Mobile network content based charging and access control system

The invention provides an accurate, effective, and efficient system for content based charging, access barring, and network browsing, for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system comprising a gateway general packet radio service support node with service based content charge module; a separate WAP gateway for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers; IP, domain name and URL white list filtering; call detail records; a mediation gateway; data warehouse; and billing system. Access to the internet or free domain networks are efficiently controlled and content charges are accurately billed for both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mobile internet access. More specifically, the present invention discloses an accurate, effective, and efficient system for content based charging, access barring, and network browsing, for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

With the rise in popularity of the internet and the technical advancements of mobile telephones, demand for wireless access to internet content is growing. Wireless access to the internet allows users, for example, to get their email or play online games, similarly to what they are provided with their office or home computer.

Currently, payment for the internet content is either by paying in advance or being billed after. Paying in advance is convenient for users concerned about controlling costs. Service is only provided for the amount paid in advance. This prevents unexpected or undesirable expense to the user. However, paying in advance is often inconvenient as the available balance is difficult for the user to monitor.

Paying after the service is convenient for users as access is fully available. However, use of services that is not carefully monitored can result in a large amount of money due after billing.

Furthermore, for the service and content providers, achieving a balance between convenience and quality of service to the user and proper billing and ease of system maintenance for the providers, is difficult to achieve.

Therefore, there is need for a system that efficiently controls access to the internet or free domain networks and accurately bills content charges for both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve these and other advantages and in order to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional method in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides an accurate, effective, and efficient system for content based charging, access barring, and network browsing, for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system.

Access to the internet or free domain networks are efficiently controlled and content charges are accurately billed for both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers. Additionally, a convenient and high quality service is provided to the user and the providers are given a proper billing solution that is efficiently maintained.

The present invention comprises: a gateway general packet radio service support node (GGSN) with service based content charge module (SBCC) and wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway IP filtering; a WAP gateway with a URL white list for pre-paid subscribers; a URL white list on a mediation gateway (MD) and the WAP gateway; and an MD comprising a GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) with Service Class, a WAP-CDR, and a URL white list.

A separate WAP gateway is provided for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers in a URL based configuration. The GGSN with SBCC is in an IP/Domain name based configuration and access point name (APN) configuration. Alternatively, a single WAP gateway is provided with the capability to determine pre-paid and post-paid subscribers according to the source IP address.

For post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. Access is provided to the internet domain and GPRS free domain directly through the GGSN and to the internet domain and GPRS free domain through the WAP gateway. The GGSN further comprises a service based content charge (SBCC) module for recording GGSN call detail records.

For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus traffic by volume to the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain traffic by volume through GGSN. The WAP-CDR comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. These two CDR's are provided to a mediation gateway (MD) and then filtered to remove the charge for GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. The MD provides the filtered CDR to the billing system and the content data to the data warehouse (DW). Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through the GGSN. The DW utilizes the content data to create analysis reports. A URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the MD. The service platform (SP) or provising system is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the MD.

For pre-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through GGSN to the WAP gateway. The WAP-CDR comprises GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. These CDR's are provided to the MD and then filtered for pre-paid users. The MD provides the content data to the DW.

For pre-paid subscribers, the internet domain is not available directly through the GGSN or the WAP gateway. Additionally, access to GPRS free domain traffic is only available through the WAP gateway and not directly through the GGSN. The URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content for pre-paid subscribers is provided on the WAP gateway.

In order to block access to the internet domain for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN and access to the internet domain is barred by firewall and IP segment. The WAP gateway comprises a URL white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP) is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the WAP gateway.

For HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. The SP provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain or GPRS free domain is provided.

For HTML browsing from a handset for pre-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. Access to the internet domain, whether through the WAP gateway or directly through the GGSN is barred. Additionally, direct access to the GPRS free domain through the GGSN is barred and an error message is given indicating destination could not be reached or access to HTML content is denied. If the URL is in the URL white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway, access to the GPRS free domain is given to pre-paid users. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred.

Alternatively, the present invention comprises: a GGSN with SBCC patch and a URL white list; a WAP gateway with a URL white list for pre-paid subscribers; a URL white list on the SSBC and pre-paid WAP gateway; and a MD comprising a G-CDR and Service Class.

A separate WAP gateway is provided for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers in a URL based configuration. The GGSN with SBCC is in an IP/URL based configuration and access point name (APN) configuration.

For post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address and a URL white list are deployed at the GGSN. Access is provided to the internet domain and GPRS free domain directly through the GGSN and to the internet domain and GPRS free domain through the WAP gateway. A URL white list is located on the GGSN. The GGSN also comprises a SBCC for recording the G-CDR. For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus traffic by volume to the internet domain through the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain traffic by volume directly through GGSN, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. The G-CDR is provided to the MD and then filtered to remove charges for GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through GGSN and GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway.

The MD provides the filtered CDR to the billing system and the content data to the data warehouse (DW). Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the post-paid WAP gateway. The DW utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

A URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the GGSN. The service platform (SP) is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the GGSN.

For pre-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through the GGSN to the GPRS free domain through the pre-paid WAP gateway and traffic by volume to the GPRS free domain directly through the GGSN. The G-CDR is provided to the MD and filtered for pre-paid users. The MD provides the content data to the data warehouse (DW). The DW utilizes the content data to create analysis reports. With this solution, the internet domain is not available whether through GGSN or WAP gateways. A URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the GGSN.

In order to block access to the internet domain for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN and access to the internet domain is barred by firewall and IP segment. A URL white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain is located at the WAP gateway. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP) is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the WAP gateway. Therefore, pre-paid subscribers are barred access to the internet domain either through the GGSN or WAP gateway but have access to the GPRS free domain either through the GGSN or WAP gateway, provided that the site or content is on the URL white list.

For HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. The SP provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain or GPRS free domain is provided.

For HTML browsing from a handset for pre-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. Access to the internet domain, whether through the WAP gateway or directly through the GGSN is barred. If the URL is on the URL white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway, access to the GPRS free domain is given to pre-paid users. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred.

Alternatively, the present invention comprises: a GGSN with SBCC and URL domain name filtering; a WAP gateway without a URL white list feature but with a domain name white list; a domain name white list on the WAP gateway and a URL white list on the MD; and a MD comprising a G-CDR and WAP-CDR.

A separate WAP gateway is provided for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers in a domain name based configuration. The GGSN with SBCC is in an IP/Domain name based configuration and access point name (APN) configuration.

For post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. Access is provided to the internet domain and GPRS free domain directly through the GGSN and to the internet domain and GPRS free domain through the WAP gateway. The GGSN further comprises a service based content charge (SBCC) module for recording GGSN call detail records.

For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus traffic by volume to the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain traffic by volume through GGSN. The WAP-CDR comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. These two CDR's are provided to a mediation gateway (MD) and then filtered to remove the charge for GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. The MD provides the filtered CDR to the billing system and the content data to the data warehouse (DW). Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through the GGSN. The DW utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

A URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the MD. The service platform (SP) is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the MD.

For pre-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through GGSN to the WAP gateway. The WAP-CDR comprises GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. These CDR's are provided to the MD and then filtered to remove the traffic by volume through the GGSN to the WAP gateway. The MD provides the content data to the DW. For pre-paid subscribers, the internet domain is not available directly through the GGSN. Additionally, access to GPRS free domain traffic is only available through the WAP gateway and not directly through the GGSN. The domain name white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content for pre-paid subscribers is provided on the WAP gateway. However, not all traffic through the WAP gateway to the internet domain can be prevented and only the domain name white list can be controlled. As a result, the MD provides any charges from the WAP-CDR for this traffic to the billing system and the user is post-charged.

In order to block access to the internet domain for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN and access to the internet domain is barred by firewall and IP segment. The WAP gateway is a dedicated WAP gateway for pre-paid users and comprises a domain name white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP) is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate domain name white list information to the WAP gateway. As described above, not all traffic through the WAP gateway to the internet domain can be prevented and only the domain name white list can be controlled. Access is controlled by the domain name white list configuration.

For HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. The SP provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain or GPRS free domain is provided.

For HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. Access to the internet domain, whether through the WAP gateway or directly through the GGSN is barred. Additionally, direct access to the GPRS free domain through the GGSN is barred and an error message is given indicating destination could not be reached or access to HTML content is denied. If the domain name is on the domain name white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway, access to the GPRS free domain is given to pre-paid users. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred. Since all traffic through the WAP gateway to the internet domain can not be prevented, this traffic from the WAP-CDR will be post-charged to the user.

Alternatively, the present invention comprises: a GGSN with SBCC and WAP gateway IP and URL domain name filtering; a WAP gateway without a URL white list feature but with a domain name white list; a URL white list on the MD; a layer4switch with URL white list configuration for the dedicated pre-paid user WAP gateway; and a MD comprising a G-CDR and WAP-CDR.

A separate WAP gateway is provided for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers in a URL based configuration. The pre-paid WAP Gateway further comprises an L4switch. The GGSN with SBCC is in an IP/Domain name based configuration and access point name (APN) configuration.

For post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. Access is provided to the internet domain and GPRS free domain directly through the GGSN and to the internet domain and GPRS free domain through the WAP gateway. The GGSN further comprises a service based content charge (SBCC) module for recording GGSN call detail records.

For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus traffic by volume to the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain traffic by volume through GGSN. The WAP-CDR comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. These two CDR's are provided to a mediation gateway (MD) and then filtered to remove the charge for GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. The MD provides the filtered CDR to the billing system and the content data to the data warehouse (DW). Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN) to the internet domain, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through the GGSN. The DW utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

A URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the MD. The service platform (SP) is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the MD.

For pre-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through GGSN to the WAP gateway. The WAP-CDR comprises GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway. These CDR's are provided to the MD and then filtered to remove the traffic by volume through the GGSN to the WAP gateway. The MD provides the content data to the DW. For pre-paid subscribers, the internet domain is not available directly through the GGSN.

Additionally, access to GPRS free domain traffic is only available through the WAP gateway and not directly through the GGSN. The domain name white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content for pre-paid subscribers is provided on the WAP gateway. However, not all traffic through the WAP gateway to the internet domain can be prevented. Therefore, an L4switch acting as a URL white list hub is provided between the WAP gateway and the internet domain. The L4switch prevents inappropriate access through the WAP gateway to the internet domain.

In order to block access to the internet domain for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN and access to the internet domain is barred by firewall and IP segment. The WAP gateway is a dedicated WAP gateway for pre-paid users and comprises a domain name white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP) is provided on the GPRS free domain and communicates appropriate domain name white list information to the WAP gateway.

As described above, not all traffic through the WAP gateway to the internet domain can be prevented. Therefore, an L4switch acting as a URL white list hub is provided between the WAP gateway and the internet domain. The L4switch prevents inappropriate access through the WAP gateway to the internet domain. The SP provides appropriate URL white list information to the L4switch.

For HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. The SP provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain or GPRS free domain is provided.

For HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers, a WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN. Access to the internet domain, whether through the WAP gateway or directly through the GGSN is barred. Additionally, direct access to the GPRS free domain through the GGSN is barred and an error message is given indicating destination could not be reached or access to HTML content is denied. If the domain name is on the domain name white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway, access to the GPRS free domain is given to pre-paid users. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred. Since all traffic through the WAP gateway to the internet domain can not be prevented, the L4switch with URL white list is utilized to bar access to the internet domain.

Therefore, the present invention provides an accurate, effective, and efficient system for content based charging, access barring, and network browsing, for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Refer toFIG. 1, which is a block diagram illustrating a method for content charging according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN120. Access is provided to the internet domain150and GPRS free domain160directly through the GGSN120and to the internet domain150and GPRS free domain160through the WAP gateway110. The GGSN120further comprises a service based content charge (SBCC) module130for recording GGSN call detail records.

For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)120to the internet domain150, plus traffic by volume to the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway110, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain160traffic by volume through GGSN120.

The WAP-CDR comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway110plus GPRS free domain160traffic by volume through the WAP gateway110.

These two CDR's are provided to a mediation gateway (MD)140and then filtered to remove the charge for GPRS free domain160traffic by volume through the WAP gateway110. The MD140provides the filtered CDR to the billing system180and the content data to the data warehouse (DW)170. Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN)120to the internet domain150, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway110, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through the GGSN120. The DW170utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

In this embodiment of the present invention, a URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the MD140. The service platform (SP)165is provided on the GPRS free domain160and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the MD140.

Refer toFIG. 2, which is a block diagram illustrating a method for content charging for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN220. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through GGSN220to the WAP gateway210. The WAP-CDR comprises GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway210. These CDR's are provided to the MD240and then filtered for pre-paid users. The MD240provides the content data to the DW270.

For pre-paid subscribers, the internet domain250is not available directly through the GGSN220or the WAP gateway210. Additionally, access to GPRS free domain260traffic is only available through the WAP gateway210and not directly through the GGSN220. The URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content for pre-paid subscribers is provided on the WAP gateway210.

Refer toFIG. 3, which is a block diagram illustrating access barring for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to block access to the internet domain350for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN320. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN320and access to the internet domain350is barred by firewall and IP segment. The WAP gateway310is a dedicated WAP gateway for pre-paid users and comprises a URL white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain360. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP)365is provided on the GPRS free domain360and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the WAP gateway310.

Refer toFIG. 4, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN420. The SP465provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain450or GPRS free domain460is provided.

Refer toFIG. 5, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN520. Access to the internet domain550, whether through the WAP gateway510or directly through the GGSN520is barred. Additionally, direct access to the GPRS free domain560through the GGSN520is barred and an error message is given indicating destination could not be reached or access to HTML content is denied.

If the URL is in the URL white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway510, access to the GPRS free domain560is given to pre-paid users. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred.

Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated inFIGS. 1,2,3,4, and5, the present invention comprises: a GGSN with SBCC and WAP gateway IP filtering; a WAP gateway with a URL white list for pre-paid subscribers; a URL white list on the MD and WAP gateway; and a MD comprising a G-CDR, a WAP-CDR, Service Class, and a URL white list.

Refer toFIG. 6, which is a block diagram illustrating a method for content charging for post-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address and a URL white list are deployed at the GGSN620. Access is provided to the internet domain650and GPRS free domain660directly through the GGSN620and to the internet domain650and GPRS free domain650through the WAP gateway610. In this embodiment a URL white list is located on the GGSN620. The GGSN620also comprises a SBCC630for recording the G-CDR.

For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN)620to the internet domain650, plus traffic by volume to the internet domain through the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway610, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain traffic by volume directly through GGSN620, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway610.

The G-CDR is provided to the MD640and then filtered to remove charges for GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through GGSN620and GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway610.

The MD640provides the filtered CDR to the billing system680and the content data to the data warehouse (DW)670. Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN)620to the internet domain650, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the post-paid WAP gateway610. The DW670utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

In this embodiment of the present invention, a URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the GGSN620. The service platform (SP)665is provided on the GPRS free domain660and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the GGSN620.

Refer toFIG. 7, which is a block diagram illustrating a content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN720. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through the GGSN720to the GPRS free domain760through the pre-paid WAP gateway710and traffic by volume to the GPRS free domain760directly through the GGSN720.

The G-CDR is provided to the MD740and filtered for pre-paid users. The MD740provides the content data to the data warehouse (DW)770. The DW770utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

With this solution, the internet domain is not available whether through GGSN720or WAP gateways710. In this embodiment of the present invention, a URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the GGSN720.

Refer toFIG. 8, which is a block diagram illustrating access barring for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to block access to the internet domain for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN820. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN820and access to the internet domain850is barred by firewall and IP segment. A URL white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain860is located at the WAP gateway810. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP)865is provided on the GPRS free domain860and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the WAP gateway810. The WAP gateway810is a dedicated WAP gateway for pre-paid users. Alternatively, a single WAP gateway is provided with the capability to determine pre-paid and post-paid subscribers according to the source IP address. Therefore, in this embodiment of the present invention, pre-paid subscribers are barred access to the internet domain850either through the GGSN820or WAP gateway810but have access to the GPRS free domain860either through the GGSN820or WAP gateway810, provided that the site or content is on the URL white list.

Refer toFIG. 9, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN920. The SP965provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain950or GPRS free domain960is provided.

Refer toFIG. 10, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1020. Access to the internet domain1050, whether through the WAP gateway1010or directly through the GGSN1020is barred.

If the URL is on the URL white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway1010, access to the GPRS free domain1060is given to pre-paid users. If the URL is not on the URL white list, access is barred.

Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated inFIGS. 6,7,8,9, and10, the present invention comprises: a GGSN with SBCC patch and a URL white list; a WAP gateway with a URL white list for pre-paid subscribers; a URL white list on the SSBC and pre-paid WAP gateway; and a MD comprising a G-CDR and Service Class.

Refer toFIG. 11, which is a block diagram illustrating a method for content charging according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1120. Access is provided to the internet domain1150and GPRS free domain1160directly through the GGSN1120and to the internet domain1150and GPRS free domain1160through the WAP gateway1110. The GGSN1120further comprises a service based content charge (SBCC) module1130for recording GGSN call detail records.

For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)1120to the internet domain1150, plus traffic by volume to the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway1110, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain traffic by volume through GGSN1120.

The WAP-CDR comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1110plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1110.

These two CDR's are provided to a mediation gateway (MD)1140and then filtered to remove the charge for GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1110. The MD1140provides the filtered CDR to the billing system1180and the content data to the data warehouse (DW)1170. Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN)1120to the internet domain1150, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1110, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through the GGSN1120. The DW1170utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

In this embodiment of the present invention, a URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the MD1140. The service platform (SP)1165is provided on the GPRS free domain1160and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the MD1140.

Refer toFIG. 12, which is a block diagram illustrating a method for content charging for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1220. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through GGSN1220to the WAP gateway1210. The WAP-CDR comprises GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1210. These CDR's are provided to the MD1240and then filtered to remove the traffic by volume through the GGSN1220to the WAP gateway1210. The MD1240provides the content data to the DW1270.

For pre-paid subscribers, the internet domain1250is not available directly through the GGSN1220.

Additionally, access to GPRS free domain traffic is only available through the WAP gateway1210and not directly through the GGSN1220. The domain name white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content for pre-paid subscribers is provided on the WAP gateway1210.

However, not all traffic through the WAP gateway1210to the internet domain1250can be prevented and only the domain name white list can be controlled. As a result, the MD1240provides any charges from the WAP-CDR for this traffic to the billing system1280and the user is post-charged.

Refer toFIG. 13, which is a block diagram illustrating access barring for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to block access to the internet domain1350for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN1320. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1320and access to the internet domain1350is barred by firewall and IP segment. The WAP gateway1310is a dedicated WAP gateway for pre-paid users and comprises a domain name white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain1360. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP)1365is provided on the GPRS free domain1360and communicates appropriate domain name white list information to the WAP gateway1310.

As described above, not all traffic through the WAP gateway1310to the internet domain1350can be prevented and only the domain name white list can be controlled. Access is controlled by the domain name white list configuration.

Refer toFIG. 14, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1420. The SP1465provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain1450or GPRS free domain1460is provided.

Refer toFIG. 15, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1520. Access to the internet domain1550, whether through the WAP gateway1510or directly through the GGSN1520is barred. Additionally, direct access to the GPRS free domain1560through the GGSN1520is barred and an error message is given indicating destination could not be reached or access to HTML content is denied.

If the domain name is on the domain name white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway1510, access to the GPRS free domain1560is given to pre-paid users. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred.

Since all traffic through the WAP gateway1510to the internet domain1550can not be prevented, this traffic from the WAP-CDR will be post-charged to the user.

Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated inFIGS. 11,12,13,14, and15, the present invention comprises: a GGSN with SBCC and URL domain name filtering; a WAP gateway without a URL white list feature but with a domain name white list; a domain name white list on the WAP gateway and a URL white list on the MD; and a MD comprising a G-CDR and WAP-CDR.

Refer toFIG. 16, which is a block diagram illustrating a method for content charging according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1620. Access is provided to the internet domain1650and GPRS free domain1660directly through the GGSN1620and to the internet domain1650and GPRS free domain1660through the WAP gateway1610. The GGSN1620further comprises a service based content charge (SBCC) module1630for recording GGSN call detail records.

For the content based charging solution for post-paid subscribers, the GGSN call detail record (G-CDR) comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)1620to the internet domain1650, plus traffic by volume to the wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway1610, plus general packet radio service (GPRS) free domain traffic by volume through GGSN1620.

The WAP-CDR comprises internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1610plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1610.

These two CDR's are provided to a mediation gateway (MD)1640and then filtered to remove the charge for GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1610. The MD1640provides the filtered CDR to the billing system1680and the content data to the data warehouse (DW)1670. Therefore, the post-paid subscriber is billed for internet domain traffic by volume through gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN)1620to the internet domain1650, plus internet domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1610, plus GPRS free domain traffic by volume directly through the GGSN1620. The DW1670utilizes the content data to create analysis reports.

In this embodiment of the present invention, a URL white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content is located at the MD1640. The service platform (SP)1665is provided on the GPRS free domain1660and communicates appropriate URL white list information to the MD1640.

Refer toFIG. 17, which is a block diagram illustrating a method for content charging for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1720. For the content based charging solution for pre-paid subscribers, the G-CDR comprises traffic by volume through GGSN1720to the WAP gateway1710. The WAP-CDR comprises GPRS free domain traffic by volume through the WAP gateway1710. These CDR's are provided to the MD1740and then filtered to remove the traffic by volume through the GGSN1720to the WAP gateway1710. The MD1740provides the content data to the DW1770.

For pre-paid subscribers, the internet domain is not available directly through the GGSN1720.

Additionally, access to GPRS free domain traffic is only available through the WAP gateway1710and not directly through the GGSN1720. The domain name white list comprising a listing of accessible GPRS free domain content for pre-paid subscribers is provided on the WAP gateway1710.

However, not all traffic through the WAP gateway1710to the internet domain1750can be prevented. Therefore, an L4switch1718acting as a URL white list hub is provided between the WAP gateway1710and the internet domain1750. The L4switch1718prevents inappropriate access through the WAP gateway1710to the internet domain1750.

Refer toFIG. 18, which is a block diagram illustrating access barring for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to block access to the internet domain1850for pre-paid subscribers, users are given a dedicated access point name (APN) to access the GGSN1820. A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1820and access to the internet domain1850is barred by firewall and IP segment. The WAP gateway1810is a dedicated WAP gateway for pre-paid users and comprises a domain name white list containing a list of available or accessible content or sites on the free GPRS domain1860. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred. The service platform (SP)1865is provided on the GPRS free domain1860and communicates appropriate domain name white list information to the WAP gateway1810.

As described above, not all traffic through the WAP gateway1810to the internet domain1850can be prevented. Therefore, an L4switch1818acting as a URL white list hub is provided between the WAP gateway1810and the internet domain1850. The L4switch1818prevents inappropriate access through the WAP gateway1810to the internet domain1850. In this embodiment the SP1865provides appropriate URL white list information to the L4switch1818.

Refer toFIG. 19, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for post-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (post-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN1920. The SP1965provides a message telling the user that a packet fee will be charged for HTML content. After which, access to the internet domain1950or GPRS free domain1960is provided.

Refer toFIG. 20, which is a block diagram illustrating HTML browsing from a handset for pre-paid subscribers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A WAP gateway (pre-paid) IP address is deployed at the GGSN2020. Access to the internet domain2050, whether through the WAP gateway2010or directly through the GGSN2020is barred. Additionally, direct access to the GPRS free domain2060through the GGSN2020is barred and an error message is given indicating destination could not be reached or access to HTML content is denied.

If the domain name is on the domain name white list located on the pre-paid WAP gateway2010, access to the GPRS free domain2060is given to pre-paid users. If the domain name is not on the domain name white list, access is barred.

Since all traffic through the WAP gateway2010to the internet domain2050can not be prevented, the L4switch2018with URL white list is utilized to bar access to the internet domain2050.

Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated inFIGS. 16,17,18,19, and20, the present invention comprises: a GGSN with SBCC and WAP gateway IP and URL domain name filtering; a WAP gateway without a URL white list feature but with a domain name white list; a URL white list on the MD; a layer4switch with URL white list configuration for the dedicated pre-paid user WAP gateway; and a MD comprising a G-CDR and WAP-CDR.

Therefore, the present invention provides an accurate, effective, and efficient system for content based charging, access barring, and network browsing, for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the invention and its equivalent.