3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations
32.2403GPPCharging architecture and principlesCharging managementRelease 18Telecommunication managementTS
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of the present document, the terms and definitions defined in TR 21.905 [100] and the following apply:
2G‑ / 3G‑: prefixes 2G‑ and 3G‑ refer to functionality that supports only GSM or UMTS, respectively, e.g. 2G‑SGSN refers only to the GSM functionality of an SGSN.
accounting: process of apportioning charges between the Home Environment, Serving Network and Subscriber.
accounting meter record: record containing one or more counters employed to register the usage of resources en masse. Includes simple event counters and/ or cumulative call second counters.
Advice of Charge (AoC): real-time display of the network utilization charges incurred by the Mobile Station
The charges are displayed in the form of charging units. If a unit price is stored by the MS then the display may also include the equivalent charge in the home currency.
AoC service: combination of one or more services, both basic and supplementary, together with a number of other charging relevant parameters to define a customized service for the purpose of advice of charge.
Application Based Charging (ABC): ability to perform charging on an application basis for network usage based upon application detection.
billing: function whereby CDRs generated by the charging function(s) are transformed into bills requiring payment.
Billing Domain: part of the operator network, which is outside the core network, which receives and processes CDR files from the charging functions. It includes functions that can provide billing mediation and billing or other (e.g. statistical) end applications. It is only applicable to offline charging (see "Online Charging System" for equivalent functionality in online charging).
CAMEL: network feature that provides the mechanisms to support operator specific services even when roaming outside HPLMN.
CAMEL subscription information: identifies a subscriber as having CAMEL services.
chargeable event: activity utilizing telecommunications network resources and related services for:
– user to user communication (e.g. a single call, a data communication session or a short message); or
– user to network communication (e.g. service profile administration); or
– inter-network communication (e.g. transferring calls, signalling, short messages, interconnection); or
– mobility (e.g. roaming or inter-system handover); or
– user to application/service communication ; and
– that the network operator may want to charge for.
As a minimum, a chargeable event characterises the resource / service usage and indicates the identity of the involved end user(s).
charged party: user involved in a chargeable event that has to pay parts or the whole charges of the chargeable event, or a third party paying the charges caused by one or all users involved in the chargeable event, or a network operator.
charging: function within the telecommunications network and the associated OCS/BD components whereby information related to a chargeable event is collected, formatted, transferred and evaluated in order to make it possible to determine usage for which the charged party may be billed (offline charging) or the subscriber’s account balance may be debited (online charging).
Charging Data Record (CDR): formatted collection of information about a chargeable event (e.g. time of call set-up, duration of the call, amount of data transferred, etc) for use in billing and accounting. For each party to be charged for parts of or all charges of a chargeable event a separate CDR is generated, i.e. more than one CDR may be generated for a single chargeable event, e.g. because of its long duration, or because more than one charged party is to be charged.
charging event: set of charging information forwarded by the CTF towards the CDF (offline charging) or towards the OCS (online charging). Each charging event matches exactly one chargeable event.
circuit switched domain: domain within GSM / UMTS in which information is transferred in circuit switched mode.
Credit-Control: mechanism which directly interacts in real-time with an account and controls or monitors the charges, related to the service usage. Credit-Control is a process of: checking if credit is available, credit reservation, deduction of credit from the end user account when service is completed and refunding of reserved credit not used.
domain: part of a communication network that provides resources using a certain bearer technology.
Fully qualified Partial CDR (FQPC): partial CDR that contains a complete set of the fields specified for the CDR type in the respective middle tier TS. This includes all the mandatory and conditional fields as well as those fields that the PLMN operator has provisioned to be included in the CDR. The first Partial CDR shall be a Fully Qualified Partial CDR.
GPRS: packet switched bearer and radio services for GSM and UMTS systems.
(GSM only): qualifier indicating that this clause or paragraph applies only to a GSM system. For multi-system cases this is determined by the current serving radio access network.
in GSM,…: qualifier indicating that this paragraph applies only to GSM Systems
in UMTS,…: qualifier indicating that this paragraph applies only to UMTS Systems
interconnection charging: process of inter-operator charging between the related operators
inter-system change: change of radio access between different radio access technologies such as GSM and UMTS
middle tier TS: term used for the 3GPP charging TSs that specify the domain / subsystem / service specific, online and offline, charging functionality. These are all the TSs in the numbering range from TS 32.250 to TS 32.279, e.g. TS 32.250 [10] for the CS domain, TS 32.260 [20] for the IMS or TS 32.270 [30] for the MMS service.
Currently, there is only one "tier 1" TS in 3GPP, which is the present document that specifies the charging architecture and principles. Finally, there are a number of top tier TSs in the 32.29x numbering range ([50]) that specify common charging aspects such as parameter definitions, encoding rules, the common Billing Domain interface or common charging applications.
near real-time: near real-time charging and billing information is to be generated, processed, and transported to a desired conclusion in less than one (1) minute.
observed IMEI ticket: record used to describe an EIR relevant event e.g. a blocklisted IMEI.
offline charging: charging mechanism where charging information does not affect, in real-time, the service rendered.
Offline Charging System: the entity that collects and processes offline charging information prior to delivery to the Billing Domain.
online charging: charging mechanism where charging information can affect, in real-time, the service rendered and therefore a direct interaction of the charging mechanism with bearer/session/service control is required.
Online Charging System: the entity that performs quota management. Its functionality includes transaction handling, rating, online correlation and management of subscriber accounts/balances.
Converged Charging System: the system that combines the functionalities of the Offline Charging System and the Online Charging System into a single converged system.
packet switched domain: domain in which data is transferred between core network elements.
partial CDR: CDR that provides charging information on part of a user session. A long session may be covered by several partial CDRs. Two formats are considered for Partial CDRs. One that contains all of the necessary fields (FQPC); the second has a reduced format (RPC).
real-time: real-time charging and billing information is to be generated, processed, and transported to a desired conclusion in less than 1 second.
Reduced Partial CDR (RPC): partial CDRs that only provide mandatory fields and information regarding changes in the session parameters relative to the previous partial CDR. For example, location information is not repeated in these CDRs if the subscriber did not change its location.
settlement: payment of amounts resulting from the accounting process.
subscriber: entity (associated with one or more users) that is engaged in a Subscription with a service provider. The subscriber is allowed to subscribe and unsubscribe services, to register a user or a list of users authorised to enjoy these services, and also to set the limits relative to the use that associated users make of these services.
successful call: connection that reaches the communication or data transfer phase e.g. the "answered" state for speech connections. All other connection attempts are regarded as unsuccessful.
tariff period: part of one (calendar) day during which a particular tariff is applied. Defined by the time at which the period commences (the switch-over time) and the tariff to be applied after switch-over
tariff: set of parameters defining the network utilization charges for the use of a particular bearer / session / service.
transit: interconnection scenarios in multi operator environments where one or more transit operators are between the originating and terminating operator.
UMTS only: qualifier indicating that this clause or paragraph applies only to a UMTS system. For multi-system cases this is determined by the current serving radio access network.
user: entity, not part of the 3GPP System, which uses network resources by means of a subscription. The user may or may not be identical to the subscriber holding that subscription.
User Equipment (UE): device allowing a user access to network services. For the purpose of 3GPP specifications the interface between the UE and the network is the radio interface. A User Equipment can be subdivided into a number of domains, the domains being separated by reference points. Currently defined domains are the USIM and ME Domains. The ME Domain can further be subdivided into several components showing the connectivity between multiple functional groups. These groups can be implemented in one or more hardware devices. An example of such connectivity is the TE – MT interface. Further, an occurrence of a User Equipment is an MS for GSM as defined in TS 24.002 [213].
3.2 Symbols
For the purposes of the present document the following symbols apply:
A Interface between an MSC and a BSC.
Bea Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the Exposure function API CGF to the BD.
Bc Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the Circuit Switched CGF to the BD.
Bcp Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the CP data transfer CGF to the BD.
Bi Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the IMS CGF to the BD.
Bl Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the GMLC CGF to the BD.
Bm Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the MMS CGF to the BD.
Bmn Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the Monitoring Event CGF to the BD.
Bo Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the OCF CGF to the BD.
Bp Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the Packet Switched CGF to the BD.
Bs Reference point for the CDR file transfer for CAMEL services to the BD, i.e. from the SCF CGF to the BD.
Bsm Reference point for the CDR file transfer from SMS CGF to the BD,
Bt Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the PoC CGF to the BD.
Bw Reference point for the CDR file transfer from the WLAN CGF to the BD (discontinued in Release 12).
Bx Reference point for CDR file transfer between any (generic) 3G domain, subsystem or service CGF and a BD.
CAP Reference point for CAMEL between a network element with integrated SSF and the OCS.
Ga Reference point for CDR transfer between a CDF and the CGF.
Gb Interface between an SGSN and a BSC.
Gc Interface between an GGSN and an HLR.
Gd Interface between an SMS-GMSC and an SGSN, and between a SMS-IWMSC and an SGSN.
Gf Interface between an SGSN and an EIR.
Gi Interface between the Packet-Switched domain and an external packet data network.
Gn Interface between two GSNs within the same PLMN.
Gp Interface between two GSNs in different PLMNs.
Gr Interface between an SGSN and an HLR.
Gs Interface between an SGSN and an MSC/VLR.
Gx Reference point between a PCRF and a PCEF.
Gy Online charging reference point between a PCEF and an OCS.
Gyn Online charging reference point between a TDF and an OCS.
Gz Offline charging reference point between a PCEF and an OFCS.
Gzn Offline charging reference point between a TDF and an OFCS.
Iu Interface between the RNS and the core network.
kbit/s Kilobits per second. 1 kbit/s = 210 bits per second.
Lr Interface between Gateway MLCs.
Mbit/s Megabits per second. 1 Mbit/s = 220 bits per second.
Mc Interface between the MGW and (G)MSC server.
Rf Offline charging reference point between a 3G network element and the CDF.
Nchf Service-based interface exhibited by Charging Function.
Nnwdaf Service based interface exhibited by NWDAF.
N28 Reference point between the PCF and Converged Charging System.
Ro Online charging reference point between a 3G network element and the OCS.
Rx Reference point between the PCRF and an AF.
S8 Interface between S-GW and P-GW in different PLMNs.
Sd Reference point between the PCRF and a TDF.
Sy Reference point for policy enforcement between OCS and the PCRF.
T8 Reference points for interworking between SCEF and SCS/AS.
Um Interface between the Mobile Station (MS) and the GSM fixed network part.
Uu Interface between the User Equipment (UE) and the UMTS fixed network part.
Wf Offline charging reference point between a 3GPP WLAN CTF and the CDF (discontinued in Release 12).
Wo Online charging reference point between a 3GPP WLAN CTF and the OCS (discontinued in Release 12).
3.3 Abbreviations
For the purposes of the present document, the following abbreviations apply:
3G 3rd Generation
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
5GC 5G Core Network
5GS 5G System
5G DDNMF 5G Direct Discovery Name Management Function
ABMF Account Balance Management Function
AF Application Function
AMF Access and Mobility Management Function
AoC Advice of Charge
API Application Program Interfaces
APN Access Point Name
AS Application Server
BD Billing Domain
BGCF Breakout Gateway Control Function
BS Bearer Services
BSC Base Station Controller
BSS Base Station Subsystem
BTS Base Transceiver Station
CAMEL Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic
CAP CAMEL Application Part
CCS Converged Charging System
CDF Charging Data Function
CDR Charging Data Record
CG Charging Gateway
CGF Charging Gateway Function
CHF Charging Function
CN Core Network
CP Control Plane
CS Circuit Switched
CSCF Call Session Control Function (I-Interrogating; E-Emergency; P-Proxy; and S-Serving)
CTF Charging Trigger Function
EATF Emergency Access Transfer Function
EBCF Event Based Charging Function
ECUR Event Charging with Unit Reservation
EES Edge Enabler Server
EIR Equipment Identity Register
EPC Evolved Packet Core
ePDG Evolved Packet Data Gateway
EPS Evolved Packet System
E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
FQPC Fully Qualified Partial CDR
GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node
GMLC Gateway MLC
GMSC Gateway MSC
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GSM Global System for Mobile communication
gsmSCF GSM Service Control Function
gsmSSF GSM Service Switching Function
GSN GPRS Support Node (either SGSN or GGSN)
HLR Home Location Register
HPLMN Home PLMN
HSCSD High Speed Circuit Switched Data
IBCF Interconnect Border Control Function
ICS IMS Centralized Services
IE Information Element
IEC Immediate Event Charging
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
IMS GWF IMS GateWay Function
IMS IP Multimedia Subsystem
IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
IP Internet Protocol
ISC IMS Service Control
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
ITU-T International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunications standardization sector
LAC Location Area Code
LAN Local Area Network
LCS Location Services
LRF Location Retrieval Function
LTE Long Term Evolution
MAP Mobile Application Part
MBMS Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service
MDAS Management Data Analytics ServiceME Mobile Equipment
MGCF Media Gateway Control Function
MGW Media GateWay
MLC Mobile Location Center
MME Mobility Management Entity
MMI Man-Machine Interface
MMS Multimedia Messaging Service
MMSE Multimedia Messaging Service Environment
MMTel MultiMedia Telephony
MNO Mobile Network Operator
MnS Management Service
MO Mobile Originated
MOC MO Call
MRF Media Resource Function
MRFC MRF Controller
MS Mobile Station
MSC Mobile Services Switching Centre
MSISDN Mobile Station ISDN number
MT Mobile Terminated
MTC MT Call
MVNO Mobile Virtual Netork Operator
NE Network Element
NF Network Function
NWDAF Network Data Analytics Function
OCF Online Charging Function
OCS Online Charging System
OFCS Offline Charging System
OMR Optimal Media Routing
PCEF Policy and Charging Enforcement Function
PCF Policy Control Function
PCRF Policy and Charging Rules Function
PDG Packet Data Gateway
PDN Packet Data Network
PDP Packet Data Protocol, e.g. IP
PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
PoC Push-to-talk over Cellular
ProSe Proximity-based Services
PS Packet-Switched
PSPDN Packet-Switched Public Data Network
QoS Quality of Service
RF Rating Function
RNC Radio Network Controller
RNS Radio Network Subsystem
RPC Reduced Partial CDR
SBCF Session Based Charging Function
SCCP Signalling Connection Control Part
SCEF Service Capability Exposure Function
SCF Service Control FunctionSCS Services Capability Server
SCUR Session Charging with Unit Reservation
SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
SMS Short Message Service
SMF Session Management Function
SSF Service Switching Function
TAP Transferred Account Procedure
TDF Traffic Detection Function
TR Technical Report
TRF Transit and Roaming Function
TS Technical Specification
TWAG Trusted WLAN Access Gateway
UE User Equipment
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
UPF User Plane Function
USIM Universal SIM
VAS Value Added Service
VLR Visitor Location Register
VMSC Visited MSC
VPLMN Visited PLMN
WLAN Wireless LAN