4 Architecture considerations

32.2713GPPCharging managementLocation Services (LCS) chargingRelease 17Telecommunication managementTS

4.1 High level LCS architecture

Figure 4.1.1 depicts the logical LCS architecture, as described inTS 23.271 [201].

Figure 4.1.1: LCS logical architecture with inter-GMLC [Lr] interface

As can be seen in figure 4.1.1, the following LCS elements are relevant for charging:

– V-GMLC,

– H-GMLC,

– R-GMLC.

Editor’s note: Add a statement stating that the SGSN and the MSC have also a role in the LCS Charging and that the associated LCS Charging functionality is described in TS 32.250 and TS 32.251

4.2 LCS offline charging architecture

As described in TS 32.240 [1], the CTF (an integrated component in each charging relevant NE) generates charging events and forwards them to the CDF. The CDF, in turn, generates CDRs which are then transferred to the CGF. Finally, the CGF creates CDR files and forwards them to the Billing Domain.

In LCS, all charging functions (CTF, CDF and CGF) reside within the LCS R/S. I.e. the GMLC is connected directly to the Billing Domain via the Bl interface. Bl is the LCS specific variant of the common Bx interface. This architecture implies that there exists no separate CDF and CGF for LCS, i.e. no corresponding open interfaces between any such functions, within the 3GPP standards.

Figure 4.2.1 depicts the mapping of the 3GPP common charging architecture, as laid down in TS 32.240 [1], onto the LCS.

Editor’s note: A clarification for the LCS offline charging reference point is in discussion

Figure 4.2.1: LCS offline charging architecture

In addition to the standard approach depicted in figure 4.2.1, vendors may choose to implement separate CDF and CGF for LCS. In that case, the interfaces between these functions should comply with the definition of the Rf and Ga interfaces (TS 32.299 [50] and TS 32.295 [54], respectively) as much as possible.

4.3 LCS online charging architecture

LCS online charging is based on GMLC functionality that is further specified in the present document. For online charging, the GMLC utilises the Ro interface and application towards the OCS as specified in TS 32.299 [50]. The Ro reference point covers all online charging functionality required for LCS.

The LCS online charging architecture is depicted in figure 4.3.1.

Figure 4.3.1: LCS online charging architecture

Details on the interfaces and functions can be found in TS 32.240 [1] for the general architecture components, TS 32.296 [53] for the OCS, and TS 32.299 [50] for the Ro application.