3rd Generation Partnership Project;

Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects;

3GPP TS 32.290
TelecommunicationV15.1.0
management;
Charging management;
(2018-09)
Technical Specification
5G system; Services, operations and procedures of
charging using Service Based Interface (SBI)
(Release 15)

The present document has been developed within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP TM) and may be further elaborated for the purposes of 3GPP..
The present document has not been subject to any approval process by the 3GPP Organizational Partners and shall not be implemented.
This Specification is provided for future development work within 3GPP only. The Organizational Partners accept no liability for any use of this
Specification.
Specifications and Reports for implementation of the 3GPP TM system should be obtained via the 3GPP Organizational Partners' Publications Offices.
Release 15 2 3GPP TS 32.290 V15.1.0 (2018-09)

Keywords
charging, service based interface

3GPP

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GSM® and the GSM logo are registered and owned by the GSM Association

3GPP
Release 15 3 3GPP TS 32.290 V15.1.0 (2018-09)

Contents
Foreword..........................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope......................................................................................................................................................5
2 References..............................................................................................................................................5
3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations..................................................................................................6
3.1 Definitions...........................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Symbols...............................................................................................................................................................6
3.3 Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................................................6
4 Architecture reference model..................................................................................................................6
4.1 General.................................................................................................................................................................6
4.2 Reference architecture.........................................................................................................................................7
5 Charging Function requirement..............................................................................................................7
5.1 Offline charging scenario.....................................................................................................................................7
5.1.1 Basic principles..............................................................................................................................................7
5.1.2 Charging scenarios.........................................................................................................................................7
5.1.2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................7
5.1.2.2 Scenarios..................................................................................................................................................7
5.2 Online charging scenario.....................................................................................................................................8
5.2.1 Basic principles..............................................................................................................................................8
5.2.2 Charging scenarios.........................................................................................................................................8
5.2.2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................8
5.2.2.2 Scenarios..................................................................................................................................................8
5.2.3 Void................................................................................................................................................................8
5.3 Converged Charging scenario..............................................................................................................................8
5.3.1 Basic principles..............................................................................................................................................8
5.3.2 Charging scenarios.........................................................................................................................................8
5.3.2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................8
5.3.2.2 Event based charging................................................................................................................................9
5.3.2.3 Session based charging...........................................................................................................................10
5.4 Other functionalities..........................................................................................................................................19
5.4.1 Re-authorization...........................................................................................................................................19
5.4.2 Threshold based re-authorization triggers....................................................................................................19
5.4.3 Termination action.......................................................................................................................................19
5.4.4 Service termination......................................................................................................................................19
5.4.5 Trigger Mechanism......................................................................................................................................19
6 Service Definition.................................................................................................................................20
6.1 NF Service Framework......................................................................................................................................20
6.2 Nchf_ConvergedCharging service.....................................................................................................................20
6.2.1 General.........................................................................................................................................................20
6.2.2 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Create service operation..................................................................................21
6.2.3 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Update service operation.................................................................................21
6.2.4 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Release service operation................................................................................21
6.2.5 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Notify service operation..................................................................................22
6.3 Nchf_SpendingLimitControl service.................................................................................................................22
6.3.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................................22
6.4 Void....................................................................................................................................................................22
7 Message contents...............................................................................................................................................22

Annex A (informative): Change history................................................................................................25

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Foreword
This Technical Specification has been produced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

The contents of the present document are subject to continuing work within the TSG and may change following formal
TSG approval. Should the TSG modify the contents of the present document, it will be re-released by the TSG with an
identifying change of release date and an increase in version number as follows:

Version x.y.z

where:

x the first digit:

1 presented to TSG for information;

2 presented to TSG for approval;

3 or greater indicates TSG approved document under change control.

y the second digit is incremented for all changes of substance, i.e. technical enhancements, corrections,
updates, etc.

z the third digit is incremented when editorial only changes have been incorporated in the document.

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Release 15 5 3GPP TS 32.290 V15.1.0 (2018-09)

1 Scope
The present document specifies service, operations and procedures of 5G charging for service based interface. This
charging description includes the charging architecture and scenarios as well as the mapping of the common charging
architecture specified in TS 32.240 [1]. The present document is related to other 3GPP charging TSs as follows:

- The common 3GPP charging architecture is specified in TS 32.240 [1].

- The protocol that are used for service based interface is specified in TS 32.291 [58].

The description is following the same methodology as used in TS 23.501 [201] and TS 23.502 [202] for the 5G system.

2 References
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of the present
document.

- References are either specific (identified by date of publication, edition number, version number, etc.) or
non-specific.

- For a specific reference, subsequent revisions do not apply.

- For a non-specific reference, the latest version applies. In the case of a reference to a 3GPP document (including
a GSM document), a non-specific reference implicitly refers to the latest version of that document in the same
Release as the present document.

[1] 3GPP TS 32.240: "Telecommunication management; Charging management; Charging

architecture and principles".

[2] - [49] Void.

[50] 3GPP TS 32.299: "Telecommunication management; Charging management; Diameter charging

application".

[51] - [54] Void.

[55] - [57] Void.

[58] 3GPP TS 32.291: "Telecommunication management; Charging management; 5G system; Charging

service, stage 3.

[59] - [99] Void.

[100] 3GPP TR 21.905: "Vocabulary for 3GPP Specifications".

[101] - [200] Void.

[201] 3GPP TS 23.501: "System Architecture for the 5G System; Stage 2".

[202] 3GPP TS 23.502: "Procedures for the 5G System; Stage 2".

[203] - [206] Void.

[207] - [299] Void.

[300] 3GPP TS 29.510: " 5G System; Network function repository services; Stage 3".

[301] - [370] Void.

[371] - [399] Void.

[400] - [499] Void.

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[500] - [599] Void.

3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations

3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of the present document, the terms and definitions given in 3GPP TR 21.905 [100], TS 32.240 [1] and
the following apply. A term defined in the present document takes precedence over the definition of the same term, if
any, in either 3GPP TR 21.905 [100] or TS 32.240 [1].

5G Access Network: An access network comprising a NG-RAN and/or non-3GPP AN connecting to a 5G Core
Network.

5G Core Network: The core network specified in the present document. It connects to a 5G Access Network.

NF service: a functionality exposed by a NF through a service based interface and consumed by other authorized NFs.

NF service operation: An elementary unit a NF service is composed of.

service based interface: It represents how a set of services is provided/exposed by a given NF.

charging session: The association between the CHF (NF Service Producer) that provides the charging service and NF
service consumer.

3.2 Symbols
For the purposes of the present document, the following symbols apply:

Nchf Service-based interface exhibited by Charging Function.

3.3 Abbreviations
For the purposes of the present document, the abbreviations given in 3GPP TR 21.905 [100] and the following apply.
An abbreviation defined in the present document takes precedence over the definition of the same abbreviation, if any,
in 3GPP TR 21.905 [100].

5GC 5G Core Network

5GS 5G System
CCS Converged Charging System
CHF Charging Function
IEC Immediate Event Charging
NF Network Function
PCF Policy Control Function
SBI Service based Interface
SMF Session Management Function

4 Architecture reference model

4.1 General
The present document describes the service based architecture for 5G Charging.

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4.2 Reference architecture

The NFs with CTF interact with CHF using Nchf interface for converged online and offline charging. The NF PCF
interacts with CHF using Nchf interface for Spending Limit Control. The Nchf is a service based interface for NF and
CHF.

Figure 4.2.1 depicts the reference architecture for the Nchf Interface.

Figure 4.2.1: Reference Architecture for the Nchf Interface; SBI representation

5 Charging Function requirement

5.1 Offline charging scenario

5.1.1 Basic principles
Basic principles for offline charging are defined in TS 32.240 [1].

5.1.2 Charging scenarios

5.1.2.1 Introduction
Offline charging for both events and sessions based charging as defined in TS 32.240 [1].

Two basic scenarios are used:

- Event based charging;

- Session based charging.

Both these scenarios may generate CDR files, which may then be transferred to the network operator's BD for the
purpose of subscriber billing and/or inter-operator accounting.

5.1.2.2 Scenarios
The scenarios described in TS 32.299 [50] clauses 5.1.1.1 and 5.1.1.2 apply with the CHF acting as a CDF.

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5.2 Online charging scenario

5.2.1 Basic principles
Basic principles for online charging are defined in TS 32.240 [1].

5.2.2 Charging scenarios

5.2.2.1 Introduction
The following basic scenarios are used:

1 Immediate Event Charging

a) Decentralized Unit Determination and Centralized Rating

b) Centralized Unit Determination and Centralized Rating

c) Decentralized Unit Determination and Decentralized Rating

2 Event charging with Unit Reservation

a) Decentralized Unit Determination and Centralized Rating

b) Centralized Unit Determination and Centralized Rating

c) Decentralized Unit Determination and Decentralized Rating

3 Session charging with Unit Reservation

a) Decentralized Unit Determination and Centralized Rating

b) Centralized Unit Determination and Centralized Rating

c) Decentralized Unit Determination and Decentralized Rating

The combination of Centralized Unit Determination with Decentralized Rating is not possible.

5.2.2.2 Scenarios
The scenarios described in TS 32.299 [50], clauses 5.2.2.1, 5.2.2.2 and 5.2.2.3, apply with the CHF acting as an OCF.

5.2.3 Void

5.3 Converged Charging scenario

5.3.1 Basic principles
When offline charging and online charging are both applicable to a service delivery, the charging information of both
offline charging and online charging can be provided in a single command, upon any triggers of the offline charging or
online charging is occur.

5.3.2 Charging scenarios

5.3.2.1 Introduction
Converged charging for both events and sessions between CTF and the CHF is performed as defined in TS 32.240 [1].

Two basic scenarios are used:

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- Converged Event based charging;

- Converged Session based charging.

5.3.2.2 Event based charging

For Converged Event based Charging, Immediate Event Charging (IEC) is supported .

Figure 5.3.2.2.1 shows a scenario for Event based charging with: Decentralized and Centralized Unit Determination,
Centralized Rating configurationand user's account balance deduction before service delivery, where the NF ( NF
(CTF))may invoke converged charging service towards the CHF, prior to service delivery if needed.

Figure 5.3.2.2.1: IEC- Event based charging with Decentralized and Centralized Unit Determination,
Centralized Rating

1) Request for resource usage: A request for session establishment is received in the NF (CTF). The service is
configured to be authorized by the CHF to start.

2) Units Determination: the NF (CTF) determines the number of units depending on the service requested by the
UE in "Decentralized Units determination" scenario.

3) Charging Data Request [Units]: The NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF for the service to be granted
authorization to start, and to make the number of units if determined in item 2 to be accounted and rating.

4) Account, Rating Control: The CHF calculates the number of monetary units that represents the price and
makes deduction of the calculated amount from user's account balance based on the number of units requested or
on internal unit determination, if the user's credit balance is sufficient.

5) Create CDR: based on policies, the CHF creates a CDR related to the service.

6) Charging Data Response [Units]: The CHF grants authorization to NF (CTF) for the service to start, with a
number of granted units.

7) Granted Units Supervision: The service starts and the NF (CTF) monitors the consumption of the granted
units.

8) Content/Service Delivery: the NF (CTF) delivers the content/service based on the number of units.

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5.3.2.3 Session based charging

For Converged Session based Charging, the following cases are supported:

- SCUR

- ECUR

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Figure 5.3.2.3.1 shows a scenario for Session based charging (SCUR) with: Unit Reservation, Decentralized and
Centralized Unit Determination, Centralized Rating configuration, user’s account deduction, where the NF (CTF)
invokes a converged charging service towards the CHF.

Figure 5.3.2.3.1: SCUR - Session based charging withDecentralized and Centralized Unit
Determination, Centralized Rating

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1) Request for resource usage: A request for session establishment is received in the NF (CTF). The service is
configured to be authorized by the CHF to start.

2) Units Determination: the NF (CTF)) determines the number of units depending on the service requested by the
UE in "Decentralized Units determination" scenario.

3) Charging Data Request [Initial, Quota Requested]: The NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF for the
service to be granted authorization to start, and to reserve the number of units if determined in item 2.

4) Account, Rating, Reservation Control: the CHF rates the requests either based on the number of units
requested or on internal unit determination, checks if corresponding funds can be reserved on the user's account
balance. If the account has sufficient funds, the CHF performs the corresponding reservations.

5) Open CDR: based on policies, the CHF opens a CDR related to the service.

6) Charging Data Response [Initial, Quota Granted]: The CHF grants authorization to NF (CTF) for the service
to start, with the reserved number of units.

7) Granted Units Supervision: The service starts and the NF (CTF) monitors the consumption of the granted
units.

8) Content/Service Delivery: the NF (CTF) delivers the content/service based on the reserved number of units.

9) Usage Reporting Trigger: the NF (CTF) generates charging data related to service delivered, based on a trigger
for usage reporting is met.

10)Charging Data Request [Update]: the NF (CTF) sends the request for reporting the related charging data to
the CHF.

11) Account, Rating Control: The CHF performs the reported usage process involving rating entity and user's
account balance.

12) Update CDR: based on policies, the CHF updates the CDR with charging data related to the service.

13)Charging Data Response [Update]: The CHF informs the NF (CTF) on the result of the request.

14)Quota management Trigger: A Trigger associated to Quota management is met. Units determination is
performed when applicable.

15)Charging Data Request [Update, Quota Requested]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF, to be
granted with more unit for the service to continue, and also for reporting the used units.

16)Account, Rating, Reservation Control: The CHF performs the process related to the reported usage and the
requested reservation, involving rating entity and user's account balance.

17) Update CDR: based on policies, the CHF updates the CDR with charging data related to the service.

18)Charging Data Response [Update, Quota Granted]: The CHF grants quota to NF (CTF) for the service to
continue, with the reserved number of units.

19)Content/Service Delivery: the NF (CTF) delivers the content/service based on the granted quota.

20)Session released: the session is released.

21)Charging Data Generation: the NF (CTF) generates charging data related to service released.

22)Charging Data Request [Termination]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF, for charging data related
to the service termination with the final consumed units.

23)Account, Rating Control: The CHF performs the service termination process involving rating entity and user's
account balance.

24) Close CDR: based on policies, the CHF closes the CDR with charging data related to the service termination
and the last reported units.

25)Charging Data Response [Termination]: The CHF informs the NF (CTF) on the result of the request.

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Figure 5.3.2.3.2 shows a scenario for Session based charging ( SCUR) with: Unit Reservation, Decentralized and
Centralized Unit Determination, Centralized Rating configuration , user’s account deduction , where the NF (CTF)
invokes a converged charging service towards the CHF.

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Figure 5.3.2.3.2: SCUR - Session based charging with Decentralized and Centralized Unit
Determination, Centralized Rating, immediate start of service delivery (Non-blocking mode)

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1) Request for service delivery and start of service delivery: A request for session establishment is received in
the NF (CTF). The NF (CTF) is configured to allow the service to be delivered.

2) Units Determination: the NF (CTF) determines the number of units depending on the service requested, in
"Decentralized Units determination" scenario.

3) Charging Data Request [Initial, Quota Requested]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF to reserve the
number of units if determined in step 2.

4) Account, Rating, Reservation Control: the CHF rates the requests either based on the number of units
requested or on internal unit determination, checks if corresponding funds can be reserved on the user's account
balance. If the account has sufficient funds, the CHF performs the corresponding reservation.

5) Open CDR: based on policies, the CHF opens a CDR related to the service.

6) Charging Data Response [Initial, Quota Granted]: the CHF grants the reserved number of units to NF (CTF).

7) Granted Units Supervision: The NF (CTF) monitors the consumption of the granted units.

8) Service delivery ongoing: the NF (CTF) continues to deliver the service.

9) Usage reporting trigger: a trigger associated with service usage reporting is met.

10)Charging Data Request [Update]: the NF (CTF) reports the charging data related to service delivered to the
CHF.

11) Account, Rating Control: the CHF uses the reported charging data to rate the usage and deduct the funds
corresponding to the usage on the account balance.

12) Update CDR: based on policies, the CHF updates the CDR with charging data related to the service.

13)Charging Data Response [Update]: The CHF informs the NF (CTF) on the result of the request.

14)Quota management Trigger: A Trigger associated to Quota management is met. Units determination is
performed when applicable.

15)Charging Data Request [Update, Quota Requested]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF, to be
granted with more unit for the service to continue, and also for reporting the used units.

16)Account, Rating, Reservation Control: same as step 4, with the option to also deduct the funds corresponding
to the usage on the account balance.

17)Update CDR: based on policies, the CHF updates the CDR with charging data related to the service.

18)Charging Data Response [Update, Quota Granted]: The CHF grants quota to NF (CTF) for the service, with
the reserved number of units.

19)Service delivery ongoing: the NF (CTF) continues to deliver the service.

20)Service release: the NF (CTF) is requested to end the service delivery and does this.

21)Charging Data Request [Termination]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF, for charging data related
to the service termination with the final consumed units.

22)Account, Rating Control: the CHF performs the service termination process which involve using the reported
charging data to rate the usage and deduct the funds corresponding to the usage on the account balance.

23) Close CDR: based on policies, the CHF closes the CDR with charging data related to the service termination
and the last reported units.

24)Charging Data Response [Termination]: The CHF informs the NF (CTF)on the result of the request.

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Figure 5.3.2.3.3 shows a scenario for Session based charging ECUR in Decentralized and Centralized Unit
Determination ,Centralized Rating configuration, where the NF (CTF) invokes a converged charging service towards
the CHF, prior to service delivery if needed.

Figure 5.3.2.3.3: ECUR - Session based charging with - Decentralized and Centralized Unit
Determination, Centralized Rating.

1) Request for resource usage: A request for session establishment is received in the NF (CTF). The service is
configured to be authorized by the CHF to start.

2) Units Determination: the NF (CTF) determines the number of units depending on the service requested by the
UE in "Decentralized Units determination" scenario.

3) Charging Data Request [Initial, Quota Requested]: The NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF for the
service to be granted authorization to start, and to reserve the number of units if determined in item 2.

4) Account, Rating, Reservation Control: the CHF rates the requests either based on the number of units
requested or on internal unit determination, checks if corresponding funds can be reserved on the user's account
balance. If the account has sufficient funds, the CHF performs the corresponding reservation.

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5) Open CDR: based on policies, the CHF opens a CDR related to the service.

6) Charging Data Response [Initial, Quota Granted]: The CHF grants authorization to NF (CTF) for the service
to start, with the reserved number of units.

7) Granted Units Supervision: The service starts and the NF (CTF) monitors the consumption of the granted
units.

8) Content/Service Delivery: the NF (CTF) delivers the content/service based on the reserved number of units.

9) Charging Data Request [Termination]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF, for charging data related
to the delivered service with the consumed units.

10)Account, Rating Control: The CHF performs the process for the delivered service involving rating entity and
user's account balance.

11) Close CDR: based on policies, the CHF closes the CDR with charging data related to the delivered service.

12)Charging Data Response [Termination]: The CHF informs the NF (CTF) on the result of the request.

5.3.2.4 Charging notification

The CHF can in Converged Session based Charging provide notifications to the NF (CTF), the NF (CTF) implicitly
subscribes to these when it sends a Charging Data Request [Initial], i.e. there is no separate subscription request from
the NF for notification.

Figure 5.3.2.4-1 shows a scenario for Session based charging with a notification from the CHF triggering a Charging
Data Request [Update].

Figure 5.3.2.x.1: Session based charging – Notification with Re-authorization

1) Session based charging ongoing: there is a session based charging ongoing and there have at least been a
Charging Data Request [Initial] sent from the NF (CTF) to the CHF, and the CHF have opened a CDR.

2) Event triggering notification: an event is detected in the CHF that requires a notification to be sent to the NF
(CTF). In this scenario a request for triggering a Charging Data Request [Update, Quota Request] is sent, but
also requests for Charging Data Request [Update] (without request for quota) is possible.

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3) Charging Notify Request [Re-authorization]: the CHF sends the request to the NF (CTF), for a triggering of a
Charging Data Request [Update, Quota Request] i.e. Re-authorization.

4) Charging Notify Response: the NF (CTF) acknowledges the request by sending a response.

5) Charging Data Request [Update, Quota Requested]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF, to be
granted with more unit for the service to continue, and also for reporting the used units.

6) Account, Rating, Reservation Control: the CHF performs the process related to the reported usage and the
requested reservation, involving rating entity and user's account balance.

7) Update CDR: based on policies, the CHF updates the CDR with charging data related to the service.

8) Charging Data Response [Update, Quota Granted]: the CHF grants quota to NF (CTF) for the service to
continue, with the reserved number of units.

Figure 5.3.2.4.2 shows a scenario for Session based charging with a notification from the CHF triggering a Charging
Data Request [Termination].

Figure 5.3.2.4.2: Session based charging – Notification with termination

1) Session based charging ongoing: there is a session based charging ongoing and there have at least been a
Charging Data Request [Initial] sent from the NF (CTF) to the CHF, and the CHF have opened a CDR.

2) Event triggering notification: an event is detected in the CHF that requires a notification to be sent to the NF
(CTF). In this scenario a request for triggering a Charging Data Request [Termination] is sent.

3) Charging Notify Request [Terminate]: the CHF sends the request to the NF (CTF), for a triggering of a
Charging Data Request [Termination] i.e. the termination of the charging session.

4) Charging Notify Response: the NF (CTF) acknowledges the request by sending a response.

5) Charging Data Request [Termination]: the NF (CTF) sends the request to the CHF, for charging data related
to the service termination with the final consumed units.

6) Account, Rating Control: the CHF performs the process related to the reported usage, involving rating entity
and user's account balance.

7) Close CDR: based on policies, the CHF closes the CDR with charging data related to the service.

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8) Charging Data Response [Termination]: The CHF informs the NF (CTF) on the result of the request.

5.4 Other functionalities

5.4.1 Re-authorization
The CHF (NF Service Producer) may trigger a re-authorization request and the NF Service Consumer shall report quota
usage. The reason for the quota being reported shall be notified to the CHF (NF Service Producer).

5.4.2 Threshold based re-authorization triggers

The CHF (NF Service Producer) may optionally include an indication to the NF Service Consumer of the remaining
quota threshold that shall trigger a quota re-authorization.

5.4.3 Termination action

The CHF (NF Service Producer) may specify to the NF Service Consumer the behaviour on consumption of the final
granted units, or zero units granted in the first place; this is known as termination action.

5.4.4 Service termination

The CHF (NF Service Producer) may determine that a service requires termination. The NF Service Producer may
perform this termination synchronously if it has a request pending processing by returning response.

If the CHF (NF Service Producer) does not have a pending request (asynchronous), the NF Service Producer may
trigger an abort notification to terminate the charging session. On reception of an abort notification, the NF consumer
shall terminate the associated charging session by sending a Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Release.

5.4.5 Trigger Mechanism

There are a number of mid-session service events (triggers), which could affect the rating of the current service usage,
e.g. end user QoS changes or location updates. The details for this service events are defined in the service specific
document (middle tier TS).

Some service events are allowed to be enabled/disabled by CHF. For such events, when allocating resources, the CHF
may instruct the NF consumer to update the unit upon a number of different session related triggers that can affect the
rating conditions. The CHF instruct the NF consumer to monitor for such events by using the Triggers element
containing one or more trigger type in the response message.

Once the CHF has armed one or more triggers using the Triggers element at the NF consumer, these triggers shall
remain in effect until another Triggers element is received for the same service usage/Rating Group, where the NF
consumer shall arm all triggers present in the Triggers element and reset all other triggers. The presence of the Triggers
element without any trigger type in a response message allows CHF to disable all the triggers that were armed in a
previous Triggers element of the same service usage/Rating Group.

NOTE: This removes the need for the CHF to send trigger information in every response message when they have
not changed.

Two categories of chargeable events are identified:

- immediate report: chargeable events for which, when occurring, the current counts are closed and sent together
with the charging data generated by the NF consumer towards the CHF in a Request message. New counts are
started by the NF consumer.

- deferred report: chargeable events for which, when occurring, the current counts are closed and stored together
with the charging data generated by the NF consumer. The stored counts will be sent to the CHF in next a
Request message. New counts are started by the NF consumer.

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CHF may change the category of one or more triggers by using the Triggers element containing category information in
the response message.

When one of the armed immediate triggers happen, a update request shall be sent to the CHF including information
related to the service event even if all the granted service units have not been used. The quota is also being reported.

If the Triggers element is used, then the NF consumer shall only update the units for the service usage associated with
events which were included in the last received Triggers element.

If the server does not control the events for re-authorization using the Triggers element, the NF consumer shall only
monitor for default events defined in the relevant service specific document (middle tier TS).

6 Service Definition

6.1 NF Service Framework

5G Charging Function supports to interact with NRF, as specified in clause 7.1 of TS 23.501 [201] and clauses 4.17 and
5.2.7 of TS 23.502 [202]to enable following functionalities:

- CHF registration.

- CHF update.

- CHF deregistration.

- CHF discovery by CHF service consumer.

The Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister service invoked by CHF for CHF registration may include in particular:

- Range(s) of SUPIs.

- Range(s) of GPSIs.

- Range(s) of PLMNs.

These parameters may also be used by CHF service consumer(s) invoking the Nnrf_NFDiscovery service for the CHF
discovery.

The service used by CHF to interact with NRF is described in TS 29.510 [300].

6.2 Nchf_ConvergedCharging service

6.2.1 General
Service description: The ConvergedCharging service provides charging for session and event based NF services. This
ConvergedCharging service offers charging :

- With quota management (online; this includes support for both blocking mode and non-blocking mode)

- Without quota management (offline)

- Charging information record generation

The following table shows the CHF Services and CHF Service Operations.

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Table 6.2.1-1: NF services provided by the CHF

Service Name Service Operations Operation Example

Semantics Consumer(s)
Nchf_ConvergedCharging Create Request/Response SMF
Update Request/Response SMF
Release Request/Response SMF
Notify Notify SMF

The input and output parameters described in the clauses below are common to all NF Consumers. The usage of these
common parameters and additional NF Consumer specific parameters are specified in dedicated charging specifications.

6.2.2 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Create service operation

Service operation name: Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Create

Description: Provides charging capabilities before service delivery, offers charging with and without quota
management, as well as charging information record generation. Provides means for the NF Consumer to create the
resource of the charging session. The operation also makes an implicit subscribe to notification of events in CHF that
requires re-authorization or abort.

The service operation may be used to request quota authorisation for service delivery and may open a CDR in the CHF,
based on the information provided by the NF Consumer.

Known NF Consumers: SMF.

Inputs, Required: Subscriber identifier, either service identification or rating group.

Inputs, Optional: Requested service units, destination address, provider, location information, time and date.

Outputs, Required: Result indication.

Outputs, Optional: Granted service units, validity time, triggers.

6.2.3 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Update service operation

Service operation name: Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Update

Description: Provides charging capabilities during service delivery, offers usage reporting and quota management, as
well as charging information record generation.

The service operation is used to report usage and may request further quota authorisation, if the trigger conditions
occurs, this operation may cause update of the CDR or production of an interim CDR in the CHF.

Known NF Consumers: SMF.

Inputs, Required: Subscriber identifier, session identifier, reporting reason.

Inputs, Optional: Requested service units, used service units.

Outputs, Required: Result indication.

Outputs, Optional: Granted service units, validity time, triggers.

6.2.4 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Release service operation

Service operation name: Nchf_ConvergedCharging Release_

Description: Provides charging capabilities after service delivery, offers usage reporting and charging information
record generation. Provides means for the NF Consumer to release the resource of charging session information.

The charging delete request is used to report usage and close the CDR in the CHF if it has been opened.

Known NF Consumers: SMF.

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Inputs, Required: Subscriber identifier, session identifier, release reason.

Inputs, Optional: Used service units.

Outputs, Required: Result indication.

Outputs, Optional: None.

6.2.5 Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Notify service operation

Service operation name: Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Notify

Description: Provides notification to NF consumers of the subscribed events.

CHF provides the re-authorization type notificationthat would lead NF consumers to send an
Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Update reporting the current usage.

CHF provides the abort type notification that would lead NF consumers to send an Nchf_ConvergedCharging_ Release
to terminate the charging session.

Known NF Consumers: SMF.

Inputs, Required: Subscriber identifier, notification type (re-authorization or abort).

Inputs, Optional: rating group, service id.

Outputs, Required: Result indication.

Outputs, Optional: None

6.3 Nchf_SpendingLimitControl service

6.3.1 Overview
The "Nchf_SpendingLimitControl" service is defined in 23.502 [202] clause 5.2.17.2.

6.4 Void7 Message contents

Converged charging is performed by NF (CTF) consuming service operations exposed by CHF, achieved using
Charging Data Request and Charging Data Response.

The information structure used for these services operations is composed of two parts:

- Common structures specified in the present document.

- NF (CTF) consumer specific structures specified in the middle tier TSs.

Table 7.1 describes the data structure which is common to operations in request semantics.

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Table 7.1: Common Data structure of Charging Data Request

Information Element Category Description

Session Identifier OC This field identifies the charging session.
Subscriber Identifier OM This field contains the identification of the subscriber that uses
the requested service.
NF Consumer Identification M This is a grouped field which contains a set of information
identifying the NF consumer of the charging service.
NF Functionality M This field contains the function of the node.
NF Name M This fields holds the name of the NF consumer
NF Address M This field holds the IP-address of NF consumer
NF PLMN ID OC This field holds the PLMN ID of the network the NF consumer
belongs to.
Invocation Timestamp M This field holds the timestamp of the charging service
invocation by the NF consumer
Invocation Sequence Number M This field contains the sequence number of the charging
service invocation by the NF consumer.
Notify URI Oc This field contains URI of Notifications sent by the CHF.
Triggers OC This field identifies the event(s) triggering the request and is
common to all Multiple Unit Usage occurences.
Multiple Unit Usage OC This field contains the parameters for the quota management
request and/or usage reporting. It may have multiple
occurences.
Rating Group M This field holds the identifier of a rating group.
Requested Unit OC This field contains the amount of requested service units for a
particular category or an indication that units are needed for a
particular category.
Time OC This field holds the amount of requested time.
Total Volume OC This field holds the amount of requested volume in both uplink
and downlink directions.
Uplink Volume OC This field holds the amount of requested volume in uplink
direction.
Downlink Volume OC This field holds the amount of requested volume in downlink
direction.
Service Specific Units OC This field holds the amount of requested service specific units.
Used Unit Container OC This field contains the amount of used non-monetary service
units measured. up to the triggers and trigger timestamp. It
may have multiple occurrences.
Service Identifier OC This field holds the Service Identifier.
Quota management Oc This field holds an indicator on whether the reported used
Indicator units are with or without quota management control. If the field
is not present, it indicates the used unit is without quota
management applied.
Triggers OC This field holds reason for charging information reporting or
closing for the used unit container.
Trigger Timestamp Oc This field holds the timestamp of the trigger.
Time OC This field holds the amount of used time.
Total Volume OC This field holds the amount of used volume in both uplink and
downlink directions.
Uplink Volume OC This field holds the amount of used volume in uplink direction.
Downlink Volume OC This field holds the amount of used volume in downlink
direction.
Service Specific Unit Oc This field holds the amount of used service specific units.
Event Time Stamps OC This field holds the timestamps of the event reported in the
Service Specific Units, if the reported units are event based.
Local Sequence Number OM This field holds the container sequence number.

Table 7.2 describes the data structure which is common to operations in response semantics.

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Table 7.2: Common Data structure of Charging Data Response

Information Element Category Description

Session Identifier OC This field identifies the charging session.
Invocation Timestamp M This field holds the timestamp of the charging service response
from the CHF.
Invocation Result M This field holds the result of the charging service invocation by
the NF consumer
Result code M This field contains the result code: success or failure code.
Failed parameter OC This field holds missing and/or unsupported parameter that
caused the failure.
Failure Handling OC This field holds the failure handling to be performed by the NF
consumer when failure.
Invocation Sequence Number M This field holds the sequence number of the charging service
invocation by the NF consumer.
Session Failover OC This field indicates whether alternative CHF is supported for
ongoing charging service failover handling by NF consumer.
Triggers OC This field holds the triggers supplied from the CHF for the
charging session that are independent of rating group.
Multiple Unit Information OC This field holds the parameters for the quota management
information. It may have multiple occurrences.
Result Code OC This field contains the result of the Rating Group quota
allocation.
Rating Group OM The identifier of a rating group.
Granted Unit OC This field holds the granted quota.
Tariff Time Change OC This field contains the switch time when the tariff will be
changed.
Time OC This field holds the amount of granted time.
Total Volume OC This field holds the amount of granted volume in both uplink and
downlink directions.
Uplink Volume OC This field holds the amount of granted volume in uplink
direction.
Downlink Volume OC This field holds the amount of granted volume in downlink
direction.
Service Specific Units OC This field holds the amount of granted requested service
specific units.
Validity Time OC This field defines the time in order to limit the validity of the
granted quota for a given category instance.
Final Unit Indication OC This field indicates the granted final units for the service.
Time Quota Threshold OC This field indicates the threshold in seconds when the granted
quota is time
Volume Quota Threshold OC This field indicates the threshold in octets when the granted
quota is volume
Unit Quota Threshold OC This field indicates the threshold in service specific units, that
are defined in the service specific documents, when the granted
quota is service specific
Quota Holding Time OC This field holds the quota holding time in seconds.
Triggers OC This field holds triggers for usage reporting associated to the
rating group, which is supplied from the CHF.

The CTF NF consumer specific structures which are specified in the middle tier TSs, are defined as extensions of:

- common part structure of Charging Data Request and Charging Data Response.

- structure of Multiple Quota Usage.

- structure of Multiple Quota Information.

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Annex A (informative):
Change history
Change history
Date Meeting TDoc CR Rev Cat Subject/Comment New
version
2018-06 SA#80 Upgrade to change control version 15.0.0
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 000 - B Charging Session Definition 15.1.0
2
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 000 - F Correction on CTF in 5G Charging 15.1.0
3
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 000 1 B Introduce Use of NRF Framework 15.1.0
4
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 000 - B Update combined scenarios 15.1.0
5
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 000 1 B Correction on Message content 15.1.0
8
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 000 1 B Correction on Nchf_ConvergedCharging_Notify Service Operation 15.1.0
9
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 001 1 B Correction on the requirement for Converged Charging 15.1.0
0
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 0011 1 B Update of service operation 15.1.0
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 001 1 B Update of scenarios 15.1.0
3
2018-09 SA#81 SP-180832 001 - B Converged Charging service definition update 15.1.0
7

3GPP