Rhino
Sentinel Suite
Sentinel Suite
OpenCloud Rhino Sentinel is a suite of software applications and tools that enables operators to implement a split architecture on-line charging system. Rhino Sentinel implements the call and session control aspects of the next generation on-line charging architecture defined in 3GPP TS 32.240.
By splitting the real-time session/ call control from the rating and balance management functions, the OpenCloud solution allows any capable Online Charging System (OCS) to be used for charging of both pre and post-paid offers. For any service, regardless of whether it is an SS7 service or an IP-based service.
The Rhino Sentinel suite has four main parts, each of which is available independently:
- Rhino Sentinel Express: a suite of consumer-oriented telecom applications such as mobile originated/ terminated call, short messaging (MO, MT), various supplementary services, home zone tariff etc. The applications can be charged by CDR or in real-time using the diameter protocol to a separate Online Charging System (OCS).
- Rhino Sentinel Evolve: a suite of applications for charging off-load to allow zero-priced voice, messaging and data charging traffic from “inclusive bundles” to be filtered out without involving the OCS.
- Rhino Sentinel Charge: a charging session control module (used by the above Sentinel suites) to link to one or more OCSs and perform Diameter field and message handling. Sentinel Charge provides an API for use by native Rhino applications and is also an option for use by SIS to charge for Service Compositions.
- Rhino Sentinel Create: a visual service creation environment which includes the Sentinel Application Framework and Sentinel Application Features. This allows new Sentinel Applications to be constructed from the component parts and custom features to be added.
The Sentinel Express and Evolve Applications utilise the Rhino TAS platform which is included in the licensed package, as illustrated below:
Rhino Sentinel has been designed specifically to:
- Meet the dramatically lower price/ subscriber price-points for real-time charging that are required in low ARPU markets and in an increasingly competitive telecommunications marketplace;
- Enable Operators to innovate in their services and rate plans without constraint. Currently, rate plan innovation enabled by modern Online Charging Systems (OCS) is severely constrained by the cost and time associated with changing the Charging Trigger Function in the service to cooperate with the OCS;
- Provide a carrier-grade session control component that complies with charging standards and also supports proprietary real-time charging protocols;
- Allow telecoms operators to choose the depth, richness and sophistication of their OCS depending upon their specific needs. The OCS may be an IT-originated real-time charging system or a NEP-originated OCS;
- Enable all charging in a uniform manner, regardless of whether payment is in advance or in arrears;
- Support all telecommunication services, whether based on TDM SS7 bearer networks or on IP-based networks.