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CCF (Charging collection function)

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Introduction:

Charging Collection Function (CCF) is a key component in a telecommunication network's charging architecture. It is responsible for managing the charging of telecommunications services, including prepaid and postpaid services. In this article, we will discuss the functions, architecture, and protocols of CCF.

CCF Functions:

CCF performs various functions in the charging architecture of a telecommunication network, including the following:

  1. Charging Data Collection: CCF collects charging data generated during the usage of telecommunications services. This data includes information about the duration of the service, the volume of data used, and the number of calls made. The charging data is collected from various network elements, such as network switches, routers, and gateways.
  2. Charging Data Storage: After collecting the charging data, CCF stores it in a charging data repository for future processing. This charging data repository may be a centralized database or a distributed storage system. The charging data repository is used to store information about subscribers, services, and charges.
  3. Charging Authorization: CCF authorizes the charging of services provided to the subscribers. It checks if the subscriber has sufficient balance to use the service. If the subscriber has insufficient balance, CCF may deny the service request or request payment before providing the service.
  4. Charging Control: CCF controls the charging of telecommunications services based on the charging policy defined by the service provider. The charging policy may include charging rates, discounts, and promotions. CCF calculates the charges based on the charging policy and updates the subscriber's balance accordingly.
  5. Charging Accounting: CCF generates charging records for billing and accounting purposes. The charging records include information about the service usage, charges, and subscriber details. The charging records are sent to the Billing and Customer Care systems for further processing.

CCF Architecture:

CCF architecture can be divided into two parts: the Charging Gateway (CG) and the Charging Data Function (CDF). The Charging Gateway is responsible for managing the charging control and data collection functions, while the Charging Data Function manages the charging data storage and authorization functions.

  1. Charging Gateway (CG): The Charging Gateway is responsible for managing the charging control and data collection functions. It is typically located at the edge of the network, where it interfaces with the network elements, such as switches, routers, and gateways. The CG collects the charging data generated by these network elements and performs charging control functions based on the charging policy.
  2. Charging Data Function (CDF): The Charging Data Function manages the charging data storage and authorization functions. It stores the charging data collected by the CG in a charging data repository and authorizes the charging of services based on the subscriber's balance. The CDF also generates charging records for billing and accounting purposes.

CCF Protocols:

CCF uses various protocols to perform its functions. Some of the protocols used in CCF are as follows:

  1. Diameter: Diameter is an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) protocol used for CCF. It is used to communicate between the CG and the CDF for charging control and charging data storage functions. Diameter provides a secure and reliable communication channel between the CG and the CDF.
  2. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): SNMP is a protocol used for network management and monitoring. It is used in CCF to manage the charging gateway and the charging data function. SNMP provides a standardized way of managing the network elements in CCF.
  3. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP): SIP is a protocol used for signaling in IP-based telecommunication networks. It is used in CCF to establish and tear down sessions for telecommunications services. SIP provides a standardized way of signaling between the network elements in CCF.

Conclusion:

CCF is a key component in a telecommunication network's charging architecture. It performs various functions, including charging data collection, storage, authorization, control, and accounting. CCF architecture is divided into two parts: the Charging Gateway and the Charging Data Function. The Charging Gateway manages the charging control and data collection functions, while the Charging Data Function manages the charging data storage and authorization functions. CCF uses various protocols, including Diameter, SNMP, and SIP, to perform its functions.