WO2013007142A1

WO2013007142A1 - Usage monitoring method and system

Info

Publication number: WO2013007142A1
Application number: PCT/CN2012/077033
Authority: WO
Inventors: 毛玉欣; 周晓云; 吴锦花
Original assignee: 中兴通讯股份有限公司
Priority date: 2011-07-11
Filing date: 2012-06-15
Publication date: 2013-01-17
Also published as: CN102883342B; CN102883342A

Abstract

Disclosed is a usage monitoring method, comprising: an OCS receiving a usage monitoring request from a PCRF; the OCS making a usage monitoring decision, and delivering usage monitoring information to the PCRF; the PCRF making a policy decision, and delivering a control policy and a usage monitoring notification to a PCEF; the PCEF performing usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification delivered by the PCRF, or, the OCS assigning a threshold value to users in a group according to group user subscription usage information, and delivering the threshold value to the PCRF; the PCRF making a usage monitoring decision and a policy decision according to the threshold value, and delivering the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF; and the PCEF performing the usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification delivered by the PCRF. Further disclosed is a usage monitoring system. By means of the present invention, usage monitoring of group users can be implemented.

Description

一种用量监控方法及*** 技术领域 Method and system for monitoring usage

本发明涉及通信领域，尤其涉及一种对用量监控方法及***。背景技术 The present invention relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a method and system for monitoring usage. Background technique

图 1为第三代合作伙伴计划 ( 3rd Generation Partnership Project, 3GPP ) 定义的针对移动网络的策略和计费控制（ Policy and Charging Control, PCC ) 架构示意图，该 3GPP PCC R8架构中各实体功能描述如下： Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) architecture for a mobile network defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The functions of the entities in the 3GPP PCC R8 architecture are described below. :

策略和计费规则功能 (Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF )，为业务包含的业务数据流在传输过程中使用网络资源制定资源控制策略，包括服务质量（ Quality of Service, QoS )控制策略和计费控制策略； The Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) is used to formulate resource control policies for the service data flows included in the service, including Quality of Service (QoS) control policies and accounting. Control Strategy;

策略和计费执行功能 ( Policy and Charging Enforcement Function , PCEF ), 用于执行 PCRF下发的或者 PCEF上预配置的 PCC规则，对网络上传输的 IP报文进行检测，识别该 IP报文隶属的业务数据流，并对业务数据流提供 QoS和计费控制； The Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) is used to perform the PCC rule delivered by the PCRF or preconfigured on the PCEF to detect the IP packet transmitted on the network and identify the IP packet to which the IP packet belongs. Service data flow, and provide QoS and charging control for service data flows;

承载绑定和事件上报功能 ( Bearer Binding and Event Report Function, Bearer Binding and Event Report Function (Bearer Binding and Event Report Function,

BBERF ), 主要用于对网络上传输的 IP报文进行检测，并将 IP报文按照规则映射到对应的承载通道上。 BBERF还执行承载相关事件的上报，例如当承载丟失，或者发生接入网络切换的时候，都需要将相应的事件上报给 PCRF, 请求 PCRF进行相应的决策； BBERF) is used to detect IP packets transmitted on the network and map IP packets to corresponding bearer channels according to rules. The BBERF also performs the reporting of the bearer-related event. For example, when the bearer is lost or the access network is switched, the corresponding event is reported to the PCRF to request the PCRF to make a corresponding decision.

用户签约存储（Subscription Profile Repository, SPR ), 用于保存用户签约的业务信息，为 PCRF制订 PCC规则提供必要的用户签约信息； User Profile Repository (SPR), which is used to store the service information subscribed by the user, and provides necessary user subscription information for the PCF to formulate PCC rules;

在线计费*** (Online Charging System, OCS )和离线计费***（ Offline Charging System, OFCS )分别用于离线和在线计费。在用户开展业务过程中， PCC按照如下原理为业务（由若干业务数据流组成 )在传输过程中动态提供 QoS保证： The Online Charging System (OCS) and the Offline Charging System (OFCS) are used for offline and online charging, respectively. During the user's business process, the PCC dynamically provides QoS guarantees during the transmission process for the service (composed of several service data streams) according to the following principles:

业务包含的每个业务数据流都对应一个具体的 PCC规则， PCC规则中定义了该业务数据流传输时需要使用的 QoS资源。在业务数据流在承载网络中传输之前， PCRF需要根据各种信息为业务数据流决策并制定 PCC规则。 PCRF决策并制定 PCC规则所依据的信息包括： Each service data stream included in the service corresponds to a specific PCC rule. The PCC rules define the QoS resources to be used when the service data stream is transmitted. Before the traffic is transmitted in the bearer network, the PCRF needs to make decisions and formulate PCC rules for the traffic data based on various information. The information on which the PCRF decisions and develops PCC rules includes:

1 )从 AF接收的业务协商信息，该业务协商信息就是用户开展业务时和通信对端协商的开展所述业务的信息，例如开展所述业务对 QoS的要求，通信双方使用的 IP地址、端口号、所使用的协议等信息； 1) Service negotiation information received from the AF, the service negotiation information is information for conducting the service negotiated with the communication peer when the user conducts the service, for example, performing the QoS requirement of the service, and the IP address and port used by the communication parties. Number, protocol used, etc.;

2 )从 SPR接收的用户签约信息，例如用户签约信息中包含用户和运营商签约的 QoS信息。用户开展业务时，业务对 QoS的要求不能超过用户签约信息所规定的用户可以使用的 QoS信息； 2) The user subscription information received from the SPR, for example, the user subscription information includes the QoS information signed by the user and the operator. When a user conducts a service, the service's QoS requirements cannot exceed the QoS information that the user can use according to the user's subscription information;

3 ) PCRF 自身存储的运营商自定义策略。例如运营商对漫游用户和非漫游用户开展业务需要区分控制，这种运营商自行定义的区分控制策略可以配置在 PCRF上； 3) The operator-defined policy stored by the PCRF itself. For example, the operator needs to distinguish between the roaming user and the non-roaming user. The operator-defined differentiated control policy can be configured on the PCRF.

4 )从 PCEF或者 BBERF上接收的接入相关信息。例如用户附着到网络时， PCRF需要通过 PCEF或者 BBERF获取用户接入网络的信息，以供 PCRF为用户开展业务进行策略决策； 4) Access related information received from PCEF or BBERF. For example, when a user attaches to the network, the PCRF needs to obtain the information of the user accessing the network through the PCEF or the BBERF, so that the PCRF can make policy decisions for the user to conduct the service;

5 )从 OCS 获取用户的信用信息。例如一旦用户的信用用完或者不够时， PCRF就无法授权所述用户开展业务。 5) Obtain the user's credit information from OCS. For example, once the user's credit is exhausted or insufficient, the PCRF cannot authorize the user to conduct business.

PCRF根据上述信息对业务数据流决策制定 PCC规则，并将 PCC规则下发给 PCEF (如果网络中存在 BBERF, 则 PCRF还需要制定 QoS规则，并下发给 BBERF )。 PCEF需要根据 PCC规则的 QoS要求建立相应的承载，并将 PCC规则绑定到对应的承载上（如果网络中存在 BBERF,则由 BBERF 根据 QoS规则建立承载）。如果网络中已经有和 PCC规则或者 QoS规则指示的 QoS相匹配的承载，则将所述 PCC规则或者 QoS规则绑定到已有的承载上。 Based on the above information, the PCRF formulates a PCC rule for the service data flow decision, and sends the PCC rule to the PCEF. If the BBERF exists in the network, the PCRF also needs to formulate a QoS rule and deliver it to the BBERF. The PCEF needs to establish a corresponding bearer according to the QoS requirements of the PCC rule, and bind the PCC rule to the corresponding bearer (if there is a BBERF in the network, the BBERF establishes a bearer according to the QoS rule). If there are already PCC rules or QoS rules in the network If the indicated QoS matches the bearer, the PCC rule or the QoS rule is bound to the existing bearer.

此后，当用户开展业务，业务数据流在承载网络上传输的时候，终端和网络设备可以 ^^据五元组（由源 IP地址、源端口号、目的 IP地址、目的端口号、协议组成）将组成该业务数据流的 IP报文匹配到相应的 PCC规则 /QoS规则，根据 PCC规则 /QoS规则和承载的绑定关系，就可以将所述业务数据流匹配到相应的承载上，从而为业务数据流在承载网络上的传输提供 QoS保证。当用户开展的业务结束的时候，相应的 PCC规则需要从承载网络上删除，即释放分配给所述业务使用的 QoS资源。通过上述 PCC机制一方面可以按照业务对 QoS的需求分配相应的 QoS资源，另一方面实现了需要 QoS资源时就可以分配，不需要 QoS资源时，就可以及时释放，因此通过 PCC机制可以达到提升用户业务体验,提高网络资源使用效率的目的。 Thereafter, when the user conducts the service and the service data stream is transmitted on the bearer network, the terminal and the network device can be based on the quintuple (composed of the source IP address, the source port number, the destination IP address, the destination port number, and the protocol). The IP packet constituting the service data stream is matched to the corresponding PCC rule/QoS rule, and the service data stream can be matched to the corresponding bearer according to the PCC rule/QoS rule and the bearer binding relationship, thereby The service data flow provides QoS guarantee for transmission on the bearer network. When the service carried out by the user ends, the corresponding PCC rule needs to be deleted from the bearer network, that is, the QoS resource allocated to the service is released. On the one hand, the PCC mechanism can allocate corresponding QoS resources according to the QoS requirements of the service. On the other hand, when the QoS resources are needed, the QoS resources can be allocated. When the QoS resources are not needed, the QoS resources can be released in time, so that the PCC mechanism can be upgraded. User service experience to improve the efficiency of network resource usage.

为了提高网络营运的灵活性，例如对于某种业务，运营商希望前 10M 是供用户***的，当用户的用量超出 10M之后，就需要收取费用；再比如运营商希望用户的用量在 10M之内使用一种带宽保证，当用量超出 10M之后需要对用户的带宽进行限制。对于上述场景，就要求用户开展业务时， PCRF向 PCEF下发针对业务的控制策略的同时，还需要下发用量监控指示，要求 PCEF对所述业务实施用量监控，当所述业务的流量达到监控所要求的阈值时， PCEF就要对用量监控实施上报，以便 PCRF重新对所述业务进行策略决策，产生新的控制策略。 In order to improve the flexibility of network operation, for example, for a certain service, the operator hopes that the first 10M is free for users. When the user's usage exceeds 10M, the fee is charged. For example, the operator wants the user to use 10M. A bandwidth guarantee is used internally, and the bandwidth of the user needs to be limited after the usage exceeds 10M. In the above scenario, when the user is required to perform the service, the PCRF sends a control policy for the service to the PCEF, and also needs to send the usage monitoring indication, and the PCEF is required to perform the usage monitoring on the service, and the traffic of the service reaches the monitoring. When the threshold is required, the PCEF reports the usage monitoring, so that the PCRF re-strategizes the service and generates a new control strategy.

图 2为现有技术中用量监控的实现流程示意图，如图 2所示，该流程包括： FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of usage monitoring in the prior art. As shown in FIG. 2, the process includes:

步驟 A: PCRF向 PCEF下发用量监控。 Step A: The PCRF sends a dose monitoring to the PCEF.

业务由一个或者多个业务数据流构成，对业务实施策略控制在现实时实际上是针对业务数据流的策略控制，通过 PCRF为业务数据流制定控制策略（PCC规则 )并下发给 PCEF执行，实现针对业务的策略控制。如果需要对该业务实施用量监控，则在 PCRF向 PCEF下发的 PCC规则（ charging rule definition ) 中包含用量监控标识 ( monitoring key ), 同时 PCRF 为该 monitoring key产生一个用量监控信息 ( usage monitoring information ) 并下发给 PCEF。 Usage monitoring information中包含所述 monitoring key、分配的阈值 ( granted service unit ) 以及其他信息。 The service consists of one or more service data flows. The policy control of the service implementation is actually the policy control for the service data flow, and the control is implemented for the service data flow through the PCRF. The policy (PCC rules) is sent to the PCEF for implementation to implement policy control for the service. If the usage monitoring is performed on the service, the PCR rule sent to the PCEF includes a monitoring key, and the PCRF generates a usage monitoring information for the monitoring key. And issued to PCEF. The usage monitoring information includes the monitoring key, the granted service unit, and other information.

例如流程中需要实施用量监控的业务包含了业务数据流 -1 和业务数据流 -2, 则 PCRF向 PCEF下发用量监控指示的过程具体如步驟 A1-A3描述： For example, the process of performing the usage monitoring in the process includes the service data flow -1 and the service data flow -2, and the process of the PCRF sending the usage monitoring indication to the PCEF is as described in steps A1-A3:

Al. PCEF向 PCRF发送 CCR请求； Al. PCEF sends a CCR request to the PCRF;

A2. PCRF向 PCEF下发 CCA响应，包含 PCC规则 -1 (用 charging rule definition- 1表示 )、 PCC规则 -2(用 charging rule definition-2表示 )已经 usage monitoring information。其中, A2. The PCRF sends a CCA response to the PCEF, including PCC rule -1 (represented by charging rule definition-1) and PCC rule-2 (represented by charging rule definition-2). among them,

PCC规则 -1中包含了 PCC规则名（用 charging rule name-1表示），和 monitoring key; PCC rule -1 contains the PCC rule name (represented by charging rule name-1), and monitoring key;

PCC规则 -2中包含了 PCC规则名（用 charging rule name-2表示），和 monitoring key; PCC Rule -2 contains the PCC rule name (represented by charging rule name-2), and monitoring key;

Usage monitoring information中包含了上述 monitoring key, 以及 PCRF 为其分配的阈值 ( granted service unit )。 The usage monitoring information contains the above monitoring key and the assigned service unit to which the PCRF is assigned.

PCRF也可在发送给 PCEF的 RAR消息中包含上述用量监控信息。 A3.对应 PCRF向 PCEF下发 RAR消息，则 PCEF向 PCRF返回 RAA 消息。 The PCRF may also include the above usage monitoring information in the RAR message sent to the PCEF. A3. The corresponding PCRF sends a RAR message to the PCEF, and the PCEF returns an RAA message to the PCRF.

步驟 B: 当 PCEF收到 PCRF下发的 PCC规则后，安装规则。按照用量监控信息，对 PCC规则对应的业务数据流（即业务数据流 1和业务数据流 2 ) 实施用量监控。 Step B: After the PCEF receives the PCC rules delivered by the PCRF, the rules are installed. According to the usage monitoring information, the usage monitoring is performed on the service data flows corresponding to the PCC rules (ie, the service data stream 1 and the service data stream 2).

步驟 C: PCEF上报用量监控。步驟 c具体可以包括： Step C: PCEF reports usage monitoring. Step c specifically includes:

C1. 当 PCEF对该 Monitoring Key监控的累计用量达到步驟 A2下发的阈值时， PCEF进行用量监控上报。 PCEF向 PCRF发送 CCR消息，携带 Usage Monitoring Information , 其中包含上述 Monitoring Key以及累计用量 ( Used Service Unit )。 C1. When the cumulative amount of PCEF monitoring for the Monitoring Key reaches the threshold issued in step A2, the PCEF performs the usage monitoring report. The PCEF sends a CCR message to the PCRF, carrying the Usage Monitoring Information, which includes the above Monitoring Key and the Used Service Unit.

C2. PCRF向 PCEF返回 CCA响应。 C2. The PCRF returns a CCA response to the PCEF.

步驟 D: 根据上报的用量， PCRF对利用该 monitoring key进行用量监控的业务数据流（即业务数据流 -1 和业务数据流 -2 ) 重新制定相应的控制策略。 Step D: According to the reported usage, the PCRF re-defines the corresponding control policy for the service data flow (ie, the service data stream -1 and the service data stream -2) that is monitored by the monitoring key.

步驟 E: PCRF重新制定策略下发。 Step E: The PCRF re-strategization is issued.

步驟 E具体可以包括： Step E specifically includes:

El . PCRF向 PCEF下发 RAR消息，为业务数据流 1和 2重新下发控制策略。 The PCRF sends a RAR message to the PCEF to re-issue the control policy for service data flows 1 and 2.

E2. PCEF向 PCRF返回响应。 E2. PCEF returns a response to PCRF.

上述流程描述的是对单个业务的用量监控。同时需求中也描述了针对用户采取用量监控。用户可以开展多种业务，对用户的用量监控实际上是针对多个业务进行用量监控的支持。利用上述用量监控上报机制在实现对用户开展的多个业务实施用量监控时，就需要由同一网络设备管理用户的签约用量。由于用户附着时就选择了一个为其服务的 PCRF, 即用户开展的各种业务都由该 PCRF提供策略控制，因此由上述 PCRF管理用户的签约用量，同时为用户开展的多个业务分配相同的 monitoring key, 就可以实现针对用户开展的多个业务实施用量监控。 The above process describes the usage monitoring of a single service. At the same time, the demand also describes the usage monitoring for the user. Users can carry out a variety of services, and monitoring the usage of users is actually supporting the monitoring of usage for multiple services. When the above-mentioned usage monitoring and reporting mechanism is used to implement the usage monitoring of multiple services performed by the user, the same network device needs to manage the user's subscription usage. Since the user selects a PCRF for the service when the user attaches, that is, the various services carried out by the user are controlled by the PCRF, the PCRF manages the subscription amount of the user, and simultaneously allocates the same service for multiple services performed by the user. With the monitoring key, it is possible to implement usage monitoring for multiple services performed by users.

在实际运营中还存在一种需求，就是需要针对一组用户实施用量监控。例如，运营商开通家庭套餐，签约一定的免费用量，这个家庭中的每个成员都可以使用该签约免费用量，一旦免费用量超出之后，针对该家庭成员的用量都要计费。再如集团用户套餐，对于集团内用户在体验某一类业务时在签约用量内可以获得较高的业务体验，当超出签约用量时，就无法保证所述业务的体验效果。对于上述家庭用户或集团用户（统称为组用户），虽然组用户内的每个成员可以共享签约用量，但是不能保证组内用户附着到网络的时候都能选择到同一个 PCRF, 因此就无法使用 PCRF管理组用户的签约用量，利用现有用量监控机制无法实现对组用户实施用量监控。另外，组内用户也可能使用不同的 SPR保存签约信息，例如实际运营中运营商选择将 PCRF和 SPR合设，这样 SPR也不适合统一管理组用户的签约用量，并对组用户实施用量监控。总之，目前尚未提出对组用户实施用量监控的有效方案。发明内容 There is also a need in actual operations, that is, the need to implement usage monitoring for a group of users. For example, the operator opens a family package and signs a certain amount of free usage. Each member of the family can use the contracted free usage. Once the free usage is exceeded, the family member is The usage must be billed. Another example is the group user package. When a group of users experience a certain type of service, they can obtain a higher service experience in the contracted usage. When the contracted usage is exceeded, the experience of the service cannot be guaranteed. For the above-mentioned home users or group users (collectively referred to as group users), although each member in the group user can share the contracted usage amount, but cannot guarantee that the users in the group can select the same PCRF when attaching to the network, it cannot be used. The contracted usage of the users of the PCRF management group cannot be used to monitor the usage of the group users by using the existing usage monitoring mechanism. In addition, the users in the group may also use different SPRs to save the subscription information. For example, the operator chooses to combine the PCRF and the SPR in the actual operation, so that the SPR is not suitable for the unified management group user's subscription usage, and the group users are monitored for usage. In summary, no effective solution for implementing monitoring of group users has been proposed. Summary of the invention

有鉴于此，本发明实施例的主要目的在于提供一种用量监控方法及系统，能够实现对组用户的用量监控。 In view of this, the main purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a usage monitoring method and system, which can implement monitoring of usage of group users.

为达到上述目的，本发明实施例的技术方案是这样实现的： To achieve the above objective, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is implemented as follows:

一种用量监控方法，包括： A usage monitoring method includes:

在线计费*** OCS接收来自策略和计费规则功能 PCRF的用量监控请求； Online charging system OCS receives usage monitoring requests from the policy and charging rules function PCRF;

OCS进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息； The OCS performs the usage monitoring decision and sends the usage monitoring information to the PCRF;

PCRF进行策略决策，并向策略和计费执行功能 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知； The PCRF performs policy decision and sends a control policy and usage monitoring notification to the policy and charging execution function PCEF.

PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知执行用量监控。所述用量监控请求包括：需要进行用量监控的用户标识、需要进行用量监控的用户所属的用户组标识、以及用量监控指示。 The PCEF performs usage monitoring based on the control policy and usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF. The usage monitoring request includes: a user identifier that needs to perform usage monitoring, a user group identifier to which the user needs to perform usage monitoring, and an usage monitoring indication.

所述 OCS进行用量监控决策为：决策用量监控状态，并根据组用户签约用量信息为所述组内用户分配监控键和监控阈值，所述用量监控信息包括：分配给所述组内用户的监控键、监控阈值和用量监控状态。 The OCS performs the usage monitoring decision as: the decision usage monitoring status, and assigns a monitoring key and a monitoring threshold to the users in the group according to the group user subscription information. The usage monitoring information includes: a monitoring key, a monitoring threshold, and a usage monitoring status assigned to users in the group.

所述 PCRF进行策略决策，并向所述 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知包括： The PCRF performs a policy decision and delivers a control policy and usage monitoring notification to the PCEF, including:

所述 PCRF根据用量监控状态进行策略决策产生控制策略，所述控制策略包含所述监控键， The PCRF performs a policy decision generation control policy according to the usage monitoring state, and the control policy includes the monitoring key.

所述 PCRF向所述 PCEF下发的用量监控通知至少包含所述监控键和所述监控阈值。 The usage monitoring notification delivered by the PCRF to the PCEF includes at least the monitoring key and the monitoring threshold.

所述 OCS在接收来自所述 PCRF的用量监控请求之前，该方法还包括：所述 PCRF根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送所述用量监控请求，如果所述签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF 向所述 OCS发送用量监控请求。 Before the OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, the method further includes: the PCRF determining, according to the usage monitoring indication in the user subscription information, whether to send the usage monitoring request, if the subscription information indicates the The user initiates usage monitoring, and the PCRF sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS.

该方法还包括： The method also includes:

所述 PCEF向 OCS上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量； The PCEF reports usage monitoring to the OCS, where the reporting includes the monitoring key and the cumulative monitoring usage;

OCS根据所述上报的累计监控用量进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息，包括： The OCS performs the usage monitoring decision according to the reported total monitoring usage amount, and delivers the usage monitoring information to the PCRF, including:

如果 OCS决策对所述用户继续执行用量监控，则决策产生用量监控状态，为所述监控键分配新的监控阈值，向 PCRF下发的所述用量监控信息中包含所述用量监控状态、所述监控键和所述监控阈值； If the OCS decision continues to perform the usage monitoring on the user, the decision generates a usage monitoring status, and the monitoring key is assigned a new monitoring threshold, and the usage monitoring information sent to the PCRF includes the usage monitoring status, a monitoring key and the monitoring threshold;

如果 OCS决策不对所述用户继续执行用量监控，则决策产生用量监控状态，向 PCRF下发的所述用量监控信息中包含所述用量监控状态。 If the OCS decision does not continue to perform the usage monitoring on the user, the decision generates a usage monitoring status, and the usage monitoring information sent to the PCRF includes the usage monitoring status.

所述 PCEF向 OCS上报累计监控用量为： PCEF通过 PCRF向 OCS上报累计监控用量，或者，直接向 OCS上报累计监控用量。 The PCEF reports the cumulative monitoring usage to the OCS as follows: The PCEF reports the cumulative monitoring usage to the OCS through the PCRF, or reports the cumulative monitoring usage directly to the OCS.

一种用量监控方法，包括： OCS接收来自 PCRF的用量监控请求； A usage monitoring method includes: The OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF;

OCS根据组用户签约用量信息为组内用户分配阈值，并向 PCRF下发所述阈值； The OCS allocates a threshold to the user in the group according to the group user subscription information, and delivers the threshold to the PCRF.

PCRF根据所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知； The PCRF performs the usage monitoring decision and the policy decision according to the threshold, and sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF;

PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知，执行用量监控。所述用量监控请求包括：需要进行用量监控的用户标识、需要进行用量监控的用户所属的用户组标识、以及用量监控指示。 The PCEF performs usage monitoring based on the control policy and usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF. The usage monitoring request includes: a user identifier that needs to perform usage monitoring, a user group identifier to which the user needs to perform usage monitoring, and an usage monitoring indication.

PCRF根据所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策包括： The PCRF performs the usage monitoring decision and the policy decision according to the threshold:

PCRF为所述组内用户分配监控键，并根据所述阈值为所述监控键分配监控阈值； PCRF进行策略决策产生控制策略，所述控制策略包含所述监控键。 The PCRF allocates a monitoring key to the user in the group, and assigns a monitoring threshold according to the threshold value; the PCRF performs a policy decision generating control policy, and the control policy includes the monitoring key.

该方法还包括： The method also includes:

PCEF向 PCRF上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量； The PCEF reports the usage monitoring to the PCRF, and the reporting includes the monitoring key and the accumulated monitoring usage;

PCRF根据所述上报的累计监控用量进行用量监控决策和策略决策，包括： The PCRF performs the usage monitoring decision and the policy decision according to the reported cumulative monitoring usage, including:

当所述累计用量到达所述监控阈值时，所述 PCRF根据所述阈值为所述监控键分配新的监控阈值，同时 PCRF进行策略决策，产生新的控制策略， When the accumulated usage reaches the monitoring threshold, the PCRF allocates a new monitoring threshold according to the threshold, and the PCRF performs policy decision to generate a new control policy.

当所述累计用量到达所述监控阈值，且所述监控阈值达到所述阈值时，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS为所述用户重新申请新的阈值。如果 OCS下发新的阈值，则所述 PCRF根据所述新的阈值继续执行用量监控决策；如果 OCS 没有下发新的阈值，则所述 PCRF停止所述用量监控。 When the accumulated usage reaches the monitoring threshold, and the monitoring threshold reaches the threshold, the PCRF re-applies a new threshold to the OCS for the user. If the OCS issues a new threshold, the PCRF continues to perform the usage monitoring decision according to the new threshold; if the OCS does not issue a new threshold, the PCRF stops the usage monitoring.

所述 OCS在接收来自所述 PCRF的用量监控请求之前，该方法还包括：所述 PCRF根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送所述用量监控请求，如果所述签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF 向所述 OCS发送用量监控请求。 Before the OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, the method further includes: The PCRF determines whether to send the usage monitoring request according to the usage monitoring indication in the user subscription information. If the subscription information indicates that the user initiates usage monitoring, the PCRF sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS.

一种用量监控***，包括： OCS、 PCRF和 PCEF; 其中，所述 OCS, 设置为在收到来自 PCRF的用量监控请求后，进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF 下发用量监控信息；所述 PCRF, 设置为在收到 OCS的用量监控信息后，进行策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知；所述 PCEF, 设置为根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知执行用量监控。 An usage monitoring system, comprising: an OCS, a PCRF, and a PCEF; wherein the OCS is configured to perform a usage monitoring decision after receiving the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, and send the usage monitoring information to the PCRF; After the receiving of the usage monitoring information of the OCS, the policy is determined, and the control policy and the usage monitoring notification are sent to the PCEF. The PCEF is configured to perform the usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

所述 PCRF,还设置为根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送用量监控请求，如果所述签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS发送用量监控请求。 The PCRF is further configured to determine whether to send a usage monitoring request according to the usage monitoring indication in the user subscription information. If the subscription information indicates that the user initiates usage monitoring, the PCRF sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS.

所述 PCEF, 还设置为向 OCS上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量； The PCEF is further configured to report usage monitoring to the OCS, where the reporting includes the monitoring key and the cumulative monitoring usage;

所述 OCS, 还设置为根据 PCEF上报的累计监控用量进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息，包括： The OCS is further configured to perform usage monitoring and control according to the cumulative monitoring usage reported by the PCEF, and send the usage monitoring information to the PCRF, including:

一种用量监控***，包括： OCS、 PCRF和 PCEF; 其中， A usage monitoring system, comprising: OCS, PCRF and PCEF; wherein

所述 OCS, 设置为收来自 PCRF的用量监控请求，根据组用户签约用量信息为组内用户分配阈值，并向 PCRF下发所述阈值； The OCS is configured to receive a usage monitoring request from the PCRF, allocate a threshold to the user in the group according to the group user subscription usage information, and deliver the threshold to the PCRF;

所述 PCRF,设置为根据 PCRF下发的所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知；所述 PCEF, 设置为根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知，执行用量监控。 The PCRF is configured to perform the usage monitoring decision and the policy decision according to the threshold value sent by the PCRF, and deliver the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF; The PCEF is configured to perform usage monitoring according to a control policy and a usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

所述 PCEF, 还设置为向 PCRF上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量； The PCEF is further configured to report usage monitoring to the PCRF, where the reporting includes the monitoring key and the cumulative monitoring usage;

所述 PCRF,还设置为根据 PCEF上报的累计监控用量进行用量监控决策和策略决策，包括： The PCRF is further configured to perform usage monitoring decision and policy decision according to the cumulative monitoring usage reported by the PCEF, including:

当所述累计用量到达所述监控阈值，且所述监控阈值达到所述阈值时，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS为所述用户重新申请新的阈值，如果 OCS下发新的阈值，则所述 PCRF根据所述新的阈值继续执行用量监控决策；如果 OCS 没有下发新的阈值，则所述 PCRF停止所述用量监控。 When the cumulative usage reaches the monitoring threshold, and the monitoring threshold reaches the threshold, the PCRF re-applies a new threshold to the OCS for the user, and if the OCS sends a new threshold, the The PCRF continues to perform the usage monitoring decision according to the new threshold; if the OCS does not issue a new threshold, the PCRF stops the usage monitoring.

所述 PCRF,还设置为根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送所述用量监控请求，如果所述签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS发送用量监控请求。 The PCRF is further configured to determine whether to send the usage monitoring request according to the usage monitoring indication in the user subscription information, and if the subscription information indicates that the user initiates usage monitoring, the PCRF sends usage monitoring to the OCS. request.

本发明实施例用量监控方法及***， OCS接收来自 PCRF的用量监控请求； OCS进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息； PCRF进行策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知； PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知执行用量监控，或者， OCS根据组用户签约用量信息为组内用户分配阈值，并向 PCRF下发所述阈值； PCRF根据所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知； PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知，执行用量监控。通过本发明，可以实现对组用户的用量监控。附图说明 In the usage monitoring method and system of the embodiment of the present invention, the OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF; the OCS performs the usage monitoring decision, and sends the usage monitoring information to the PCRF; the PCRF performs the policy decision, and sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF. The PCEF performs the usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF. Alternatively, the OCS allocates a threshold to the user in the group according to the group user usage information, and delivers the threshold to the PCRF. The PCRF monitors the usage according to the threshold. Decision-making and policy decision-making, and issuing control policies and usage monitoring notifications to the PCEF; the PCEF performs usage monitoring based on the control policies and usage monitoring notifications issued by the PCRF. Through the invention, the usage monitoring of the group users can be realized. DRAWINGS

图 1为 3GPP定义的针对移动网络的 PCC架构示意图； FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a PCC architecture defined by the 3GPP for a mobile network;

图 2为现有技术中用量监控的实现流程示意图； 2 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of usage monitoring in the prior art;

图 3为本发明实施例提出的一种用量监控方法流程示意图； 3 is a schematic flowchart of a usage monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图 4为本发明实施例提出的另一种用量监控方法流程示意图；图 5为本发明实施例 1所述用量监控方法的流程示意图； 4 is a schematic flowchart of another usage monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a usage monitoring method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

图 6为本发明实施例 2所述用量监控和上报的流程示意图； 6 is a schematic flowchart of monitoring and reporting usage according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

图 7为本发明实施例 3所述的用量监控和上报流程示意图； 7 is a schematic diagram of a usage monitoring and reporting process according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

图 8为本发明实施例 4所述的用量监控方法流程示意图； 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method for monitoring usage according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

图 9为本发明实施例 5所述的用量监控下发和上报的流程示意图。具体实施方式 FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of the process of sending and reporting the usage monitoring according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. detailed description

本发明实施例的基本思想是： OCS接收来自 PCRF的用量监控请求； OCS进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息； PCRF进行策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知； PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知执行用量监控，或者， OCS根据组用户签约用量信息为组内用户分配阈值，并向 PCRF下发所述阈值； PCRF根据所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策，并向 PCEF 下发控制策略和用量监控通知； PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知，执行用量监控。 The basic idea of the embodiment of the present invention is: The OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF; the OCS performs the usage monitoring decision, and sends the usage monitoring information to the PCRF; the PCRF performs the policy decision, and sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF; The PCEF performs the usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF, or the OCS allocates the threshold to the user in the group according to the group user usage information, and delivers the threshold to the PCRF. The PCRF performs the usage monitoring decision according to the threshold. And the policy decision, and the control policy and the usage monitoring notification are sent to the PCEF; the PCEF performs the usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

针对现有用量监控上报机制尚无法实现对共享签约用量的组用户实施用量监控的问题，本发明给出了一种针对组用户实施用量监控的方法。本发明实现的前提条件如下：假设对组用户使用统一的在线计费***（Online Charging System, OCS )管理组用户成员的计费信息，由 OCS统一管理组用户的签约信息，所述组用户的签约信息包含：用户组标识、组内用户的标识、组用户的签约用量等信息。 SPR上存储组用户成员的签约信息，组内各成员的签约信息可能被保存到不同的 SPR中。根据现有 PCRF发现机制，可能为组内各用户附着到网络选择不同的 PCRF为其服务。 OCS上配置监控状态，在 PCRF上配置监控状态和控制策略的对应关系，例如 PCRF上配置监控状态 -1表示 "监控用量未达到阈值"，所述监控状态 -1对应控制策略 -1; 配置监控状态 -2表示 "监控用量达到阈值"，所述监控状态 -2对应控制策略 -2。当 PCRF从 OCS中接收到具体的监控状态时，根据 PCRF上配置，执行和具体监控状态对应的控制策略。 The problem that the usage monitoring of the group users sharing the contracted usage amount cannot be realized for the existing usage monitoring and reporting mechanism, and the present invention provides a method for implementing the usage monitoring for the group users. The preconditions for the implementation of the present invention are as follows: Assume that the group user uses the unified online charging system (OCS) to manage the accounting information of the user members of the group, and the OCS unified management group user's subscription information, the group user's The subscription information includes: user group ID, the ID of the user in the group, and the contracted usage of the group user. The subscription information of the user members of the group is stored on the SPR, and the subscription information of each member in the group may be saved in different SPRs. According to the existing PCRF discovery mechanism, It is possible to select different PCRFs for each user in the group to attach to the network. Configure the monitoring status on the OCS. Configure the mapping between the monitoring status and the control policy on the PCRF. For example, the configuration monitoring status on the PCRF-1 indicates that the monitoring usage does not reach the threshold. The monitoring status-1 corresponds to the control policy-1. State-2 indicates "monitoring usage reaches a threshold", and monitoring state-2 corresponds to control strategy-2. When the PCRF receives a specific monitoring status from the OCS, according to the configuration on the PCRF, the control policy corresponding to the specific monitoring status is executed.

图 3为本发明实施例提出的一种用量监控方法流程示意图，如图 3所示，该方法包括： FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a usage monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the method includes:

步驟 301： OCS接收来自 PCRF的用量监控请求。 Step 301: The OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF.

所述用量监控请求至少包括：需要进行用量监控的用户标识、需要进行用量监控的用户所属的用户组标识、以及用量监控指示。所述用量监控指示用于说明针对所述组内用户实施用量监控。 The usage monitoring request includes at least: a user identifier that needs to be monitored for usage, a user group identifier to which the user who needs to perform usage monitoring, and an indication of usage monitoring. The usage monitoring indication is used to indicate that usage monitoring is performed for users within the group.

需要说明的是， OCS在接收来自所述 PCRF的用量监控请求之前，还可以包括： PCRF根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送所述用量监控请求，如果所述签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS发送用量监控请求。 It should be noted that, before receiving the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, the OCS may further include: the PCRF determining, according to the usage monitoring indication in the user subscription information, whether to send the usage monitoring request, if the subscription information indicates that The user initiates usage monitoring, and the PCRF sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS.

步驟 302: OCS进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息。 Step 302: The OCS performs the usage monitoring decision, and sends the usage monitoring information to the PCRF.

OCS收到来自 PCRF的用量监控请求后，根据组用户签约用量信息进行用量监控决策，包括给所述组内用户决策用量监控状态，并根据组用户签约用量信息为所述组内用户分配监控键和监控阈值。 OCS向 PCRF下发的用量监控信息一般包括：分配给所述组内用户的监控键（ monitoring key )、监控阈值 ( threshold )和用量监控 ^夫态（ monitoring status )。 After receiving the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, the OCS performs the usage monitoring decision according to the group user subscription usage information, including determining the usage monitoring status of the user in the group, and assigning the monitoring key to the user in the group according to the group user subscription usage information. And monitoring thresholds. The usage monitoring information sent by the OCS to the PCRF generally includes: a monitoring key assigned to the users in the group, a monitoring threshold, and a monitoring status.

步驟 303: PCRF进行策略决策，并向策略和计费执行功能 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知。 Step 303: The PCRF performs a policy decision, and sends a control policy and a usage monitoring notification to the policy and charging execution function PCEF.

PCRF具体根据来自 OCS的用量监控状态决策产生控制策略，所述控制策略包含所述监控键 ( monitoring key ), PCRF向 PCEF下发的用量监控通知至少包含所述监控键和所述监控阈值。 The PCRF generates a control policy according to the usage status monitoring decision from the OCS, and the control The monitoring policy includes the monitoring key, and the usage monitoring notification sent by the PCRF to the PCEF includes at least the monitoring key and the monitoring threshold.

步驟 304: PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知执行用量监控。 Step 304: The PCEF performs the usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

步驟 305:当收到用量监控上报的触发时， PCEF向 OCS上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量。 Step 305: When receiving the trigger of the usage monitoring report, the PCEF reports the usage monitoring to the OCS, where the reporting includes the monitoring key and the accumulated monitoring usage.

当累计监控用量到达用量监控阈值，或者，当 PCRF要求 PCEF上报用量监控情况时， PCEF向 OCS上报累计监控用量。 PCEF可以通过 PCRF向 OCS上报累计监控用量，也可以直接向 OCS上报累计监控用量。 When the cumulative monitoring usage reaches the usage monitoring threshold, or when the PCRF requires the PCEF to report the usage monitoring, the PCEF reports the cumulative monitoring usage to the OCS. The PCEF can report the cumulative monitoring usage to the OCS through the PCRF, or report the cumulative monitoring usage directly to the OCS.

PCEF 上报累计监控用量的同时，还需要携带相应的用量监控标识 ( monitoring key )。 When PCEF reports the cumulative monitoring usage, it also needs to carry the corresponding monitoring key.

需要说明的是，用量监控过程中， PCEF可能会向 OCS上报多次。步驟 306: OCS根据所述上报的累计监控用量进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息。 It should be noted that during the usage monitoring process, the PCEF may report to the OCS multiple times. Step 306: The OCS performs the usage monitoring decision according to the reported cumulative monitoring usage, and sends the usage monitoring information to the PCRF.

具体的： specific:

图 4为本发明实施例提出的另一种用量监控方法流程示意图，如图 4 所示，该方法包括： FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of another usage monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the method includes:

步驟 401： OCS接收来自 PCRF的用量监控请求。 Step 401: The OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF.

所述用量监控请求至少包括：需要进行用量监控的用户标识、需要进行用量监控的用户所属的用户组标识、以及用量监控指示。所述用量监控指示用于标识针对所述组内用户实施用量监控。 The usage monitoring request includes at least: a user identifier that needs to perform usage monitoring, a user group identifier to which the user that needs to perform usage monitoring, and an usage monitoring indication. The usage monitoring The indication is used to identify usage monitoring for users within the group.

该步驟之前， PCRF可以根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送用量监控请求，如果签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS发送用量监控请求。 Before the step, the PCRF may determine whether to send the usage monitoring request according to the usage monitoring indication in the user subscription information. If the subscription information indicates that the user initiates usage monitoring, the PCRF sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS.

步驟 402: OCS根据组用户签约用量信息为组内用户分配阈值，并向 PCRF下发所述阈值。 Step 402: The OCS allocates a threshold to the user in the group according to the group user subscription information, and sends the threshold to the PCRF.

具体的， OCS根据组用户用量签约信息给所述组内用户分配阈值，并下发给所述 PCRF。 Specifically, the OCS allocates a threshold to the user in the group according to the group user subscription information, and sends the threshold to the PCRF.

步驟 403: PCRF根据所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知。 Step 403: The PCRF performs the usage monitoring decision and the policy decision according to the threshold, and sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF.

这里， PCRF需要为所述组内用户分配监控键，并根据所述阈值为所述监控键分配监控阈值； PCRF进行策略决策产生控制策略，所述控制策略包含所述监控键。 Here, the PCRF needs to allocate a monitoring key to the users in the group, and assigns a monitoring threshold according to the threshold value; the PCRF performs a policy decision generating control policy, and the control policy includes the monitoring key.

步驟 404: PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知，执行用量监控。 Step 404: The PCEF performs usage monitoring according to the control policy and the usage monitoring notification delivered by the PCRF.

步驟 405: 当收到用量监控上报的触发时， PCEF向 PCRF上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量。 Step 405: When receiving the trigger of the usage monitoring report, the PCEF reports the usage monitoring to the PCRF, where the reporting includes the monitoring key and the accumulated monitoring usage.

具体的，当累计监控用量到达用量监控阈值，或者，当 PCRF要求 PCEF 上报用量监控情况时， PCEF向 PCRF上报累计监控用量。 Specifically, when the cumulative monitoring usage reaches the usage monitoring threshold, or when the PCRF requests the PCEF to report the usage monitoring, the PCEF reports the cumulative monitoring usage to the PCRF.

步驟 406: PCRF根据所述上报的累计监控用量进行用量监控决策和策略决策。 Step 406: The PCRF performs the usage monitoring decision and the policy decision according to the reported cumulative monitoring usage.

具体的： specific:

当所述累计用量到达所述监控阈值时，所述 PCRF根据所述阈值为所述监控键分配新的监控阈值，同时 PCRF进行策略决策，产生新的控制策略，当所述累计用量到达所述监控阈值，且所述监控阈值达到所述阈值时，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS为所述用户重新申请新的阈值。如果 OCS下发新的阈值，则所述 PCRF根据所述新的阈值继续执行用量监控决策；如果 OCS 没有下发新的阈值，则所述 PCRF停止所述用量监控。 When the accumulated usage reaches the monitoring threshold, the PCRF allocates a new monitoring threshold according to the threshold, and the PCRF performs policy decision to generate a new control policy. When the accumulated usage reaches the monitoring threshold, and the monitoring threshold reaches the threshold, the PCRF re-applies a new threshold to the OCS for the user. If the OCS sends a new threshold, the PCRF continues to perform the usage monitoring decision according to the new threshold; if the OCS does not issue a new threshold, the PCRF stops the usage monitoring.

本发明还相应地提出一种用量监控***，包括： OCS、 PCRF和 PCEF; 其中， The invention also correspondingly proposes an amount monitoring system, comprising: OCS, PCRF and PCEF; wherein

所述 OCS, 设置为在收到来自 PCRF的用量监控请求后，进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息； The OCS is configured to perform a usage monitoring decision after receiving the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, and send the usage monitoring information to the PCRF;

所述 PCRF, 设置为在收到 OCS的用量监控信息后，进行策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知； The PCRF is configured to perform a policy decision after receiving the usage monitoring information of the OCS, and issue a control policy and a usage monitoring notification to the PCEF.

所述 PCEF,设置为根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知执行用量监控。 The PCEF is configured to perform usage monitoring according to a control policy and usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

本发明还相应地提出一种用量监控***，包括： OCS、 PCRF和 PCEF; 其中， The invention also correspondingly proposes a dosage monitoring system, comprising: OCS, PCRF and PCEF; among them,

所述 PCRF,设置为根据 PCRF下发的所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策，并向 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知； The PCRF is configured to perform a usage monitoring decision and a policy decision according to the threshold value sent by the PCRF, and issue a control policy and a usage monitoring notification to the PCEF;

所述 PCEF, 设置为根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知，执行用量监控。 The PCEF is configured to perform usage monitoring according to a control policy and usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

下面结合附图和具体实施例对本发明所述技术方案作进一步的详细描述，以使本领域的技术人员可以更好的理解本发明并能予以实施，但所举实施例不作为对本发明的限定。 The technical solutions of the present invention are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention. .

实施例 1 针对所述组内用户下发用量监控信息的实现过程。其中 OCS上保存了组用户签约信息，包括用户组标识、组内用户的标识、组用户签约用量等信息。假设同一用户组下的用户 -1和用户 -2分别附着到网络，根据现有网络实现机制，分别选择 PCEF-1、 PCRF-1为用户 -1接入服务，选择 PCEF-2和 PCRF-2 为用户 -2接入服务。 SPR中的用户签约信息包含了是否需要针对所述用户启动用量监控的指示。图 5为本发明实施例 1所述用量监控方法的流程示意图，如图 5所示，该流程包括： Example 1 The implementation process of the usage monitoring information is sent to the users in the group. The group user subscription information is saved on the OCS, including the user group identifier, the identifier of the user in the group, and the subscription amount of the group user. Assume that User-1 and User-2 in the same user group are attached to the network respectively. According to the existing network implementation mechanism, PCEF-1 and PCRF-1 are selected as user-1 access services, and PCEF-2 and PCRF-2 are selected. User-2 access service. The user subscription information in the SPR contains an indication of whether or not the usage monitoring needs to be initiated for the user. FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method for monitoring usage according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the process includes:

步驟 501. 在所有 PCRF (包括 PCRF-1和 PCRF-2 )上配置所有用量监控状态和对应的运营商策略。所述用量监控状态也配置到 OCS上。 Step 501. Configure all usage monitoring states and corresponding carrier policies on all PCRFs (including PCRF-1 and PCRF-2). The usage monitoring status is also configured on the OCS.

步驟 502. 组内用户 UE-1向 PCEF-1发起附着请求。 Step 502. The user UE-1 in the group initiates an attach request to PCEF-1.

步驟 503. PCEF-1根据用户标识和 /或者 APN发现并选择 PCRF-1 为 UE-1接入服务。 PCEF-1向 PCRF-1发起 IP-CAN会话建立的授权请求。 Step 503. PCEF-1 discovers and selects PCRF-1 as the UE-1 access service according to the user identity and/or APN. PCEF-1 initiates an authorization request for IP-CAN session establishment to PCRF-1.

步驟 504. PCRF-1从 SPR中获取到 UE-1的签约信息中包含了需要执行用量监控的指示， PCRF-1向 OCS发起 Sy会话建立请求，请求针对 UE-1 进行用量监控，所述请求消息中包含用户标识、用户组标识以及用量监控指示。 Step 504. The PCRF-1 obtains the UE-1 subscription information from the SPR, and includes an indication that the usage monitoring needs to be performed. The PCRF-1 initiates a Sy session establishment request to the OCS, and requests the UE-1 to perform usage monitoring. The message contains the user ID, user group ID, and usage monitoring indication.

步驟 505. OCS根据请求消息中的用户组标识和用户标识以及 OCS上保存的组用户签约信息的内容判断所述用户是否属于所述用户组，如果是，则为所述用户决策分配监控键 ( monitoring key-1 ), 并根据组用户签约用量为所述 monitoring key-1分配监控阈值（ threshold- 1 ) 以及决策初始用量监控状态 ( monitoring status )。 Step 505. The OCS determines, according to the user group identifier and the user identifier in the request message, and the content of the group user subscription information saved on the OCS, whether the user belongs to the user group, and if yes, assigns a monitoring key to the user decision ( Monitoring key-1), and assigning a monitoring threshold (threshold-1) to the monitoring key-1 according to the group user subscription amount and a monitoring status.

步驟 506. OCS向 PCRF-1返回 Sy会话建立响应，向 PCRF-1下发针对 UE-1的用量监控信息，包括初始用量监控状态（monitoring status ),监控键 ( monitoring key-1 )、监控阈值 ( threshold- 1 )。步驟 507. PCRF-1接收到所述用量监控信息后，根据初始用量监控状态对应的运营商策略以及其他信息（例如用户签约信息）决策产生控制策略，所述控制策略包括服务质量（ Quality of Service, 简称 QoS ) 策略和计费控制策略。所述控制策略中包含步驟 506下发的监控键（ monitoring key-1 )。 Step 506. The OCS returns a Sy session establishment response to the PCRF-1, and sends the usage monitoring information for the UE-1 to the PCRF-1, including the initial usage monitoring status (monitoring status), the monitoring key (the monitoring key-1), and the monitoring threshold. (threshold - 1). Step 507. After receiving the usage monitoring information, the PCRF-1 generates a control policy according to an operator policy corresponding to the initial usage monitoring status and other information (such as user subscription information), where the control policy includes a quality of service. , referred to as QoS) policy and charging control strategy. The monitoring policy includes a monitoring key (a monitoring key-1) issued in step 506.

步驟 508. PCRF-1向 PCEF-1返回 IP-CAN会话建立成功的响应，响应消息中包含所述控制策略和用量监控通知。所述用量监控通知中至少包括监控键 ( monitoring key-1 )和监控阈值 ( threshold- 1 )₀ Step 508. The PCRF-1 returns a successful response to the IP-CAN session establishment to the PCEF-1, and the response message includes the control policy and the usage monitoring notification. The usage monitoring notification includes at least a monitoring key ( monitoring key-1 ) and a monitoring threshold (threshold - 1 ) ₀

步驟 509. PCEF-1执行策略，并启动针对 UE-1的用量监控。 Step 509. PCEF-1 executes the policy and initiates usage monitoring for UE-1.

步驟 510. PCEF-1向 UE-1返回附着成功的响应。 Step 510. PCEF-1 returns a response to the successful attach to UE-1.

步驟 511至步驟 514为组内用户 UE-2附着到网络的过程。 Steps 511 to 514 are processes in which the user UE-2 in the group attaches to the network.

步驟 511. UE-2向 PCEF-2发起附着请求。 Step 511. UE-2 initiates an attach request to PCEF-2.

步驟 512. PCEF-2收到所述附着请求之后，根据用户标识和 /或 APN信息发现并选择 PCRF-2为 UE-2接入月良务， PCEF-2向 PCRF-2发起 IP-CAN 会话建立请求， PCRF-2接收到所述请求之后，从 SPR中获取 UE-2的签约信息，如果签约信息指示需要对 UE-2执行用量监控，则 PCRF-2向 OCS 发送 Sy会话建立请求，携带用户组标识，用户标识，用量监控指示。当 OCS接收到所述信息之后，根据用户组标识和用户标识判断 UE-2和 UE-1 属于同一组，为 UE-2分配监控键 ( monitoring key-2 )，并根据组用户签约用量为 monitoring key-2分配监控阈值（ threshold-2 )和决策初始用量监控状态。 OCS向 PCRF-2返回 Sy会话建立的响应，下发用量监控信息，包括分配给 UE-2的监控键 monitoring key-2 , 对应的监控阈值 threshold-2 , 初始用量监控状态 monitoring status等信息。 PCRF-2基于初始用量监控状态信息对应的运营商策略及其他信息（例如签约信息等）决策产生控制策略，并将所述控制策略和用量监控通知（不包含初始用量监控状态）下发给 PCEF-2。步驟 513. PCEF-2执行策略，并启动针对 UE-2的用量监控。步驟 514. PCEF-2向 UE-2返回附着成功的响应。 Step 512. After receiving the attach request, PCEF-2 finds and selects PCRF-2 as the UE-2 access monthly service according to the user identifier and/or APN information, and PCEF-2 initiates an IP-CAN session to PCRF-2. After the request is established, the PCRF-2 obtains the subscription information of the UE-2 from the SPR after receiving the request. If the subscription information indicates that the usage monitoring is performed on the UE-2, the PCRF-2 sends a Sy session establishment request to the OCS, carrying User group ID, user ID, usage monitoring indication. After receiving the information, the OCS determines that the UE-2 and the UE-1 belong to the same group according to the user group identifier and the user identifier, and allocates a monitoring key (monitoring key-2) to the UE-2, and according to the group user subscription amount, is monitoring. The key-2 assigns a monitoring threshold (threshold-2) and determines the initial usage monitoring status. The OCS returns a response to the establishment of the Sy session to the PCRF-2, and the usage monitoring information is sent, including the monitoring key monitoring key-2 assigned to the UE-2, the corresponding monitoring threshold threshold-2, and the initial usage monitoring status monitoring status. The PCRF-2 generates a control policy based on the operator policy and other information (such as contract information, etc.) corresponding to the initial usage monitoring status information, and sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification (excluding the initial usage monitoring status) to the PCEF. -2. Step 513. PCEF-2 executes the policy and initiates usage monitoring for UE-2. Step 514. PCEF-2 returns a response to the successful attachment of UE-2.

上述 OCS向 PCRF-1下发用量监控的过程发生在 IP-CAN会话建立阶段，此外上述 OCS向 PCRF-1下发用量监控的过程也可以在 IP-CAN会话修改阶段。例如当 UE-1开展业务，向 PCRF-1请求为业务进行授权的时候， PCRF-1向 OCS发送用量监控请求， OCS根据指示向 PCRF-1下发用量监控。实施例 2 The process of monitoring the usage of the OCS to the PCRF-1 occurs in the IP-CAN session establishment phase, and the process of monitoring the usage of the OCS to the PCRF-1 can also be performed in the IP-CAN session modification phase. For example, when the UE-1 performs the service and requests the PCRF-1 to authorize the service, the PCRF-1 sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS, and the OCS sends the usage monitoring to the PCRF-1 according to the indication. Example 2

本实施例给出了针对实施例 1中的组内用户 UE-1进行用量监控，并执行用量监控上报以及根据上报结果 PCRF执行策略决策的过程。本实施例以针对 UE-1的用量监控和上报为例，针对组内用户 UE-2的用量监控和上报的过程与 UE-1类似。图 6为本发明实施例 2所述用量监控和上报的流程示意图，如图 6所示，该流程包括： This embodiment provides a process for monitoring the usage of the user UE-1 in the group in Embodiment 1, and performing the usage monitoring report and performing the policy decision according to the reported result PCRF. In this embodiment, the usage monitoring and reporting for the UE-1 is taken as an example, and the process of monitoring and reporting the usage of the UE-2 in the group is similar to that of the UE-1. FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of the usage monitoring and reporting according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the process includes:

步驟 601. UE-1开展业务， PCEF-1启动针对 UE-1的用量监控。 Step 601. UE-1 conducts the service, and PCEF-1 starts the usage monitoring for UE-1.

步驟 602. 如果 PCRF-1要求 PCEF-1上报针对 monitoring key-1的累计监控用量（即使在 PCEF-1 上监控的累计用量还没有到达监控阈值 threshold-1的情况下），则 PCRF-1向 PCEF-1下发要求上报监控用量的指示。 Step 602. If PCRF-1 requires PCEF-1 to report the cumulative monitoring usage for monitoring key-1 (even if the accumulated usage monitored on PCEF-1 has not reached the monitoring threshold threshold-1), PCRF-1 The PCEF-1 issues an instruction to report the monitoring usage.

步驟 603. 如果 PCEF-1收到来自 PCRF-1要求上报监控用量的指示，或者当 PCEF-1上监控的累计用量到达监控阈值 threshold-1 , 或者 PCEF-1 收到其他要求上报监控用量的触发信息， PCEF-1执行用量监控上报，所述上报信息中包含监控键 ( monitoring key-1 ) 以及对应的累计监控用量。 Step 603. If the PCEF-1 receives an indication from the PCRF-1 requesting the monitoring usage, or when the accumulated usage monitored on the PCEF-1 reaches the monitoring threshold threshold-1, or the PCEF-1 receives other triggers for reporting the monitoring usage. The information, PCEF-1 performs the usage monitoring and reporting, and the reporting information includes a monitoring key (monitoring key-1) and a corresponding cumulative monitoring usage.

步驟 604. PCRF-1将 PCEF-1上报的针对 monitoring key-1的累计监控用量上报给 ocs。 Step 604. PCRF-1 reports the cumulative monitoring amount reported by PCEF-1 for monitoring key-1 to ocs.

步驟 605. OCS根据 PCRF-1上报的累计监控用量进行监控状态决策。例如，如果累计监控用量没有达到 threshold-1则决策下发监控状态 -1 ,如果累计监控用量达到了 threshold-1 , 则决策下发监控状态 -2。同时如果累计监控用量达到了 threshold-1 , OCS还需要决策是否为 monitoring key-1分配新的监控阈值。 Step 605. The OCS makes a monitoring state decision according to the accumulated monitoring usage reported by the PCRF-1. For example, if the cumulative monitoring usage does not reach threshold-1, then the decision is made to send the monitoring status -1 if If the cumulative monitoring usage reaches threshold-1, then the decision is made to send the monitoring status-2. At the same time, if the cumulative monitoring usage reaches threshold-1, the OCS also needs to decide whether to assign a new monitoring threshold to the monitoring key-1.

步驟 606. OCS向 PCRF-1返回用量监控结果，具体为步驟 606a或步驟 606b。 Step 606. The OCS returns the usage monitoring result to the PCRF-1, specifically step 606a or step 606b.

步驟 606a. 如果不对 UE-1继续进行用量监控，则所述返回用量监控结果中包含 OCS决策的用量监控状态。 Step 606a. If the UE-1 does not continue to monitor the usage, the return usage monitoring result includes the usage monitoring status of the OCS decision.

步驟 606b. 如果对 UE-1继续进行用量监控，则返回的用量监控结果中包含 OCS决策的用量监控状态， monitoring key-1 , 以及新分配的监控阈值 threshold-3。 Step 606b. If the UE-1 continues to monitor the usage, the returned usage monitoring result includes the usage monitoring status of the OCS decision, monitoring key-1, and the newly assigned monitoring threshold threshold-3.

步驟 607.根据 OCS下发的用量监控状态对应的运营商策略，以及签约信息等， PCRF-1为 UE-1开展的业务重新进行策略决策。 Step 607. According to the operator policy corresponding to the usage monitoring status delivered by the OCS, and the subscription information, the PCRF-1 re-strategizes the service carried out by the UE-1.

步驟 608. PCRF-1将决策产生的控制策略下发给 PCEF-1 , 具体为步驟 608a或步驟 608b。 Step 608. The PCRF-1 sends the control policy generated by the decision to the PCEF-1, which is specifically step 608a or step 608b.

步驟 608a. 如果不对 UE-1进行用量监控，则 PCRF-1将所述控制策略下发给 PCEF-1。 Step 608a. If the UE-1 is not monitored for usage, the PCRF-1 sends the control policy to the PCEF-1.

步驟 608b. 如果对 UE-1继续进行用量监控，则 PCRF-1在控制策略中包含监控键 monitoring key-1 , 并将所述控制策略和用量监控通知下发给 PCEF-1。所述用量监控通知至少包含监控键 monitoring key-1 和监控阈值 threshold- 3。 Step 608b. If the UE-1 continues to perform the usage monitoring, the PCRF-1 includes the monitoring key monitoring key-1 in the control policy, and sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF-1. The usage monitoring notification includes at least a monitoring key monitoring key-1 and a monitoring threshold threshold-3.

步驟 609. PCEF-1执行 PCRF下发的策略。如果下发的策略中还包含了用量监控信息，则 PCEF-1继续启动针对 UE-1的用量监控。实施例 3 Step 609. The PCEF-1 performs the policy delivered by the PCRF. If the delivered policy also includes usage monitoring information, PCEF-1 continues to initiate usage monitoring for UE-1. Example 3

本实施例给出了针对实施例 1中的组内用户 UE-1进行用量监控，并执行用量监控上报的过程。本实施例以 UE-1的用量监控和上报为例，针对组内用户 UE-2的用量监控和上报的过程与 UE-1类似。图 7为本发明实施例 3所述的用量监控和上报流程示意图，如图 7所示，该流程包括： This embodiment provides a process for monitoring the usage of the user UE-1 in the group in Embodiment 1, and performing the monitoring of the usage monitoring. In this embodiment, the UE-1 usage monitoring and reporting is taken as an example, for the group. The process of monitoring and reporting the usage of the internal UE-2 is similar to that of the UE-1. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the usage monitoring and reporting process according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the process includes:

步驟 701. UE-1开展业务， PCEF-1启动针对 UE-1的用量监控。 Step 701. UE-1 conducts a service, and PCEF-1 starts monitoring the usage of UE-1.

步驟 702. 如果 PCRF-1要求 PCEF-1上报针对 monitoring key-1的累计监控用量（即使在 PCEF-1 上监控的累计用量还没有到达监控阈值 threshold-1的情况下），则 PCRF-1向 PCEF-1下发要求上报监控用量的指示。 Step 702. If PCRF-1 requires PCEF-1 to report the cumulative monitoring usage for monitoring key-1 (even if the accumulated usage monitored on PCEF-1 has not reached the monitoring threshold threshold-1), PCRF-1 The PCEF-1 issues an instruction to report the monitoring usage.

步驟 703. 如果 PCEF-1收到来自 PCRF-1要求上报监控用量的指示，或者当 PCEF-1上监控的累计用量到达监控阈值 threshold-1 , 或者 PCEF-1 收到其他要求上报监控用量的触发信息， PCEF-1通过 Gy接口向 OCS执行用量监控上报，所述上报信息中包含监控键 monitoring key-1以及对应的累计监控用量。 OCS接收到所述累计监控用量之后，向 PCEF-1返回确认。 Step 703. If PCEF-1 receives an indication from PCRF-1 requesting monitoring usage, or when the accumulated usage monitored on PCEF-1 reaches the monitoring threshold threshold-1, or PCEF-1 receives other triggers for reporting the monitoring usage. The information, the PCEF-1 performs the usage monitoring report to the OCS through the Gy interface, and the report information includes the monitoring key monitoring key-1 and the corresponding cumulative monitoring usage. After receiving the accumulated monitoring usage, the OCS returns an acknowledgement to PCEF-1.

步驟 704. OCS根据 PCEF-1上报的累计监控用量进行监控状态决策。例如，如果累计监控用量没有达到 threshold-1则决策向 PCRF-1下发监控状态 -1 , 如果累计监控用量达到了 threshold-1 , 则决策向 PCRF-1下发监控状态 -2。同时如果累计监控用量达到了 threshold-1 , OCS 还要决策是否为 monitoring key- 1分配新的监控阈值。 Step 704. The OCS makes a monitoring state decision based on the accumulated monitoring usage reported by the PCEF-1. For example, if the cumulative monitoring usage does not reach the threshold-1, the decision sends a monitoring status of -1 to the PCRF-1. If the cumulative monitoring usage reaches the threshold-1, the decision sends a monitoring status of -2 to the PCRF-1. At the same time, if the cumulative monitoring usage reaches threshold-1, the OCS also decides whether to assign a new monitoring threshold to monitoring key-1.

注：在 UE-1附着建立 IP-CAN会话的时候， OCS需要执行 Gy会话和 Sy会话的关联，这样 OCS根据从 PCEF-1接收的累计监控用量进行用量监控状态决策之后，才知道下发给哪个 PCRF。 Note: When the UE-1 attaches an IP-CAN session, the OCS needs to perform the association between the Gy session and the Sy session. After the OCS performs the usage monitoring status decision based on the accumulated monitoring usage received from the PCEF-1, it is known that the OCS is sent to Which PCRF.

步驟 705. OCS向 PCRF-1返回用量监控结果，具体可以为步驟 705a或步驟 705b。 Step 705. The OCS returns the usage monitoring result to the PCRF-1, which may be step 705a or step 705b.

步驟 705a. 如果不对 UE-1进行用量监控，则所述返回用量监控结果中包含 OCS决策的用量监控状态。 Step 705a. If the UE-1 is not monitored for usage, the return usage monitoring result includes the usage monitoring status of the OCS decision.

步驟 705b. 如果对 UE-1继续进行用量监控，则返回的用量监控结果中包含 OCS决策的用量监控状态， monitoring key-1 , 以及新分配的监控阈值 threshold-3。 Step 705b. If the UE-1 continues to monitor the usage, the returned usage monitoring result includes the usage monitoring status of the OCS decision, monitoring key-1, and the newly allocated monitoring threshold. The value threshold-3.

步驟 706.根据 OCS决策的用量监控状态对应的运营商策略，以及签约信息等， PCRF-1为 UE-1开展的业务重新进行策略决策。 Step 706. According to the operator policy corresponding to the usage monitoring status of the OCS decision, and the subscription information, the PCRF-1 re-strategizes the service carried out by the UE-1.

步驟 707. PCRF-1将决策产生的控制策略下发给 PCEF-1 , 具体可以为步驟 707a或步驟 707b。 Step 707. The PCRF-1 sends the control policy generated by the decision to the PCEF-1, which may be step 707a or step 707b.

步驟 707a. 如果不对 UE-1进行用量监控，则 PCRF-1将所述控制策略下发给 PCEF-1。 Step 707a. If the UE-1 is not monitored for usage, the PCRF-1 sends the control policy to the PCEF-1.

步驟 707b. 如果对 UE-1继续进行用量监控，则 PCRF-1在控制策略中包含监控键 monitoring key-1 , 并将所述控制策略和用量监控通知下发给 PCEF-1。所述用量监控通知至少包含监控键 monitoring key-1 和监控阈值 threshold- 3。 Step 707b. If the UE-1 continues to perform the usage monitoring, the PCRF-1 includes the monitoring key monitoring key-1 in the control policy, and sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF-1. The usage monitoring notification includes at least a monitoring key monitoring key-1 and a monitoring threshold threshold-3.

步驟 708. PCEF-1执行 PCRF下发的策略。如果下发的策略中还包含了用量监控指示，则 PCEF-1继续启动针对 UE-1的用量监控。实施例 4 Step 708. PCEF-1 executes the policy delivered by the PCRF. If the delivered policy also includes a usage monitoring indication, PCEF-1 continues to initiate usage monitoring for UE-1. Example 4

本实施例给出了 PCRF为组内用户向 OCS请求用量监控以及 OCS根据程。其中 OCS上保存了组用户签约信息，包括用户组标识、组内用户的标识、组用户签约用量等信息。假设同一用户组下的用户 -1和用户 -2分别附着到网络，根据现有网络实现机制，分别选择 PCEF-1、 PCRF-1 为用户 -1 接入服务，选择 PCEF-2和 PCRF-2为用户 -2接入服务。 SPR中的用户签约信息包含了是否需要针对所述用户启动用量监控的指示。图 8 为本发明实施例 4所述的用量监控方法流程示意图，如图 8所示，该流程包括： In this embodiment, the PCRF is used to request the OCS to request the usage monitoring and the OCS according to the user in the group. The group user subscription information is saved on the OCS, including the user group identifier, the identifier of the user in the group, and the subscription amount of the group user. Assume that User-1 and User-2 in the same user group are attached to the network respectively. According to the existing network implementation mechanism, PCEF-1 and PCRF-1 are selected as user-1 access services, and PCEF-2 and PCRF-2 are selected. User-2 access service. The user subscription information in the SPR contains an indication of whether or not the usage monitoring needs to be initiated for the user. FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of the usage monitoring method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the process includes:

步驟 801. 组内用户 UE-1向 PCEF-1发起附着请求。 Step 801. The user UE-1 in the group initiates an attach request to the PCEF-1.

步驟 802. PCEF-1根据用户标识和 /或者 APN发现并选择 PCRF-1 为 UE-1接入服务。 PCEF-1向 PCRF-1发起 IP-CAN会话建立的授权请求。步驟 803. PCRF-1从 SPR中获取到 UE-1的签约信息中包含了需要执行用量监控的指示， PCRF-1向 OCS发起 Sy会话建立请求，请求针对 UE-1 进行用量监控，所述请求消息中包含了用户标识、用户组标识以及用量监控指示。 Step 802. PCEF-1 discovers and selects PCRF-1 as the UE-1 access service according to the user identity and/or APN. PCEF-1 initiates an authorization request for IP-CAN session establishment to PCRF-1. Step 803. The PCRF-1 obtains the UE-1 subscription information from the SPR, and includes an indication that the usage monitoring needs to be performed. The PCRF-1 initiates a Sy session establishment request to the OCS, and requests the UE-1 to perform usage monitoring. The message contains the user ID, user group ID, and usage monitoring indication.

步驟 804. OCS根据请求消息中的用户组标识和用户标识以及 OCS上保存的组用户签约信息的内容判断所述用户是否属于所述用户组，如果是， OCS则进行组用户签约用量分配，根据组用户签约用量为 UE-1 分配阈值 ( threshold- 1 )。 Step 804. The OCS determines, according to the user group identifier and the user identifier in the request message, and the content of the group user subscription information saved on the OCS, whether the user belongs to the user group, and if so, the OCS performs group user subscription usage allocation, according to The group user subscription amount is the UE-1 allocation threshold (threshold - 1).

步驟 805. OCS向 PCRF-1返回 Sy会话建立响应，响应消息中包含所述阈值 threshold- 1。 Step 805. The OCS returns a Sy session establishment response to the PCRF-1, and the response message includes the threshold threshold-1.

步驟 806. PCRF-1保存所述阈值 threshold-1 , 并基于运营商策略、签约信息等进行策略决策产生控制策略。 Step 806. The PCRF-1 saves the threshold threshold-1, and performs a policy decision generation control policy based on the operator policy, the contract information, and the like.

步驟 807. PCRF-1向 PCEF-1返回 IP-CAN会话建立成功的响应。 Step 807. PCRF-1 returns a successful response to the IP-CAN session establishment to PCEF-1.

步驟 808. PCEF-1执行策略。 Step 808. PCEF-1 executes the policy.

步驟 809. PCEF-1向 UE-1返回附着成功的响应。 Step 809. PCEF-1 returns a response to the successful attach to UE-1.

步驟 810至步驟 813为组内用户 UE-2附着到网络的过程。 Step 810 to step 813 are processes in which the user UE-2 in the group attaches to the network.

步驟 810. UE-2向 PCEF-2发起附着请求。 Step 810. UE-2 initiates an attach request to PCEF-2.

步驟 811. PCEF-2收到所述附着请求之后，根据用户标识和 /或 APN信息发现并选择 PCRF-2为 UE-2接入月良务， PCEF-2向 PCRF-2发起 IP-CAN 会话建立请求， PCRF-2接收到所述请求之后，从 SPR中获取 UE-2的签约信息，如果签约信息指示需要对 UE-2执行用量监控，则 PCRF-2向 OCS 发送 Sy会话建立请求，携带用户组标识，用户标识，用量监控指示。当 OCS接收到所述信息之后，根据用户组标识和用户标识判断 UE-2和 UE-1 属于同一组，根据组用户签约用量为 UE-2 分配阈值（ threshold-2 )。 OCS 向 PCRF-2 返回 Sy 会话建立的响应，包含分配给 UE-2 的所述阈值 ( threshold-2 )₀ PCRF-2保存所述阈值（ threshold-2 ), 并基于运营商策略、签约信息等进行策略决策产生控制策略，将所述控制策略下发给 PCEF-2。 Step 811. After receiving the attach request, PCEF-2 finds and selects PCRF-2 as the UE-2 access monthly service according to the user identifier and/or APN information, and PCEF-2 initiates an IP-CAN session to PCRF-2. After the request is established, the PCRF-2 obtains the subscription information of the UE-2 from the SPR after receiving the request. If the subscription information indicates that the usage monitoring is performed on the UE-2, the PCRF-2 sends a Sy session establishment request to the OCS, carrying User group ID, user ID, usage monitoring indication. After receiving the information, the OCS determines that the UE-2 and the UE-1 belong to the same group according to the user group identifier and the user identifier, and allocates a threshold (threshold-2) to the UE-2 according to the group user subscription amount. The OCS returns a response to the Sy session establishment to PCRF-2, including the threshold assigned to UE-2 (threshold-2) _{0 The} PCRF-2 saves the threshold (threshold-2), and performs a policy decision generation control policy based on the operator policy, the subscription information, and the like, and sends the control policy to the PCEF-2.

步驟 812. PCEF-2执行策略。 Step 812. PCEF-2 executes the policy.

步驟 813. PCEF-2向 UE-2返回附着成功的响应。实施例 5 Step 813. PCEF-2 returns a response to the successful attach to UE-2. Example 5

本实施例给出了 PCRF针对组内用户进行用量监控决策、下发用量监控，并执行用量监控上报的过程实现。本实施例以组内用户 UE-1的用量监控下发和上报为例，针对组内用户 UE-2 的用量监控下发和上报的过程与 UE-1类似。图 9为本发明实施例 5所述的用量监控下发和上报的流程示意图，如图 9所示，该流程包括： In this embodiment, the PCRF is implemented for the user in the group to perform the usage monitoring and decision-making, the monitoring of the usage, and the implementation of the monitoring and reporting of the usage. In this embodiment, the process of monitoring the delivery and reporting of the user UE-1 in the group is taken as an example. The process of monitoring the delivery and reporting of the usage of the user UE-2 in the group is similar to that of the UE-1. FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of the process of sending and reporting usage monitoring according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the process includes:

步驟 901. UE-1开展业务， PCRF-1为所述业务进行策略决策，并对所述 UE-1开展的业务进行用量监控， PCRF-1产生监控键 ( monitoring key-1 ) 并包含在控制策略中，并基于实施例 4 中 OCS 分配给 UE-1 的阈值 ( threshold- 1 ) 为所述监控键 monitoring key-1 产生监控阈值 threshold-11 ( threshold- 11的取值小于等于 threshold-1 )。 PCRF-1向 PCEF-1下发所述控制策略和用量监控通知，所述用量监控通知中包含监控键 monitoring key-1 和监控阈值 threshold-11。 Step 901. The UE-1 performs a service, the PCRF-1 performs a policy decision for the service, and performs usage monitoring on the service carried by the UE-1, and the PCRF-1 generates a monitoring key (monitoring key-1) and is included in the control. In the policy, based on the threshold (threshold-1) assigned to the UE-1 by the OCS in the embodiment 4, the monitoring threshold threshold-11 is generated for the monitoring key monitoring key-1 (the value of threshold-11 is less than or equal to threshold-1) . The PCRF-1 sends the control policy and the usage monitoring notification to the PCEF-1, and the usage monitoring notification includes a monitoring key monitoring key-1 and a monitoring threshold threshold-11.

步驟 902. UE-1开展业务， PCEF-1按照 PCRF-1下发的用量监控信息启动用量监控。 Step 902. The UE-1 performs the service, and the PCEF-1 starts the usage monitoring according to the usage monitoring information delivered by the PCRF-1.

步驟 903.当 PCEF-1上监控的累计用量到达监控阈值 threshold-11时， PCEF-1执行用量监控上报，所述上报信息中包含 monitoring key-1以及对应的累计监控用量。 Step 903. When the accumulated usage monitored on the PCEF-1 reaches the monitoring threshold threshold-11, the PCEF-1 performs the usage monitoring report, and the reporting information includes the monitoring key-1 and the corresponding cumulative monitoring usage.

步驟 904.根据 PCEF-1的用量监控上报结果， PCRF-1重新进行策略决策产生控制策略。 Step 904. According to the monitoring result of the PCEF-1 usage, the PCRF-1 re-executes the policy decision generation control strategy.

这里如果步驟 901下发的 threshold-11取值等于 threshold-1 , 则说明实施例四中 OCS分配给 UE-1的阈值 threshold-1已经被 UE-1用完，因此需要直接执行步驟 909 -步驟 911的过程，向 OCS申请新的阈值。 Here, if the value of threshold-11 delivered in step 901 is equal to threshold-1, In the fourth embodiment, the threshold value of the OCS allocated to the UE-1 threshold-1 has been used up by the UE-1. Therefore, the process of step 909 - step 911 needs to be directly performed to apply for a new threshold to the OCS.

如果步驟 901下发的 threshold-11取值小于 threshold-1 , 则说明实施例 4中 OCS分配给 UE-1的阈值 threshold-1还没有被 UE-1用完，则 PCRF-1 基于 threshold-1 和 threshold-11 为 monitoring key-1 产生新的监控阈值 threshold-12。 If the value of threshold-11 sent in step 901 is less than threshold-1, it indicates that the threshold value threshold-1 allocated by the OCS to UE-1 in Embodiment 4 has not been used up by UE-1, and PCRF-1 is based on threshold-1. And threshold-11 generates a new monitoring threshold threshold-12 for monitoring key-1.

步驟 905. PCRF-1将新的控制策略（包含 monitoring key-1 )和用量监控信息（包含 monitoring key-1和 threshold- 12 ) 下发给 PCEF-1。 Step 905. PCRF-1 issues a new control strategy (including monitoring key-1) and usage monitoring information (including monitoring key-1 and threshold-12) to PCEF-1.

步驟 906. PCEF-1进行策略调整，并继续启动用量监控。 Step 906. PCEF-1 performs policy adjustments and continues to initiate usage monitoring.

步驟 907. 当 PCEF-1上的累计监控用量达到监控阈值 threshold-12的时候， PCEF-1执行用量监控上报。 Step 907. When the accumulated monitoring usage on the PCEF-1 reaches the monitoring threshold threshold-12, the PCEF-1 performs the usage monitoring report.

步驟 908.根据 PCEF-1上报的用量监控结果， PCRF-1判断实施例四中 OCS分配给 UE-1的阈值 threshold-1 已经用完，需要向 OCS申请新的阈值。 Step 908. According to the monitoring result reported by the PCEF-1, the PCRF-1 determines that the threshold threshold-1 allocated by the OCS to the UE-1 in the fourth embodiment has been used up, and needs to apply for a new threshold to the OCS.

步驟 909. PCRF-1向 OCS发起新的用量申请请求，请求中包含用户组标识、 UE-1标识等信息。 Step 909. PCRF-1 initiates a new usage request to the OCS, and the request includes information such as a user group identifier and a UE-1 identifier.

步驟 910.接收用量申请请求后， OCS判断如果所述组用户签约用量还没有全部分配给组内用户，则 OCS给 UE-1分配新的阈值 threshold-3。如果所述组用户签约用量已经全部分配给了组内用户，则 OCS向 PCRF-1返回申请用量失败。后续 PCRF-1终止对 UE-1的用量监控。 Step 910. After receiving the usage request request, the OCS determines that if the group user subscription amount has not been all allocated to the group user, the OCS allocates a new threshold threshold-3 to the UE-1. If the group user subscription amount has been all allocated to the user in the group, the OCS fails to return the application amount to the PCRF-1. Subsequent PCRF-1 terminates monitoring of UE-1 usage.

步驟 911. OCS向 PCRF-1下发分配给 UE-1的新的阈值 threshold-3。步驟 912. 如果 PCRF-1接收所述阈值 threshold-3,则按照步驟 901-903 的过程继续对 UE-1进行用量监控。 Step 911. The OCS delivers a new threshold threshold-3 assigned to UE-1 to the PCRF-1. Step 912. If the PCRF-1 receives the threshold threshold-3, the UE-1 continues to monitor the usage of the UE according to the procedures of steps 901-903.

以上所述，仅为本发明的较佳实施例而已，并非用于限定本发明的保护范围。 The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

权利要求书 Claim

1、一种用量监控方法，其中，该方法包括： 1. A method for monitoring usage, wherein the method comprises:

PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知执行用量监控。 The PCEF performs usage monitoring based on the control policy and usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

2、根据权利要求 1所述的用量监控方法，其中，所述用量监控请求包括：需要进行用量监控的用户标识、需要进行用量监控的用户所属的用户组标识、以及用量监控指示。 The usage monitoring method according to claim 1, wherein the usage monitoring request includes: a user identifier that needs to be monitored for usage, a user group identifier to which the user who needs to perform usage monitoring, and an usage monitoring indication.

3、根据权利要求 1所述的用量监控方法，其中，所述 OCS进行用量监控决策为：决策用量监控状态，并根据组用户签约用量信息为所述组内用户分配监控键和监控阈值， The usage monitoring method according to claim 1, wherein the OCS performs the usage monitoring decision as: a decision usage monitoring state, and assigns a monitoring key and a monitoring threshold to the user in the group according to the group user subscription amount information,

所述用量监控信息包括：分配给所述组内用户的监控键、监控阈值和用量监控状态。 The usage monitoring information includes: a monitoring key, a monitoring threshold, and a usage monitoring status assigned to users in the group.

4、根据权利要求 3所述的用量监控方法，其中，所述 PCRF进行策略决策，并向所述 PCEF下发控制策略和用量监控通知包括： The usage monitoring method according to claim 3, wherein the PCRF performs a policy decision, and issues a control policy and a usage monitoring notification to the PCEF, including:

5、根据权利要求 1至 4任一项所述的用量监控方法，其中，所述 OCS 在接收来自所述 PCRF 的用量监控请求之前，该方法还包括：所述 PCRF 根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送所述用量监控请求，如果所述签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS 发送用量监控请求。 The usage monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein before the receiving the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, the method further comprises: the PCRF according to the usage amount in the user subscription information. The monitoring indication determines whether to send the usage monitoring request, such as If the subscription information indicates that the user initiates usage monitoring, the PCRF sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS.

6、根据权利要求 3或 4所述的用量监控方法，其中，该方法还包括：所述 PCEF向 OCS上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量； The usage monitoring method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the method further comprises: reporting, by the PCEF, usage monitoring to the OCS, where the reporting includes the monitoring key and the cumulative monitoring usage;

7、根据权利要求 6所述的用量监控方法，其中，所述 PCEF向 OCS 上报累计监控用量为： PCEF通过 PCRF向 OCS上报累计监控用量，或者，直接向 OCS上报累计监控用量。 The usage monitoring method according to claim 6, wherein the PCEF reports the cumulative monitoring usage to the OCS as follows: The PCEF reports the cumulative monitoring usage to the OCS through the PCRF, or directly reports the cumulative monitoring usage to the OCS.

8、一种用量监控方法，其中，该方法包括： 8. A method for monitoring usage, wherein the method comprises:

OCS接收来自 PCRF的用量监控请求； The OCS receives the usage monitoring request from the PCRF;

PCEF根据 PCRF下发的控制策略和用量监控通知，执行用量监控。 The PCEF performs usage monitoring based on the control policy and usage monitoring notification issued by the PCRF.

9、根据权利要求 8所述的用量监控方法，其中，所述用量监控请求包括：需要进行用量监控的用户标识、需要进行用量监控的用户所属的用户组标识、以及用量监控指示。 The usage monitoring method according to claim 8, wherein the usage monitoring request comprises: a user identifier that needs to be monitored for usage, a user group identifier to which the user who needs to perform usage monitoring, and an usage monitoring indication.

10、根据权利要求 9所述的用量监控方法，其中， PCRF根据所述阈值进行用量监控决策和策略决策包括： The usage monitoring method according to claim 9, wherein the PCRF performs the usage monitoring decision and the policy decision according to the threshold:

11、根据权利要求 10所述的用量监控方法，其中，该方法还包括： PCEF向 PCRF上报用量监控，所述上报包含所述监控键和累计监控用量； The usage monitoring method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: the PCEF reporting the usage monitoring to the PCRF, wherein the reporting includes the monitoring key and the cumulative monitoring usage;

12、根据权利要求 11所述的用量监控方法，其中，所述 OCS在接收来自所述 PCRF的用量监控请求之前，该方法还包括：所述 PCRF根据用户签约信息中的用量监控指示判断是否发送所述用量监控请求，如果所述签约信息指示为所述用户启动用量监控，则所述 PCRF向所述 OCS发送用量监控请求。 The usage monitoring method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: before the receiving the usage monitoring request from the PCRF, the method further comprises: determining, by the PCRF, whether to send according to the usage monitoring indication in the user subscription information. The usage monitoring request, if the subscription information indicates that the user initiates usage monitoring, the PCRF sends a usage monitoring request to the OCS.

13、一种用量监控***，其中，该***包括： OCS、 PCRF和 PCEF; 其中， 13. A usage monitoring system, wherein the system comprises: OCS, PCRF, and PCEF; wherein

所述 OCS, 设置为在收到来自 PCRF的用量监控请求后，进行用量监控决策，并向 PCRF下发用量监控信息； The OCS is set to perform the usage monitoring after receiving the usage monitoring request from the PCRF. Control decision making, and send usage monitoring information to the PCRF;

14、根据权利要求 13所述的用量监控***，其中， 14. The usage monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein

15、根据权利要求 13或 14所述的用量监控***，其中， The usage monitoring system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein

16、一种用量监控***，其中，该***包括： OCS、 PCRF和 PCEF; 其中， 16. A usage monitoring system, wherein the system comprises: OCS, PCRF, and PCEF; wherein

17、根据权利要求 16所述的用量监控***，其中， 17. The usage monitoring system according to claim 16, wherein

18、根据权利要求 16或 17所述的用量监控***，其中， 18. The usage monitoring system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein