DIAMETER PROTOCOL AS A SUPPORT FOR ACCOUNTING IN TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Abstract

Diameter protocol provides functions of authentication, authorization and accounting. Architecture of this protocol is based on a peer-to-peer model. Its main feature is a possibility of extensions. Diameter puts more emphasis on advanced routing algorithms, dynamic error recovery and security features of the transport layer. From the accounting perspective, it is significant that Diameter supports transmission of tariff data in real time. In this paper we present and explain the basic mechanisms and features of Diameter which are important for charging telecommunication networks, including its credit control application. We especially consider possibilities of Diameter protocol for charging mobile telecommunications networks. We discuss mechanisms of offline charging and three specific cases of online charging.