Charging management combining conversation with content in DVB-RCS

Charging management is one of the five functions in network management, with the purpose for measure the network resource utilized by the subscribers and setting proper price for the subscriber. The operation mode for DVB-RCS (Digital Video Broadcasting-Return Channel via Satellite) is changed by the fact that the service supplier (SP) or content supplier (CP) is included in DVB-RCS. Therefore, the traditional charging method doesn´t suit for DVB-RCS. A charging policy combining conversation with content is proposed to deal with DVB-RCS charging issue. In term of conversation charging, the charging by differentiated timeslot request type together with the subscriber´s usage is taken; while in term of content charging based on duration of the video together with considering transmission type (unicast or multicast) is adopted. Then, the charging formula based on this policy is established, which insures economic interest for both network operator and SP or CP in DVB-RCS.