging identifier, is stored in local network element.

Step 1008, MME2/SGSN2 sends business request information to UE2.

Distribution and the delivery method of the group charging identifier of the corresponding embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention also provides a kind of structural representation of batch total expense identification process entity, as shown in figure 11, this processing entities mainly comprises: enquiry module 10, processing module 20 and storage forwarding module 30.It should be noted that, this processing entities can be MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW or GGSN.

Wherein, enquiry module 10 for after receiving request message, obtains the information with this MTC group communication traffic aided from request message, and whether inquiry exists the unique group charging identifier having distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business; If do not inquire the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, notification handler module 20 is unique group of new charging identifier of this MTC group communication traffic assignments; If inquire the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business, notify storage forwarding module 30 these group charging identifier of storage and be transmitted to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business;

Whether inquiry there is the unique group charging identifier having distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business, can be in the following manner:

According to that obtain and information this MTC group communication traffic aided, inquire about local network element and whether stored the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business; And/or, according to that obtain and information this MTC group communication traffic aided, to HSS, send query messages, in inquiry HSS, whether stored the group charging identifier corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

Wherein, described request message can be business request information or bearer update request message.

Processing module 20, for after receiving the notification message of enquiry module 10, for corresponding unique group of new charging identifier of MTC group communication traffic assignments, and newly assigned group of charging identifier is forwarded to storage forwarding module 30, this group charging identifier is stored and forwarded to notice storage forwarding module 30;

The embodiment of the present invention is not specifically limited the method for salary distribution of group charging identifier; the form of expression of group charging identifier is also not specifically limited, the group charging identifier method of salary distribution of any applicable embodiment of the present invention and the protection range that the form of expression should all belong to the embodiment of the present invention in actual answering.

Storage forwarding module 30, for after receiving the notification message of enquiry module 10, stores the group charging identifier corresponding with local MTC group communication business, and this group charging identifier is transmitted to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business;

Or, storage forwarding module 30 is after receiving the notification message of processing module 20, newly assigned corresponding with this MTC group communication business group charging identifier that storage is wherein carried, and newly assigned group of charging identifier is transmitted to other related network elements of this MTC group communication business.

Preferably, storage forwarding module 30 is further used for, and newly assigned group of charging identifier sent to HSS, notifies described HSS to preserve described newly assigned batch total expense and is identified in the CAMEL-Subscription-Information with corresponding terminal;

Accordingly, during HSS receives that plural batch total expense identification process entity sends the different group charging identifier corresponding from this MTC group communication business, HSS selects one of them group charging identifier as the group charging identifier of this MTC group communication business, and notify described batch total expense identification process entity renewal group charging identifier, described batch total takes the group charging identifier of identification process entity using the group charging identifier of HSS selection as this MTC communication service.

Wherein, other above-mentioned network elements can be MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW, GGSN or HSS.

The above, be only preferred embodiment of the present invention, is not intended to limit protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. distribution and a delivery method of organizing charging identifier, is characterized in that, the method comprises:

2. organize according to claim 1 distribution and the delivery method of charging identifier, it is characterized in that, according in described request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, whether inquiry there is the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business, comprising:

3. according to distribution and the delivery method of organizing charging identifier described in claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that, the method also comprises:

4. according to distribution and the delivery method of organizing charging identifier described in claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that, described request message is business request information or bearer update request message.

5. according to distribution and the delivery method of organizing charging identifier described in claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that, the method further comprises: described batch total takes after the GCID that identification process entity partitioning is new, newly assigned GCID is sent to HSS, and described HSS preserves described newly assigned GCID in the CAMEL-Subscription-Information with corresponding terminal.

6. organize according to claim 5 distribution and the delivery method of charging identifier, it is characterized in that, the method further comprises: during described HSS receives that plural batch total expense identification process entity sends the different GCID corresponding from this MTC group communication business, HSS selects one of them GCID as the GCID of this MTC group communication business, and notify described batch total expense identification process entity to upgrade GCID, described batch total takes the GCID of identification process entity using the GCID of HSS selection as this MTC communication service.

7. according to distribution and the delivery method of organizing charging identifier described in claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that, described batch total expense identification process entity is Mobility Management Entity MME, service universal grouping wireless business supporting node SGSN, interoperability functional entity IWF, packet data network gateway PGW or ggsn GGSN.

8. according to distribution and the delivery method of organizing charging identifier described in claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that, described other network elements are MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW, GGSN or HSS.

9. batch total takes an identification process entity, it is characterized in that, comprising: enquiry module, processing module and storage forwarding module, wherein,

10. batch total takes identification process entity according to claim 9, it is characterized in that, described enquiry module is further used for, according in described request message with the information of this MTC group communication traffic aided, inquire about described batch total expense identification process entity this locality and whether stored the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business; And/or, in inquiry home subscriber server HSS, whether stored the GCID that distributed corresponding with this MTC group communication business.

11. take identification process entity according to batch total described in claim 9 or 10, it is characterized in that, described request message is business request information or bearer update request message.

12. take identification process entity according to batch total described in claim 9 or 10, it is characterized in that, described storage forwarding module is further used for, and newly assigned GCID is sent to HSS, notifies described HSS to preserve described newly assigned GCID in the CAMEL-Subscription-Information with corresponding terminal.

13. take identification process entity according to batch total described in claim 9 or 10, it is characterized in that, during described HSS receives that plural batch total expense identification process entity sends the different GCID corresponding from this MTC group communication business, HSS selects one of them GCID as the GCID of this MTC group communication business, and notify described batch total expense identification process entity to upgrade GCID, described batch total takes the GCID of identification process entity using the GCID of HSS selection as this MTC communication service.

14. take identification process entity according to batch total described in claim 9 or 10, it is characterized in that, described batch total expense identification process entity is Mobility Management Entity MME, service universal grouping wireless business supporting node SGSN, interoperability functional entity IWF, packet data network gateway PGW or ggsn GGSN.

15. take identification process entity according to batch total described in claim 9 or 10, it is characterized in that, described other network elements are MME, SGSN, IWF, PGW, GGSN or HSS.