PortaBilling is integrated with Adax EPC, which enables CSPs to provide Internet Access services to their customers within LTE networks.
The integration covers two aspects:
- Integration with Adax P-GW;
- Integration with Adax HSS.
Integration with Adax P-GW
PortaBilling operates as the online charging system (OCS) that communicates with the Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW) using the Diameter (Gy) protocol for real-time user authorization and rating.
When a user establishes an Internet session, P-GW sends an authorization request to PortaBilling. During the session, P-GW sends recurring interim credit control requests that report on the volume of traffic already consumed. Based on that information, PortaBilling verifies that the user can continue to use the service. If the user runs out of funds, they cannot access paid Internet content (e.g., YouTube.)
Adax EPC supports rating groups and AVPs such as Validity-Time and Volume-Quota-Threshold. This enables ISPs to introduce different business models and ensure correct charging for all of them.
Integration with Adax HSS
Adax HSS is the centralized database of user subscription information. It includes user identification data (SIM card IMSI, MSISDN), user registration states, user profiles with QoS parameters, and other attributes (e.g., static IP address). PortaBilling provisions SIM card data to Adax HSS and thus enables wireless operators to authenticate their subscribers across the LTE network and allocate the corresponding service policy to them.
To trigger provisioning to Adax HSS, an administrator configures the External Systems Provisioning Framework (ESPF) and enables the Mobile network provisioning service within a product for LTE service.
