D.3 Common charging architecture and framework

32.2403GPPCharging architecture and principlesCharging managementRelease 18Telecommunication managementTS

D.3.1 Charging mechanisms

(Void)

D.3.2 High level common architecture

The logical ubiquitous charging architecture and the reference points for offline charging of figure 4.2.1, extended with the distributed CTF architecture is shown in figure D.3.2.1.

Figure D.3.2.1: Logical ubiquitous charging architecture and reference points with distributed functional blocks of CTF for offline charging

D.4.3 Charging functions

D.4.3.1 Offline charging functions

D.4.3.1.1 Charging Trigger Function

For a service utilizing the distributed CTF, the CTF is divided into two functional blocks as described in clause 4.3.1.1. The Accounting Metrics Collection (AMC) function block is in the UE that supports the specific service. The AMC sends usage information collected to the Accounting Data Forwarding (ADF) function block of the CTF in the service NE over the service-specific reference point, denoted as X. The subset of X specific to usage information collection for charging purposes is denoted as Xch in figure D.3.2.1.

D.4.3.2 Online charging functions

In this present specification, the distributed CTF is only available for offline charging.

D.4.4 Reference points

D.4.4.1 Offline charging reference points

D.4.4.1.1 Xch

The subset of service-specific reference point X that is specific to usage information collection for charging purposes.

D.4.4.2 Online charging reference points

In this present specification, the distributed CTF is only available for offline charging.

Annex E (Informative):
High level overall charging architecture.