Abstract: One aspect provides a method of storing charging data in an IMS network. A message is received at a network entity. A charging priority value of the message relating to charging data associated with the message id identified. The charging priority value is included in a charging request message and the charging request message is forwarded to a charging control system. Other aspects provide IMS network entities configured to implement the method.

Abstract: Apparatus for use within an IP Multimedia Subsystem network and comprising a receiver for receiving for a given user a charging type defining whether the user is a pre-paid user and or a post-paid user. The apparatus further comprises a Charging Triggering Function, CTF, entity for sending accounting information messages relating to said user to an Online Charging Function over an Ro interface or to a Charging Data Function over an Rf interface, and for including with the accounting information messages said charging type.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating, storing and transmitting information relating to a session between an endpoint in an enterprise and an endpoint remote from the enterprise to enable the remote endpoint to contact the enterprise endpoint in a subsequent communications session. The information generated includes, at least, a session identifier identifying the session and the identity of the enterprise endpoint. Advantageously the remote endpoint is also provided with the enterprise communication identity or other means to enable the remote endpoint to associate the session identifier with the enterprise's communication identity.

Abstract: A method of communication between two nodes providing online charging functionalities in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), network is described, wherein a first node is configured to operate as a Charging Triggering Function (CTF) and wherein a second node is configured to operate as an Online Charging Service (OCS). The method may alleviate drawbacks stemming from low availability of the OCS.

Abstract: A method of routing signalling plane traffic through or out of an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, network. The method comprises maintaining within user profile data stored in a subscriber database of the IMS network, routing information defining signalling plane routing profiles for a user associated with the user profile data. Said routing information is transferred from the subscriber database to a Call Session Control Function, CSCF, of the IMS network at or following registration of said user to the IMS network. The method then comprises handling a Session Initiation Protocol, SIP, request for said user at the CSCF including adding said routing information into the request and forwarding the SIP request to a next hop node, and, at said next hop node or at a further downstream node, making a routing decision for the SIP request or for related signalling on the basis of the routing information contained within the SIP request.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method of storing charging data in an IMS network. A message is received at a network entity. A charging priority value of the message relating to charging data associated with the message id identified. The charging priority value is included in a charging request message and the charging request message is forwarded to a charging control system. Other aspects provide IMS network entities configured to implement the method.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a Charging Trigger Function to collect session and/or event related information from an IP Multimedia Subsystem. The method comprises configuring the Charging Trigger Function with one or more string filters for identifying matching strings, determining if messages passing through the Charging Trigger Function include one or more matching strings, and, if a message does include one or more matching strings, sending a reporting message to a charging control entity, the reporting message comprising data associated with each matching string.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in which a Serving 5 Call Session Control Function, S-CSCF, of the IMS cooperates with a Home Subscriber Server, HSS, of the IMS, to lock a user following a predetermined number of failed authentications of the user at the S-CSCF and/or to unlock that user thereafter, with any request received from the user at a node of the IMS where the lock is in effect and requiring an authentication challenge being caused by the node to be rejected. In one example, a locking signal is sent from the S-CSCF to the HSS, following the predetermined number of failed authentications, to indicate to the HSS that the user should be locked at the HSS. The locking signal could be carried by a Server Assignment Request, SAR, message. In another example, the user is unlocked at the S-CSCF in response to receipt of an unlock signal sent from the HSS to the S-CSCF. The unlock signal could be carried by a Registration Termination Request, RTR, message.