Per-session dynamic charging caps in communication networks
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a charging system adapted to receive at least one charging request message from a network element that is serving a session involving a party, to identify charging criteria defined for the party, to determine a per-session dynamic charging cap for the session based on the charging criteria and data for the session, and to limit charging for the session based on the dynamic charging cap.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Communication networks and associated methods and systems are disclosed that provide per-session dynamic charging caps. For a session, the communication network includes a network element adapted to serve the session, a charging system, and a subscriber server adapted to store charging criteria defined for a party to the session. In operation, the charging system receives one or more charging request messages from the network element. Responsive to a charging request message, the charging system identifies the charging criteria defined for the party as stored in the subscriber server, and determines a dynamic charging cap for the session based on the charging criteria. A charging cap is a limited or maximum amount of time and/or money that is charged for an individual session. The charging system then limits the charging for the session based on the dynamic charging cap.
28 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
a charging system adapted to receive at least one charging request message from a network element that is serving a session involving a party, to identify charging criteria defined for the party, to determine a per-session dynamic charging cap for the session based on the charging criteria and data for the session, and to limit charging for the session based on the dynamic charging cap. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method comprising:
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receiving at least one charging request message from a network element that is serving a session involving a party; identifying charging criteria defined for the party; determining a per-session dynamic charging cap for the session based on the charging criteria and data for the session; and limiting charging for the session based on the dynamic charging cap. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method comprising:
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receiving charging request messages from a network element that is serving a postpaid session involving a party; calculating a total duration for the postpaid session based on the charging request messages; identifying charging criteria defined for the party; determining a per-session dynamic charging cap for the postpaid session based on the charging criteria and data for the postpaid session; determining a rating for the postpaid session; determining a charge for the postpaid session based on the rating and the total duration for the postpaid session; and limiting the charge for the postpaid session based on the dynamic charging cap. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method comprising:
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receiving a charging request message from a network element that is serving a prepaid session involving a party; identifying a prepaid account for the party; identifying charging criteria defined for the party; determining a per-session dynamic charging cap for the prepaid session based on the charging criteria and data for the prepaid session; determining a rating for the prepaid session; allocating a credit quota for the prepaid session based on the rating, the prepaid account balance for the party, and the charging cap; and transmitting a charging answer message to the network element indicating the granted credit quota for the prepaid session. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification