Abstract:
IMS gateway systems and methods are disclosed for providing budget control in an IMS network. IMS networks allow for media changes, such as audio to audio/video, during an IMS session. An IMS gateway system (200) described herein receives a session control message, such as a SIP INVITE message, responsive to the media change during the session. The IMS gateway system (200) identifies media information for the new media in the session control message. The IMS gateway system (200) generates a corresponding charging request message, and includes media information for the new media in the charging request message. The IMS gateway system (200) then transmits the charging request message to an online charging system, OCS, (220) to provide for charging of the session based on the new media for the session.
Abstract:
Communication networks and methods are disclosed for providing converged prepaid charging and postpaid charging. A communication network (200) described herein includes a switching system (204), a charging selection system (210), a prepaid charging system (220), and a postpaid charging system (230). When the switching system receives a call for a subscriber, the switching system processes a subscriber profile to determine a type of charging for the call. If the type of charging for the subscriber comprises a hybrid prepaid/postpaid charging, then the switching system transmits a query to the charging selection system. Responsive to the query, the charging selection system processes charging criteria to determine whether the hybrid prepaid/postpaid charging for the call should be prepaid or postpaid. The charging selection system initiates prepaid charging or postpaid charging for the call based on the charging criteria.