scope:

The present document is part of a series of documents that specify charging functionality and charging management in 3GPP networks. The GSM/UMTS core network charging architecture and principles are specified in 3GPP TS 32.240 [1], which provides an umbrella for other charging management documents that specify

• the content of the CDRs per domain and subsystem (offline charging);

• the content of real-time charging messages per domain / subsystem (online charging);

• the functionality of online and offline charging for those domains and subsystems;

• the interfaces that are used in the charging framework to transfer the charging information (i.e. CDRs or charging events).

The complete document structure for these TSs is defined in 3GPP TS 32.240 [1].

The present document covers all internal aspects of the Online Charging System (OCS). The document contains the architecture and functions of the OCS logical components and thereby derives the functionality of the OCS interfaces. A detailed specification of interfaces between the logical OCS components is also included. The functionality of the OCS, as described in the present document, applies to all charging domains (bearer, session and service).

The interfaces connecting to the OCS (e.g. Ro, CAP) are out of the scope of the present document.

NOTE: In the current release the present document is limited to the interface between the charging function and the Rating Function, namely Re.

All terms, definitions and abbreviations used in the present document, that are common across 3GPP TSs, are defined in 3GPP TR 21.905 [100]. Those that are common across charging management in 3GPP domains, services, or subsystems are provided in the umbrella document 3GPP TS 32.240 [1]. Finally, those items that are specific to the present document are defined exclusively in the present document.

Furthermore, requirements that govern the charging work are specified in 3GPP TS 22.115 [101].