Method for configuring billing processes in network elements

摘要

A method configures billing processes in the network elements of data path for the transmission of packet data in a communications system. According to said method, network elements that are located between a first and a second element of the data path are configured and the packet data transmission that is associated with a terminal is carried out between the first network element and the second network element via the data path. The terminal transmits or receives the associated packet data transmission via the second network element. In a central third network element, which is not assigned to the data path, a stored billing control function generates a configuration message, which is used to configure the network elements. The configuration message is transmitted to the network elements of the data path, said network elements at least partially evaluating the configuration message for initialization and configuration purposes.

主权项

1. A method for configuring billing processes in network elements of a radio communications system, the radio communications system including at least a first network element, a second network element, a first data path extending between the first network element and the second network element including at least one first intermediate network element, a second data path extending between the first network element and the second network element including at least one second intermediate network element not common with the first intermediate network element, a terminal assigned to the second network element, and a central network element, the method comprising:
transmitting, from the central network element to the first network element, a configuration message from a billing control function implemented in the central network element; after receiving the configuration message at the first network element, transmitting the configuration message from the first network element to the terminal through the first data path; transmitting the configuration message from the terminal to the first network element through the second data path; configuring and initializing billing processes at one or more of the at least one first intermediate network element and the at least one second intermediate network element based on the configuration message; and transmitting billing data collected at the first network element based on the configured and initialized billing processes to the billing control function implemented in the central network element, the central network element not being located along either the first data path or the second data path.