The CDF is most likely a stand-alone function, although the CDF could be integrated
into the same element as the CTF. This would be much like switches work today, with
CDR generation integrated within the switch platform. Implementing the CDF as a
stand-alone entity raises some interesting opportunities for operators but represents a
distinct departure from how billing is accomplished today.
Today, CDRs are created by each network element delivering a service. In the case of
a video conference call, the video server would create a CDR for the video portion of the
session, while the media gateway controller (MGC) would create the CDR for the voice
portion of the call. If there are any test messaging services tied to the conference, then
the text server would create a CDR for the text service.
168 Chapter 7
By using a more centralized CDF, an operator could deploy the CDR function
centrally within a region, for example. This would also enable it to correlate events
that are related (tied to one call, for example) and generate one CDR for the entire
session.
It also simplifies the delivery of the CDRs, since a common format is chosen for delivery
to the billing presentment system. With a centralized CDF function, the CDF
performs the mediation we see in today??™s network. This is necessary because even with
standards, vendors tend to create their own implementation of a standard resulting in
some proprietary format.
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