Abstract: IMS networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for CAMEL services provided in the IMS network. If a CAMEL service is provided by an application server for a session in an IMS network, then the application server generates CAMEL charging data for the service provided and also generates a charging message, such as a Diameter ACR message. The application server includes the CAMEL charging data in the charging message and transmits the charging message to a charging collector system. The charging collector system generates a CDR for the session, and maps the CAMEL charging data from the charging message to the CDR. The charging collector system then transmits the CDR to a billing system. The billing system may then charge for the CAMEL service provided in the IMS network.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide third party charging for SIP sessions. A communication network of the invention comprises a session control function (e.g., an IMS CSCF), a network node (e.g., an IMS application server), and a charging system. The session control function serves a SIP session initiated between a first and second party. The network node identifies a third party to charge for the session. The network node includes a third party identifier for the third party in a SIP message for the session, and transmits the SIP message to the session control function. The session control function generates a charging message, maps the third party identifier to the charging message, and transmits the charging message that includes the third party identifier to the charging system. The charging system then initiates charging of the session to the third party based on the third party identifier.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide third party charging for SIP sessions. A communication network of the invention comprises a session control function (e.g., an IMS CSCF), a network node (e.g., an IMS application server), and a charging system. The session control function serves a SIP session initiated between a first and second party. The network node identifies a third party to charge for the session. The network node includes a third party identifier for the third party in a SIP message for the session, and transmits the SIP message to the session control function. The session control function generates a charging message, maps the third party identifier to the charging message, and transmits the charging message that includes the third party identifier to the charging system. The charging system then initiates charging of the session to the third party based on the third party identifier.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide third party charging for SIP sessions. A communication network of the invention comprises a session control function (e.g., an IMS CSCF), a network node (e.g., an IMS application server), and a charging system. The session control function serves a SIP session initiated between a first and second party. The network node identifies a third party to charge for the session. The network node includes a third party identifier for the third party in a SIP message for the session, and transmits the SIP message to the session control function. The session control function generates a charging message, maps the third party identifier to the charging message, and transmits the charging message that includes the third party identifier to the charging system. The charging system then initiates charging of the session to the third party based on the third party identifier.

Abstract: A method of processing multi-leg calls in a communication network is provided. The method comprises: receiving a call for a user at a first entity in the network; establishing a first call leg to a second entity; generating a first charging data record with at least one field, wherein the field contains a charging identifier for the first call leg; receiving a response from the second entity; establishing a second call leg to a third entity; generating a second charging data record with at least two fields, wherein the first field contains a charging identifier for the second call leg and the second field contains a copy of the charging identifier for the first call leg; and sending the charging data records to a third entity.

Abstract: IMS networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for CAMEL services provided in the IMS network. If a CAMEL service is provided by an application server for a session in an IMS network, then the application server generates CAMEL charging data for the service provided and also generates a charging message, such as a Diameter ACR message. The application server includes the CAMEL charging data in the charging message and transmits the charging message to a charging collector system. The charging collector system generates a CDR for the session, and maps the CAMEL charging data from the charging message to the CDR. The charging collector system then transmits the CDR to a billing system. The billing system may then charge for the CAMEL service provided in the IMS network.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide third party charging for SIP sessions. A communication network of the invention comprises a session control function (e.g., an IMS CSCF), a network node (e.g., an IMS application server), and a charging system. The session control function serves a SIP session initiated between a first and second party. The network node identifies a third party to charge for the session. The network node includes a third party identifier for the third party in a SIP message for the session, and transmits the SIP message to the session control function. The session control function generates a charging message, maps the third party identifier to the charging message, and transmits the charging message that includes the third party identifier to the charging system. The charging system then initiates charging of the session to the third party based on the third party identifier.