Content for TS 32.240 Word version: 18.1.0
D Distributed Charging Trigger Function
D.1 General
D.2 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations
D.3 Common charging architecture and framework
D (Normative) Distributed Charging Trigger Function |R12| p. 60
D.1 General p. 60
This annex specifies the enhancement to 3GPP charging architecture and framework in which, when required for a specific service, the Charging Trigger Function is split between the UE that supports that service and the network element or service element. As described in clause 4.3.1.1, the CTF consists of the Accounting Metrics Collection (AMC) function block and the Accounting Data Forwarding (ADF) function block. For select services, the CTF (AMC) is located in the UE and the CTF (ADF) is located in the network element or service element reachable by an application layer protocol. The applicability of this distributed CTF architecture is described in each specific middle tier charging TS that utilizes this construct.
In the present document the distributed CTF is only available for offline charging.
D.2 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations p. 60
D.2.1 Definitions p. 60
(Void)
D.2.2 Symbols p. 60
For the purposes of this annex, the following symbols apply:
Xch
Offline charging reference point between a UE and the service NE for charging purposes
D.2.3 Abbreviations p. 60
For the purposes of this annex, the following abbreviations apply:
CTF (AMC)
Charging Trigger Function (Accounting Metrics Collection)
CTF (ADF)
Charging Trigger Function (Accounting Data Forwarding)
D.3 Common charging architecture and framework p. 60
D.3.1 Charging mechanisms p. 60
(Void)
D.3.2 High level common architecture p. 60
The logical ubiquitous charging architecture and the reference points for offline charging of Figure 4.2.1.1, 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
(⇒ copy of original 3GPP image)
(⇒ copy of original 3GPP image)
D.4.3 Charging functions p. 61
D.4.3.1 Offline charging functions p. 61
D.4.3.1.1 Charging Trigger Function p. 61
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 p. 61
In this present specification, the distributed CTF is only available for offline charging.
D.4.4 Reference points p. 61
D.4.4.1 Offline charging reference points p. 61
D.4.4.1.1 Xch p. 61
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 p. 61
In this present specification, the distributed CTF is only available for offline charging.
