Powering Every 5G Transaction: IPLOOK’s Charging Function (CHF) in Action
In the evolving 5G ecosystem, real-time and accurate charging is more than a necessity — it’s the foundation for trusted connectivity and seamless digital experiences. IPLOOK’s Charging Function (CHF) stands at the core of this transformation, empowering telecom operators to monetize new 5G services with confidence and agility.
In earlier generations, 2G networks relied on Call Detail Records (CDRs) to record voice calls. As mobile services evolved through 4G and 5G, the term expanded to Charging Data Records, encompassing diverse applications such as voice, messaging, and data services across platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and IoT devices.
Before 5G, charging was divided between two systems defined by 3GPP: the Online Charging System (OCS) for real-time balance control, and the Offline Charging System (OFCS) for post-usage billing. In 5G’s Service-Based Architecture (SBA), these legacy systems have merged into a unified CCS, with the CHF as its central function.
The CHF modernizes charging by replacing traditional Diameter-based integrations with RESTful APIs. It manages both online and offline charging processes:
Online charging performs real-time quota management, deducting costs and granting new usage rights as subscribers consume services.
Offline charging collects usage data into CDRs, which are forwarded to billing systems for final invoicing.
Through the Nchf interface, CHF connects seamlessly with other 5G Core Network functions, ensuring every service is billed accurately. It also maintains backward compatibility through interfaces such as Rf, Gy, and Ro, allowing smooth interworking with 4G systems like OCS and PCRF.
Security and transparency are at the heart of IPLOOK’s CHF. With support for 3GPP-compliant interfaces, policy-driven charging control, and advanced data encryption, operators can ensure accurate and tamper-proof billing across all services. Moreover, its real-time mediation and analytics capabilities give operators deep insights into user behavior, service usage, and revenue trends — turning charging data into actionable business intelligence.
Deployed across diverse markets, IPLOOK’s CHF has already helped operators achieve faster time-to-market and improved operational efficiency. Combined with IPLOOK’s full 4G/5G Core Network solutions, it enables telecom providers to evolve beyond connectivity — toward intelligent service monetization and next-generation user experiences.
At IPLOOK, we are committed to building future-ready networks where every connection counts — and every charge is right.
