KR100732399B1 - In Communication Network Using the Network Clustering Device, Billing System And Method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a billing calculation system and a billing calculation method for adding billing according to the connection and use of a communication network formed using a network clustering device.

The billing calculation system of a communication network using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one main network clustering device built by at least one Internet service provider or an Internet service user and accessible to the Internet; At least one secondary network clustering device forming a first communication channel with the primary network clustering device; And at least one user terminal receiving the Internet service by forming a second communication channel with the primary and secondary network clustering devices.

Network Clustering Device, DSL, Cable Modem, LAN, Private Line, Wireless LAN, WLAN Access Point, AP, Mobile Internet

Description

System and method for calculating billing in a communication network using a network clustering device {In Communication Network Using the Network Clustering Device, Billing System And Method}

1 is a block diagram showing a network for providing a conventional Internet service.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a traffic distribution processing network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 2 in more detail. FIG.

4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a block diagram showing a charging calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of the charging calculator of FIG. 5. FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing a charging calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device according to the classification of the user terminal.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a charging calculation method in a communication network using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a charging calculation method in a communication network using a network clustering device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a block diagram showing a charging calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a charging calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1, 22: router 2, 21: web server

3, 25: hub 4, 24: CMTS

5, 23: DSLAM 6, 27: cable modem

7: WLAN AP 8: VDSL Modem

9: ADSL modem 20: Internet

26: DSL Modem

28, 41: first network clustering device

10, 29, 44, 140, 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d: terminal

30, 42, 43: second network clustering device

31: backbone

32: first communication network 33: first node

34: second communication network 35: second node

36: lower second communication network 40: modem

50: RF transceiver 51: modulation and demodulation unit

52: control unit 53: memory unit

54: relay processing unit 55: beacon processing unit

56: routing section 57: communication processing section

58: wired I / O section

110 and 130: network clustering device 150: billing calculator

The present invention relates to a billing calculation system and method for a communication network using a network clustering device, and more particularly, to a billing calculation system for a communication network using a network clustering device to allow a plurality of user terminals to be equally distributed and settled on a single network. And to a method.

Conventionally used conventional networks utilize a multi-stage network approach. This conventional network configuration is shown by way of example in FIG.

1 is a block diagram showing a conventional network.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional network includes a router 1 that provides an optimal path between the Internet or another network, a web server 2 that is connected to the router 1 to provide an Internet service environment, and a router. A second node (3, 4, 5) providing a data path between the user terminal 10, a second node connected to the first node (3, 4, 5) to provide data communication, including Internet communication to the user (6, 7, 8, 9) and a terminal 10 connected to the second node or the first node and connected to the Internet.

The first nodes 3, 4, and 5 refer to a terminal device or a branch that provides a data branch such as a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), a cable modem termination system (CMTS), and a HUB. The DSLAM 5 is a multiplexing device for a DSL connection that collects data transmitted and received by an end digital subscriber line (DSL) modem and transmits it to a backbone network, that is, the Internet. In addition, CMTS is a device that enables the user to communicate data by converting the modem data transmitted and received by the modem installed at the end of the cable such as a coaxial cable into an Internet data packet.

The second nodes 6, 7, 8, and 9 are means for directly connecting the first nodes 3, 4, 5 and the user terminal 10 to the DSL modems 8, 9 and WLAN access points (APs). (7) and Cable Modem (6).

In a conventional network, an Internet service provider (hereinafter referred to as "ISP") provides a transmission line and installs and maintains a line immediately before a terminal, that is, the modems 6, 7, 8, and 9. And maintenance, and the user is generally operated in the form of paying the service fee to the ISP. Such a conventional network is judged to be a consistent and efficient form at first glance, but it is true that an ISP has a lot of management burden because it is in charge of the operation and management of the detailed network of the end.

First, the ISP manages a large-capacity, high-speed transmission path such as an optical communication network and a high-speed communication network from the backbone network to the first nodes 3, 4, and 5. The first communication line is connected to the main communication network, or is installed in a portion adjacent to the main communication line, so that the subsequent maintenance is relatively easy if only the huge cost required for initial installation is handled. As such, the first communication line is installed only to the first nodes 3, 4, and 5 installed in a part of city, county, and town unit areas as the first entrance of a large apartment complex. From the first node 3, 4, 5 to the user terminal 10 end or the second node is transmitted using a different transmission path and method than those used in the first communication network. That is, from the first node (3, 4, 5) is installed a relatively low-capacity, low-speed optical network, cable network compared to the first communication network, the second communication network is installed in the user's home, office modem (6, 7, 8 , 9). As such, when the multi-stage communication network is installed, the user connects his terminal to the modems 6, 7, 8, and 9 and uses the Internet, and pays the ISP for a predetermined service use.

On the other hand, the first communication network of the first and second communication networks maintained and managed by the ISP connects a specific location such as a telephone station at a telephone station and a city at a city. However, in the case of the second communication network, unlike the first communication network, since the installation environment is relatively poor, the installation, maintenance, and maintenance of the second communication network is not easy.

In the case of the second communication network, since the user must be installed to the place where the user lives or lives, it is spread to the home or the office through the telephone pole or the underground track which is commonly seen in the surroundings. For example, since DSL lines mainly use telephone lines, in order to connect users with DSLAMs 5 installed in designated places such as telephone stations, a telephone line must be constructed to the connection area. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a combination of existing telephone lines. In the case of using a cable, a cable network for cable broadcasting or a cable for data communication must be separately installed.

Since the conventional network has the features described above, it is very difficult to expand the subscriber network of the second communication network. That is, the conventional network has a disadvantage in that a new subscriber is generated or when a single subscriber uses multiple terminals, a new transmission path must be added or changed to be installed. In addition, one modem or one AP is connected to each dedicated line, and in the case of a modem, a limitation of an installation environment in which a terminal should be installed in an adjacent place where a modem is installed is also a problem. In addition, when a user using a leased line is moved, there is an inconvenience of removing the installed temporary road and installing a new leased line in the previous place.

In addition, the conventional network has a problem that cannot be used due to force majeure, even if the user wants to use a faster or cheaper communication method because it must determine the installation or impossible according to the residential environment of the resident. In more detail, in order to provide a DSL-based leased line service, a subscriber using a leased line using a cable LAN method had to remove the existing cable leased line and construct a DSL line. In addition, by returning the modem used in the cable method to the ISP, the DSL modem is supplied and used, there is a problem that requires a huge cost and time due to the change of transmission path. Due to these problems, the conventional network method requires a great deal of time and effort for the ISP to install, maintain and maintain the second communication network.

Therefore, by making the user terminal and the backbone network irrelevant to the user use environment, a new network access method capable of efficiently and easily connecting the user terminal and the backbone network is urgently required. In order to solve this problem, the present application has proposed an invention related to traffic distribution and utilization of a second communication network using a network clustering device in Application No. 10-2005-0098276. Therefore, the present application is to propose a billing calculation system and method applied to the previously proposed application 10-2005-0098276.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, the primary network clustering device connected to the Internet service, the secondary network clustering device to form a communication channel with the primary network clustering device, and each network clustering device to form a communication channel with the Internet It is an object of the present invention to provide a standard and a method for calculating the charging of each user terminal included in a communication network composed of a user terminal using a service, thereby providing an expanded charging and distribution of a fair charge accordingly.

Another object of the present invention is a network capable of calculating the charges by dividing the charges charged in the communication network formed of at least one network clustering device and the user terminals connected to the network clustering device using the Internet service by the number of user terminals. An object of the present invention is to provide a billing calculation system and method for a communication network using a clustering device.

Another object of the present invention is to calculate a charge according to the amount of traffic used by each user for the charges imposed in a communication network formed of at least one network clustering device and user terminals connected to the network clustering device and using Internet services. An object of the present invention is to provide a billing calculation system and method for a communication network using a network clustering device capable of determining a fair billing.

Finally, another object of the present invention is to own another network clustering device by owning the network clustering device in a charge imposed in a communication network formed of at least one network clustering device and user terminals connected to the network clustering device and using the Internet service. A communication network using a network clustering device that can calculate a fairer rate by applying a certain discount amount or a discount rate to a network clustering device owner that allows a user terminal connected to use an Internet service to provide a service according to network sharing and traffic relay. To provide a billing calculation system and method.

In order to achieve the above object, a billing calculation system of a communication network using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed by at least one Internet service provider or an Internet service user, and includes at least one main network clustering device accessible to the Internet; At least one secondary network clustering device forming a first communication channel with the primary network clustering device; And a charging calculator in the primary and secondary network clustering devices for calculating the at least one user terminal receiving the Internet service by forming a second communication channel with the primary and secondary network clustering devices, and the charging. do.

The primary and secondary network clustering apparatus may include at least one RF transceiver, a modulation / demodulation unit, a controller, a memory unit, a beacon processor, a communication processor, a wired I / O unit, and traffic used by the user terminal connected to the network clustering apparatus. A relay processing unit capable of counting the amount of traffic and transmitting the counted traffic value to another network clustering device; And a routing unit capable of exchanging information relating to the number of user terminals connected to adjacent network clustering apparatuses respectively, and a charging calculation unit calculating accounting information in consideration of the amount of traffic related to the collected billing or the number of service user terminals. It features.

The charging calculator may be configured to calculate charging according to the number of user terminals existing in the communication network.

The charging calculator may be configured to calculate the charge according to the amount of each traffic used by the user terminal existing in the communication network.

The user terminal owning the network clustering device is characterized in that a certain discount is applied according to traffic relay and sharing service provision.

In the billing calculation method of a communication network using a network clustering device, the billing calculation method in a communication network using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention counts the number of user terminals existing in the communication network and transmits it to the billing calculator. A first step of making; A second step of calculating the charge by dividing the charge set in the communication network based on the number of total network clustering devices and the number of user terminals existing in the communication network; And a third step of transmitting the calculated billing value to each user terminal.

In the charging calculation method of a communication network using a network clustering device, the charging calculation method in a communication network using the network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is to examine the traffic of the user terminal existing in the communication network, A first step of counting the amount; Transmitting a traffic value of the user terminal to a billing calculator; A third step of calculating the charging of each user terminal according to the traffic value; And a fourth step of transmitting the calculated user billing to each user terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for calculating a charge in a communication network using a network clustering device is provided by at least one Internet service provider or an Internet service user, and includes at least one main network clustering device connected to the Internet; At least one secondary network clustering device forming a first communication channel with the primary network clustering device; At least one of the primary and secondary network clustering devices may be configured to include a charging calculator for calculating the charging.

At least one of the primary and secondary network clustering devices includes at least one RF transceiver, a modulator, a controller, a memory, a beacon processor, a communication processor, a wired I / O unit, and the user terminal connected to the network clustering device. A relay processing unit capable of counting the amount of traffic to be used, wherein the counted traffic value is transmitted to another network clustering device; And a routing unit for exchanging routing information of adjacent network clustering devices.

Other features and operations of the present invention in addition to the above objects will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a traffic distribution processing network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2, a first communication network 32 connected to a backbone network 31 including a web server 21 or the Internet 20, and a second communication network 34 connected to the first communication network 32. It is configured to include).

The first communication network is connected to the backbone network 31 to search for an optimal path, and provides a routing device 22 for providing a data traffic path between networks, and is defined as a first node 33 connected to the routing device 22. Are divided into access devices. The access device consists of a DSLAM 23, a CMTS 24, or a HUB 25. This access device connects the component of the second communication network 34 to the backbone network 31. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the HUB 25 may provide a connection between the network clustering device 28a and the user terminal 29a and the backbone network 31. The first communication network 32 is configured by using a high-speed high-capacity dedicated line or an optical communication network such as E1, T1, T2, and T3.

The second communication network 34 is connected to the second node 35 constituted by the modems 26 and 27 and the first network clustering device 28 and to the second node 35 and to the backbone network 31. Consisting of a lower second communication network 36.

The second node 35 includes modems 26 and 27 connected to the first node 33 of the first communication network 32 and first network clustering devices 28b and 28c connected to the modems 26 and 27. It is composed of Here, the first network clustering device 28a that can be directly connected to the hub 25 is also included in the second node 35.

The lower second communication network 36 shares the traffic by wireless communication with the first network clustering device 28 and connects the backbone network 31 to the backbone network 31 through the first and second nodes 33 and 35. It consists of a user terminal 29 connecting to the first and second nodes 33, 35 via the network clustering device 30, the first network clustering device 28, or the second network clustering device 30. The second network clustering device 30 allows network connection of the wired terminal devices 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d and the wireless terminal device 29e connected to the device. Separately, the second network clustering device 30 provides a service for network connection to wired and wireless terminal devices located in the second communication network 36 by providing a wireless channel for communication with each other.

An embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 2 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

3 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 2 in more detail and illustrates a second communication network in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the traffic sharing processing network system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a dedicated line is not connected to each user terminal. As shown in FIG. 3, a modem 40 connected to the first communication network 32 is connected to the first network clustering device 41. That is, the network clustering device 41 connected to the modem 41 connected to the first communication network 32 becomes the first network clustering device 41. The distance that can communicate with the first network clustering device 41, or between the plurality of second network clustering devices 42, 43 and the plurality of users between the first network clustering device 41a and the first network clustering device 41b. Terminal 44 is located. That is, the group that can access the backbone network 31 only by using the first network clustering device 41 among the network clustering devices and the user terminal 44 becomes the lower second communication network 42, and the lower second communication network ( 42 is configured by the second network clustering devices 42 and 43 and the user terminals. At this time, even in the case of the first network clustering device 41b, when the traffic sharing capacity of the first network clustering device 41b has to be exceeded and the neighboring first network clustering device 41a needs to be requested to share the traffic, This first network clustering device 41b may also be included in the lower second communication network 42. In addition, the network clustering devices 42 and 43 included in the lower second communication network 42 also serve as the first network clustering device 41b when they can be connected to the first node 33 such as the modem 40. Will be performed.

The communication between the network clustering devices 41, 42, and 43 is performed over the air. That is, each network clustering device 41, 42, 43 is a circular or side-lobed radiation of a certain radius, shown in dotted lines, depending on the omni-directional or directed characteristics of the specified output and the antenna used in an ideal environment. Radiation pattern has a limited communication distance. Each of the network clustering devices 41, 42, and 43 may form redundant communication paths between the network clustering devices 41, 42, and 43 in which communication distances overlap each other.

In more detail, for example, in the case of the user terminal 44b, the devices of the modems 26 and 27 that can connect to the first node 33 and the second node 35 are not connected. At this time, when the user terminal 44b requests access to the backbone network 31, the second network clustering device 42b searches for an adjacent second network clustering device 43b. When the second network clustering device 43b is found as a result of the discovery, a communication path is formed between the second network clustering device 42b connected to the user terminal 44b and the discovered second network clustering device 43b. In addition, the second network clustering device 43b for traffic distribution processing goes through a process of searching for and connecting the network clustering device to access the first or second nodes 33 and 35 that are close to each other. In this process, each network clustering device (42, 43) is to determine the amount of traffic concentrated on each network clustering device (42, 43) to avoid a specific network clustering device, where the traffic is concentrated, or the network clustering device owner It decides whether or not to allow traffic sharing, and explores the best route. That is, the path through which the user terminal 44b can access the backbone network 31 is CL1_1 (41a)-CL2_1 (42a)-CL2_2 (43b)-CL2_4 (42b), CL1_1 (41a)-CL2_3 (43c)- CL2_2 (43b)-CL2_4 (42b), CL1_1 (41a)-CL2_1 (42a)-CL2_5 (43a)-CL2_2 (43b)-CL2_4 (42b), CL1_2 (41b)-CL2_2 (43b)-CL2_4 (42b) Various paths can be selected, for example. That is, each user terminal can be connected to the backbone network 31 without being provided with the modem 41 and the dedicated line. As a result, the present invention enables the user to use data communication through the backbone network 31 by accessing various types of networks regardless of one communication method such as a DSL modem or a cable modem.

Such network clustering devices 41, 42, and 43 may be licensed to unlicensed frequency bands such as Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) or Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) frequency bands, CDMs, and GMSs. Communication can be performed in the same manner using a mobile communication frequency band including GSM) and portable Internet (WiBro or WiMax).

Although the ISM and U-NII frequency bands can be used without prior permission to provide separate network services, they are limited to relatively short distance communication because they allow only weak radio emission. From other users using the same frequency or from the surrounding environment, mediation or understanding of limited channel usage between users is required in advance due to the deepening of interference caused by the use of excessive connection of the same channel. However, access to network clustering devices and network connection devices or terminal devices such as modems or hubs that enable network access can be made without prior approval of the radio regulatory authority, thus providing the advantages of quick and easy network installation and service provision. to provide. In addition, it is possible to implement using a short-range wireless communication frequency band, or a mobile communication frequency band used in a wireless LAN frequency band, such as 802.11, a wireless ATM frequency band, Bluetooth (Bluetooth), Zigbee (Zigbee). However, for the traffic sharing, any frequency band can be used as long as the frequency band used can process a large amount of data at high speed, and the short-range wireless communication can be used. Due to the characteristics of the communication frequency band and the communication frequency, the network clustering devices 41, 42, and 43 may distribute a plurality of terminals such as an access point (AP) used in a wireless LAN. That is, it is possible to connect several terminals to one network clustering device 41, 42, 43 to access the backbone network 31.

In addition, the traffic distribution processing network system according to an embodiment of the present invention can select and use the traffic distribution of the network clustering device according to the user's intention to use the service or the processing capacity of the traffic. In addition, when a user who owns each network clustering device transmits personal credit information through his or her network clustering device, in order to prevent the possibility of hacking, the distributed processing of traffic from the outside is stopped. The transmission path may be set to the shortest distance and the highest priority traffic so that the traffic can be transmitted on the shortest path.

As can be foreseen through FIGS. 2 and 3, the traffic distribution network system of the present invention is provided in the form of owning and using each network clustering device by an individual user. Of course, it is also possible to secure a transmission path by arranging a plurality of network clustering devices owned by one or a group of users at a designated location. Such a network clustering apparatus may be used for the purpose of connecting each terminal 44 to the backbone network 31, and may be used for the purpose of dedicating the sharing of traffic. It is also possible to operate by merging them. In addition, a user configures the second communication network 34 through the plurality of second network clustering devices 43 and one or more second nodes 35, and provides a network service to other users to receive charges for using the service. Some form of service is also available.

If IPv6 is used to implement a system using such a network clustering device, it is possible to assign and use respective IP addresses to all of the subscriber terminals, but under the current IPv4, an IP address shortage phenomenon becomes more prominent. To this end, the user-owned network clustering device should prepare a user identification signal for distinguishing each user terminal or network clustering device such as an IP router (NAT) and include it in the transmission data. In this case, the first network clustering device 41 connected to the second node 35 and the network clustering device 42 connected to the user terminal may proceed with the creation and inclusion of such a user distinguished signal. The process of generating and including a user identification signal may be performed by a network clustering device existing on a path through which corresponding data is transmitted. In addition, even when a plurality of user terminals are connected to one network clustering device, it is possible to distinguish the user terminals using the user identification signal.

4 briefly illustrates a configuration of a network clustering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the network clustering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes at least one RF transceiver 50, a modulator 51, a controller 52, a memory 53, a relay processor 54, A beacon processing unit 55, a routing unit 56, a communication processing unit 57, a wired I / O unit 58, and a charging calculation unit 150 are provided.

The RF transceiver 50 forms a communication channel with an adjacent network clustering device to provide a communication path in order to transmit and receive a radio signal for communication between the network clustering devices. In order to be able to use heterogeneous communication methods simultaneously, different RF transmission / reception modules may be provided according to communication methods.

The modulator 51 provides a modulation and demodulation function between the RF signal and the baseband signal between the at least one RF transmitter / receiver 50 and the controller 52.

The control unit 52 transmits and receives a wireless message with a communication device on a network, routes a wireless message between the network clustering device on a network, and relays the wireless message, and the RF transceiver 50 and the modulation / demodulation unit 51. Control unit 54, beacon processing unit 55, routing unit 56, communication processing unit 57, and the like.

The memory unit 53 provides a memory space required to proceed with the process of each component including the control unit 52, and stores driving programs and data for controlling them.

The relay processing unit 54, together with the routing unit 56, controls the data passing through the network clustering device under the control of the control unit 52, so that traffic can be distributed. In addition, the relay processor 54 may count the amount of traffic used by the user terminal connected to the corresponding network clustering device, and the counted traffic value may be transmitted to another network clustering device.

The beacon processing unit 55 identifies other network clustering devices and user terminals existing on the network, and generates and interprets a beacon signal for synchronization between the network clustering device and the user terminals.

The routing unit 56 performs routing and exchange of routing / forwarding information between adjacent network clustering devices under the control of the control unit 52. The routing unit 56 also exchanges information related to the number of user terminals connected to adjacent network clustering devices, respectively.

The communication processor 57 transmits data provided through the wired I / O unit 58 to the RF transceiver 50, and transmits data received from the RF transceiver 50 from the wired I / O unit 58. Relay data between wired and wireless for processing.

The wired I / O unit 58 is an interface unit for connecting a network clustering device and a user terminal by wire, and provides an interface such as an Ethernet port (RJ-45). In addition, it can be equipped with various interfaces such as USB or IEEE 1394 (FireWire), and a flash memory slot.

The charging calculator 150 calculates the charging of the network unit formed by the at least one network clustering device. The billing calculator 150 is included in all network clustering devices, and is directly connected to a network established by an Internet service provider or an Internet service user among the network clustering devices, so that the billing unit 150 may be used to share a fee with a network service provider or between service users. The network clustering device (hereinafter referred to as the "primary network clustering device") that pays the service fee to the network service user is automatically or manually activated to calculate the billing of each terminal connected to the network clustering device to receive the network service. . In other words, that is, the charging calculator 150 included in the network clustering device (hereinafter referred to as "secondary network clustering device") that forms a communication channel with another network clustering device is not activated.

5 is a block diagram illustrating a charging calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, a billing calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering apparatus of the present invention is directly connected to the Internet using a modem or a hub provided by an Internet service provider or an Internet service user to receive network services. Primary network clustering device 110, and adjacent secondary network clustering device 130 and primary network clustering device 110 and secondary network clustering device forming first communication channel 115 with the primary network clustering device 110. And a communication network 100 formed of a user terminal 140 forming a second communication channel 130, and the billing calculator 150 located in the main network clustering device 110 corresponds to the corresponding network 100. It is activated to determine the charging of the user terminal 140 in the.

  Here, although the billing calculation system in the communication network using the network clustering device according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described as two secondary network clustering device 130, there are more that can form the first communication channel 115 It is apparent that the communication network 100 can be formed by installing a number of secondary network clustering devices.

The main network clustering device 110 includes at least one RF transceiver, a modulation / demodulation unit, a controller, a memory unit, a relay processor, a beacon processor, a routing unit, a communication processor, a billing calculator, and a wired I / O unit. The device 110 includes a network service point of presence connected to a modem or hub, which is a network connection provided by an internet service provider or an internet service user. Here, the modem may have both a wired and a wireless type, and the network connection point means to connect by wire and wireless.

The secondary network clustering device 130 has the same configuration as the primary network clustering device 110 except that the secondary network clustering device 130 is not directly connected to the network connection point. The secondary network clustering device 130 forms a first communication channel 115 with the primary network clustering device 110 and uses the second communication channel to connect the user terminal 140 connected to each secondary network clustering device 130. It will send traffic.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the billing calculator 150 may include billing information receiving means 152 for receiving billing information related to or combined with at least one of the number of user terminals and the traffic amount of the user terminal, and the billing information reception. Billing calculation means 154 for calculating billing of the user terminal based on the billing information received from the means 152, authentication that the service provider manages the billing calculated if the establishing communication network is provided by the Internet service provider, And a charging transmission means (156) for transmitting to the AAA server (AAA) or transmitting the calculated charge to the user terminal through each network clustering device when provided by an Internet service user organization. do. When the billing calculator 150 calculates billing for the total number of user terminals 140 existing in the communication network 100, the routing unit included in the main network clustering device 110 is adjacent to the neighboring network clustering device 130. Information regarding the number of user terminals 140 connected to each other) is received from a routing unit included in each secondary network clustering device 130, and the information is transmitted to the charging calculator 150. Based on this information, the billing calculator 150 calculates the billing by dividing the service fee provided by the main network clustering device 110 by the total number of user terminals 140.

On the other hand, when calculating the billing according to the traffic amount used in each user terminal 140, the relay processing unit may count the amount of traffic used by the user terminal connected to the primary and secondary network clustering device (110, 130), The counted traffic value may be transmitted to the charging calculator 150 connected to the main network clustering device 110. The charging calculator 150 may calculate charging based on the amount of traffic used by each user terminal 140 based on the total bandwidth allocated to the main network clustering device 110.

In addition, the charging calculator 150 may allocate more benefits to the user terminal 140 that owns the main network clustering device connected to the network access point. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the terminal 140a accessing the main network clustering device 110 receives a discount rate from the terminals 140b, 140c, and 140d connected to the same network clustering device 130 within the same network. More bandwidth can be allocated.

On the other hand, when the secondary network clustering device 130 that does not allow relaying or sharing due to security, etc. of the secondary network clustering device 130 is generated, the charging calculator 150 transfers the secondary network clustering device 130 to the corresponding communication network. User who owns the secondary network clustering device, which can be removed from (100), and charged from the billing and sharing service target, can be removed from the corresponding communication network (100) based on providing network services through service sharing and traffic relay. Access to the use of network clustering devices is not allowed.

A method of calculating billing using a network clustering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention having such a structure will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of equally dividing an Internet service fee based on the total number of user terminals 140 existing in one communication network.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the charging calculation method using the network clustering apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, first, the routing units of all the network clustering apparatuses 110 and 130 existing in the communication network are connected to the main network clustering apparatus 110. The number of all user terminals 140 currently connected to the user is counted and transmitted (S11).

At this time, the routing unit included in each of the network clustering devices 110 and 130 transmits information of the terminal 140 in which the network clustering devices 110 and 130 are installed.

The routing unit included in the main network clustering apparatus 110 transmits the total number of user terminals 140 and information related to the terminal 140 to the charging calculator 150 (S12).

The billing calculator 150 calculates billing using the total number of network clustering devices 110 and 130 existing in the communication network and the number of user terminals 140 (S13).

More specifically, among the entire network clustering devices 110 and 130, the terminal 140a used by the owner of the primary network clustering device that is directly connected to provide the network service is connected to the continuous network connection of the terminal connected to the secondary network clustering device. And a certain discount rate or a certain amount reduction in correspondence with the power supply, network service sharing, and traffic relay provided to operate the main network clustering device for service provision. In addition, the terminals 140b, 140c, and 140d connected to and connected to the other secondary network clustering apparatus may calculate the charge by equally dividing the entire Internet service usage fee. For example, if the communication service usage fee added to the primary network clustering device 110 and the secondary network clustering device 130 forming the first communication channel 115 with the primary network clustering device 110 is CommCost, the equal division is performed. The charging may be expressed as in Equations 1 and 2 below.

aX + bY = CommCost

a = b-b x c

X and Y mean the number of terminals connected to the primary network clustering apparatus and the number of terminals connected to the secondary network clustering apparatus, respectively, and a denotes the charging of the terminal 140a connected to the primary network clustering apparatus 110. , b is the charge added to the terminals (140b, 140c, 140d) connected to the secondary network clustering device, c is the discount rate according to the power supply, shared service and traffic relay provided by the primary network clustering device.

aX + bY = CommCost

a = b-d

X and Y mean the number of terminals connected to the primary network clustering apparatus and the number of terminals connected to the secondary network clustering apparatus, respectively, and a denotes a terminal 140a connected to the primary network clustering apparatus 110. The billing of b, the billing of the terminals (140b, 140c, 140d) used to connect to the secondary network clustering device, d is a constant reduction in accordance with the power supply, shared service and traffic relay provided by the primary network clustering device.

When generalizing Equations 1 and 2, Equation 3 is obtained.

aU1 + bU2 = Fee

a = b-Discount

U1 + U2 = All

However, U1 is the number of terminals connected to the primary network clustering apparatus 110, U2 is the number of terminals connected to the secondary network clustering apparatus 130, and Fee is the main network clustering connected to the network service access point. Total charges assigned to the device 110 and the secondary network clustering device 130, a is the charge of the terminal 140a used by the owner of the primary network clustering device 110, b is the owner of the secondary network clustering device 130 to purchase The billing of the terminals 140b, 140c, 140d used by the user, Discount is a certain reduction or discount amount, All is the total number of user terminals 140 used in the network.

The billing calculator 150 transmits the billing calculated using the network clustering apparatus 110 or 130 to each user terminal (S14).

9 is a flowchart illustrating a charging calculation method using a network clustering apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, in the billing calculation method using the network clustering apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, first, the relay processing unit 54 of all the network clustering apparatuses 110 and 130 existing in the communication network 100 may own. Check the traffic of the user terminal 140 connected to and count the amount of traffic inspected (S21).

Thereafter, each relay processor 54 transmits the traffic value of each user terminal 140 to the relay processor 54 of the main network clustering apparatus 110. In addition, the relay processor 54 of the main network clustering apparatus 110 transmits the traffic number of each user terminal 140 and the information of each user terminal 140 to the billing calculator 150 (S22).

The charging calculator 150 calculates the charging of each user terminal 140 according to the traffic value (S23).

In detail, the accounting calculator 150 determines the billing by comparing the value of the traffic used by each user terminal 140 during the period in which the billing is to be calculated. However, the terminal 140a of the user who owns the main network clustering device 110 may apply a discount rate or a traffic reduction due to power supply, traffic relay, and provision of shared service between network clustering devices at all times to provide a smooth network service. Can be. This may be expressed as in Equation 4.

Fee Per Traffic (FPT) = Total Fee (TF) / Total Traffic (TT)

Primary Network Clustering Connection User Billing = Billing Per Traffic x Amount of Traffic Used x Discount Rate

Secondary network clustering access user billing = billing per traffic x amount of traffic used

The billing calculator 150 transmits the user billing calculated using the network clustering apparatus 110 or 130 to each user terminal 140 (S24).

On the other hand, the billing method using the billing calculation system using the network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main network clustering device 110 connected to the network service access point 160 and its first communication channel ( Although a method of calculating billing based on the communication network formed by the secondary network clustering device 130 forming the 115 and the user terminal 140 connected to the network clustering devices 110 and 130 is described, FIG. As shown, the billing calculation system using the network clustering device according to another embodiment of the present invention is the primary network clustering device 110 and the secondary network clustering device 130 and the user connected to at least two network service access point 160 and the user The billing is also calculated in the same manner in the communication network formed by the terminal 140. Can. That is, in the communication network using the network clustering apparatus shown in FIG. 10, the same division scheme is applied except for the increase of the total charge and the increase of the total traffic capacity, thereby enabling billing calculation. That is, each of the main network clustering apparatuses 150 in the communication network 100 may exchange the corresponding billing information between the billing calculation units for calculating the billing information with the support of each relay processing unit in the main network clustering apparatus. The billing calculation system using the network clustering device according to another embodiment of the present invention can secure the extra bandwidth to further increase the number of user terminals, it is possible to more efficiently distribute the amount of traffic available traffic Therefore, there is an advantage that can provide a higher quality service than the Internet service provided by one network service access point (160).

On the other hand, in the billing calculation system and billing calculation method for adding the billing according to the connection and use of the communication network formed by using the network clustering device of the present invention proposes a system and method for calculating billing by the terminal unit connected to the network clustering device However, it is obvious that the same may be applied to a system and a method for calculating billing on a network clustering device basis.

Specifically, a billing calculation system that adds billing for connection and use of a communication network formed using a network clustering device according to another embodiment of the present invention is an Internet service provider or the Internet as shown in FIG. Forming a primary network clustering device 110 and a first communication channel 115 with the primary network clustering device 110 to provide a network service by directly connecting to the Internet using a modem or a hub provided by a service user. It is configured to include the adjacent secondary network clustering device 130, the charging calculation unit 150 located in the primary network clustering device 110 is activated to determine the charging of the adjacent secondary network clustering device 130, while The charging calculator of the network clustering device 130 is not activated.

The billing calculation system of the present invention having such a structure can be easily applied when installing a network clustering device for each generation and using a service using a terminal connected thereto. In other words, when the terminal connected to the network clustering device is wireless, the number of access terminals is not fixed and is often variable, and the traffic capacity used is often different according to the characteristics of the using terminal. In this case, since it is difficult to add charging to a specific terminal, it is appropriate to add charging in units of network clustering devices. To this end, the network clustering device is configured to calculate the billing by dividing the number of primary network clustering devices directly connected to the Internet service and the number of secondary network clustering devices connected to the primary network clustering device, or by the amount of traffic used by each network clustering device. The billing can be calculated.

In the charging calculation system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the network clustering device may have the same configuration as the network clustering device shown in FIG. 4.

As described above, the billing calculation system and method using the network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the secondary network clustering device for forming a first communication channel with the primary network clustering device and the primary network clustering device for providing Internet services. In addition, a billing calculator on the main network clustering device may be included in a communication network including a user terminal using the Internet service by forming a second communication channel with each network clustering device, and the billing of each user terminal included in the communication network may be calculated. .

A billing calculation system and method using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the billing is charged in a communication network formed of at least one network clustering device and user terminals connected to the network clustering device using the Internet service. The billing may be calculated by dividing by the number of user terminals.

In the billing calculation system and method using the network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, each user is charged for billing in a communication network formed of at least one network clustering device and user terminals connected to the network clustering device and using Internet services. By calculating the charge according to the amount of traffic used by the user, it is possible to add fair charge.

Finally, a billing calculation system and method using a network clustering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, billing that is charged in a communication network formed of at least one network clustering device and user terminals connected to the network clustering device using an Internet service By applying a discount amount or a discount rate to a user terminal that purchases and owns a network clustering device, a more fair charge can be calculated.

In addition, preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, changes, additions, etc. within the spirit and scope of the present invention, such modifications and modifications belong to the scope of the claims You will have to look.

Claims (17)

At least one primary network clustering device built by at least one Internet service provider or Internet service user and capable of accessing the Internet; At least one secondary network clustering device forming a first communication channel with the primary network clustering device; At least one user terminal receiving the Internet service by forming a second communication channel with the primary and secondary network clustering devices; At least one of the primary and secondary network clustering device comprises a billing calculation unit for calculating the billing of the user terminal billing system in a network using a network clustering device, characterized in that configured. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the primary and secondary network clustering devices is: At least one RF transceiver, modulation and demodulation unit, control unit, memory unit, beacon processing unit, communication processing unit, wired I / O unit, A relay processing unit capable of counting the amount of traffic used by the user terminal connected to the network clustering device, the counted traffic value being transmitted to another network clustering device; And And a routing unit capable of exchanging information relating to the number of user terminals connected to adjacent network clustering apparatuses, respectively. The method of claim 1, wherein the charging calculation unit, The billing calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device, characterized in that for calculating the billing according to the number of network clustering devices and user terminals existing in the communication network. The method of claim 3, wherein U1, the number of user terminals connected to the primary network clustering device that provides Internet services in connection with the billing established in the communication network; The number of user terminals connected to the secondary network clustering device is U2, Fee charged to the network, The charge of U1 a, The charge of U2 b, A certain reduction or discount amount that applies to U1 above, When defining the total number of user terminals as All, The charging of the user terminal is aU1 + bU2 = Fee a = b-Discount A billing calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device, characterized in that U1 + U2 = All. The method of claim 1, wherein the charging calculation unit, A billing calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device, characterized in that the billing is calculated according to the amount of each traffic used by the network clustering device and the user terminal existing in the communication network. The method of claim 5, FPT for the amount of traffic per traffic, TF, the total billing of the network TT for the total traffic generated in the communication network, The user billing, The billing amount per traffic FPT = TF / TT, the user billing allocated to the user terminal owning the main network clustering device, User billing = amount of money per traffic FPT x amount of traffic used x discount rate, User billing allocated to the user terminal owning the secondary network clustering device, A billing calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device, wherein each user billing = billing amount per traffic FPT x amount of traffic used. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, Billing calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device, characterized in that a certain discount is applied to the terminal of the user owning and operating the main network clustering device. The method of claim 1, wherein the charging calculation unit, Billing information receiving means for receiving information relating to at least one of the number of user terminals and the amount of traffic of the user terminal; Billing calculation means for calculating billing of a user terminal based on the information received from said billing information receiving means; And a billing transmitting means for transmitting the calculated billing to the user terminal through each network clustering device. The method of claim 1, wherein the billing calculator The billing calculation system in a communication network using the network clustering device, characterized in that when activated in the primary network clustering device to calculate the billing. In the billing calculation method of a communication network using a network clustering device comprising a billing calculation unit for calculating the charge of the user terminal and a routing unit for calculating the number of user terminals connected to the adjacent network clustering device and the information related to the user terminal, A first step of the routing unit counting the number of network clustering devices and user terminals existing in the communication network and transmitting the counted unit to the charging calculator; A second step of calculating the charge by dividing the charge set by the charging calculator based on the total number of network clustering devices and the number of user terminals existing in the communication network; And And a third step of transmitting the billing value calculated by the billing calculator to each network clustering device and a user terminal. The method of claim 10, wherein the first step, And transmitting the terminal information of the user who installs and operates the network clustering apparatus together with the count information to the charging calculating unit. The method of claim 10, wherein the second step, U1, the number of terminals of a user who owns and operates a main network clustering device that provides an Internet service in connection with billing established in the communication network; The number of user terminals connected to the secondary network clustering device is U2, Fee charged to the network, The charge of U1 a, The charge of U2 b, A certain reduction or discount amount that applies to U1 above, When defining the total number of user terminals as All, aU1 + bU2 = Fee a = b-Discount A billing calculation method in a communication network using a network clustering device, characterized in that U1 + U2 = All. In the charging calculation method of a communication network using a network clustering device comprising a charging calculation unit for calculating the charge of the user terminal and a relay processing unit for calculating the amount of traffic used by the user terminal connected to the network clustering device, A first step of checking, by the relay processor, the traffic of the network clustering device and the user terminal existing in the communication network and counting the amount of traffic inspected; A second step of transmitting, by the relay processor, the traffic values of the network clustering device and the user terminal to the charging calculator; A third step of the charging calculator calculating the charging of each user terminal according to the traffic value; And And a fourth step of transmitting the calculated user billing to the respective network clustering device and the user terminal. The method of claim 13, wherein the second step, And information on the user terminal provided with a network clustering device is transmitted to the charging calculating unit together with the traffic information. The method of claim 13, FPT for the amount of traffic per traffic, TF, the total billing of the network TT for the total traffic generated in the communication network, The billing amount per traffic FPT = TF / TT, the user billing allocated to the user terminal owning the main network clustering device, User charge = amount of charge per traffic FPT x amount of traffic used x discount rate, user charge assigned to the user terminal owning the secondary network clustering device, A billing calculation method in a communication network using a network clustering device, wherein each user billing = billing amount per traffic FPT x amount of traffic used. At least one primary network clustering device built by at least one Internet service provider or Internet service user and capable of accessing the Internet; At least one secondary network clustering device forming a first communication channel with the primary network clustering device; At least one of the primary and secondary network clustering device comprises a billing calculation unit for calculating the billing, the billing calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of the primary and secondary network clustering devices is: At least one RF transceiver, modulation and demodulation unit, control unit, memory unit, beacon processing unit, communication processing unit, wired I / O unit, A relay processing unit capable of counting the amount of traffic used by the user terminal connected to the network clustering device, the counted traffic value being transmitted to another network clustering device; And A charging calculation system in a communication network using a network clustering device, characterized in that it comprises a routing unit for exchanging routing information of adjacent network clustering devices.

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