Southbound_ 3G_4G Scenarios, Network Integrations and charging functions(PCRF ,CF,CGF,ABMF) (2024-06-14 10_33 GMT-4)-en-US.docx

3G-4G Networks

Refers to the integration and design of high-level network systems for data, SMS, and MMS services, including components like P gateway, MMSC, and SMSC.

Charging Functions (PCRF, CF, CGF, ABMF)

These functions are part of the charging system architecture and include Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Charging Function (CF), Charging Gateway Function (CGF), and Account Balance Management Function (ABMF).

Roaming SMS Charging

Describes the process of charging SMS messages during roaming scenarios, where real-time charging may not be possible, leading to the use of offline tapping recorders for billing.

Notification Platform

Involves sending notifications to customers based on usage thresholds or blocks, often requiring immediate actions like top-ups or unblocking through SMS or SMTP interfaces.

Policy Control Routing to PCRF

Refers to the routing of policy control decisions to the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) for applying throttling rules and managing network policies for prepaid and postpaid services.

Notification Workflow

When CCS detects a specific type of notification, it triggers a notification workflow to communicate with the notification platform.

Notification Platform

A system that manages the logic for sending notifications to different channels based on user preferences.

REST Interface

An interface used for communication between different workflows and platforms, already existing but undergoing changes due to postpaid migration.

Voice Rating and Charging

The process of handling voice call charges, with prepaid voice handled by Online MZ and postpaid voice rated by KB offline.

Dual Core Network

Separate networks for 3G-4G and 5G, with different elements like P gateway for each network.

Performance Data Table (PPI)

A table tracking interface latency and response codes to monitor system performance and trigger alerts.

OCS Config and Reference Data

Crucial for lookups and load balancing to route data to the appropriate instance of CCS or sub CC, maintained by the operation team.

Mediation Business Logical Related Reference Table

A snapshot table used to map specific values to corresponding codes or references, maintained by the owner or a specific department.

Roaming Carrier Table

A stable table that maps roaming carrier information to specific codes or references, with new entries added when new carriers are introduced.

Migration Control Table

A table used to update whitelist cutover and route traffic for different services, such as postpaid projects, with established processes for updates.

Offline Mediation

A process where raw CDRs are processed offline for charging, including deduplication checks and sending non-rated usage back online for charging.

Event-Based Charging

A method of charging based on specific events or triggers, often used for real-time charging processes.

CCS (Charging Control System)

A system responsible for charging and rating services, including handling real-time and offline charging scenarios.

Inbound Roamer

A non-Telus customer roaming on the network, typically handled by roaming settlement processes.

Roaming Settlement

The process of settling charges and agreements with other operators for roaming services, such as Infinity for roaming settlements.

US Roaming SMS

Refers to the service provided for sending text messages while roaming in the United States.

Real-time Interface

A system or mechanism that processes data immediately as it is received.

Long Time Requirement

Indicates a need for a significant duration or period for a particular task or process.

SMSC Detection

The ability to identify Short Message Service Centers (SMSC) but unable to detect across the US border.

Happy Pass

A method or solution used to avoid US roaming charges near the border.

SMS Event Charging

Involves understanding the charging process for SMS, especially related to US roaming and domestic SMS within Canada.

RO Interface

An interface used for sending messages, such as Cap Map, for SMS services.

CCR Event

Stands for Credit Control Request event, a type of event-based communication.

Matrix Test Framework

A framework used for testing SMS/MMS and GY services, particularly for prepaid interfaces.

Postpaid Test Scenarios

Additional test scenarios relevant for postpaid services to be considered in testing frameworks.

Migration Strategy

The plan and process for moving from one system to another, involving understanding requirements, modifying or adding elements, and coordinating with relevant teams.

Digital Route

The current platform being used, with plans to migrate to a new platform independent of Digital Route.

CHF (Centralized Handover Function)

A separate component within the digital route system, handling session requests and failures.

SMF (Session Management Function)

Processes session requests from SMF, with default handlings for failures and buffering of files in case of connectivity issues.

5G Workflows

Processes translating 5G data from CHF to CCS, with considerations for custom parameters and standard protocols.

Latency Performance

Control and user plane separation impacting latency, with mechanisms in place to handle delays and avoid large latencies.

High Availability

Mechanisms at different layers (SMF, mediation, CHF) to ensure system availability, including Geo redundancy and failure handling.

Testing Tools

Standard HTTP2 protocols used for testing, with considerations for enriching parameters and ensuring compatibility with SAP CC or CCS.

Bypass Workflows

Methods used when CHF is down, involving default quota, catch up workflows, and buffering/replaying of usages.

Mediator Box

A device used to transfer files between systems, acting as an intermediary.

Reconciliation

The process of comparing and matching data to ensure accuracy and consistency.

CDR (Call Detail Record)

Data generated by telecommunications systems that contains information about calls.

SAP CC

System responsible for rating and processing call data records.

CHF Servers

Servers used for storing and processing call records in the Telus system.

CGF Component

Component involved in processing raw CDRs and sending them for further processing.

Offline Mediation

Processing of call records outside of real-time systems for various purposes.

5G and 4G Workflows

Handling policy mechanisms and workflows for both 5G and 4G networks.

Reference Tables

Databases containing essential information for system operations.

Control Plane Messages

Messages used for controlling and managing network operations.