DESC:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING A PACKET DATA UNIT (PDU) SESSION IN A NETWORK
2. APPLICANT(S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
JIO PLATFORMS LIMITED INDIAN OFFICE-101, SAFFRON, NR. CENTRE POINT, PANCHWATI 5 RASTA, AMBAWADI, AHMEDABAD 380006, GUJARAT, INDIA
3.PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE NATURE OF THIS INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of 5G core network and, more particularly, relates to a method and system for establishing a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session in the network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mobile communication systems have traditionally focused on providing voice services. However, with the expansion of mobile communication systems to include data services, there has been a significant increase in traffic, leading to resource constraints. Users now require higher-speed services, necessitating the development of a more advanced mobile communication system.
[0003] The requirements for a next-generation mobile communication system are driven by the need to support the explosive growth of data traffic, provide higher transmission rates per user, accommodate a significantly increased number of connection devices, achieve low end-to-end latency, and improve energy efficiency. These demands have led to the development of improved 5G communication systems.
[0004] In a 5G communication system, a PDU Session Establishment Request is received from User Equipment (UE), which is processed through Radio Access Network (RAN), an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and a Session Management Function (SMF) whenever any data session needs to be established by User Equipment. To cater to this request, Packet Data Unit (PDU) session are established and processed between UE and SMF using NAS Signaling message exchange between these two network nodes as per 3GPP standard TS 24.501 – related to PDU Session Establishment Procedure. This involves sending a Session management message from AMF to SMF, and configuring the SMF to process the PDU session establishment request, create a PDU Session Establishment Accept message and send the PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the UE through N11 interface. These are NAS Signaling messages which are defined as per 3GPP TS 24.501 standard procedure.
[0005] Sometimes this PDU Session Establishment Accept Message sent by SMF may not be received by UE due to network issues between RAN and UE or due to some other reasons. In this situation PDU Session Establishment Request message is retransmitted by User Equipment and a fresh create SM message must be sent to the SMF.SMF will need to recreate the exact same PDU Accept Message as it was done earlier but without going to any other nodes like PCF, UPF, UDM, CHF. This only leads to unnecessary traffic on the N11 interface between the AMF and SMF.
[0006] There is a need for an optimization solution that reduces the traffic on the N11 interface and facilitates faster PDU session establishment transfers during retransmission more effectively and efficiently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and system for establishing a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session establishment in a network.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the system for establishing the PDU session establishment in the network is disclosed. The system includes a transceiver configured to transmit a PDU establishment request message to a Radio Access Network (RAN) unit from an at least one User Equipment (UE). The transceiver is further configured to transmit the PDU establishment request message from the RAN unit to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit. The transmitted PDU establishment request message includes a first Session Management (SM) container having the PDU establishment request message attached therein. The transceiver is further configured to transmit a create SM request message to a Session Management Function (SMF) unit utilizing at least one communication protocol, based on receipt of the first SM container at the AMF unit.
[0009] Further, the system includes a generation unit configured to generate a PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit and a plurality of nodes of the network. The PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container. Further, the system includes a caching unit configured to cache the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container. Further, the system includes a setup message generation unit configured to generate a resource setup request message to be transmitted to the RAN unit from the SMF unit via the AMF unit. The resource setup request message includes the first SM container and a second SM container as received from the SMF unit. Further, the system includes a transmittal unit configured to transmit a resource setup response message and the cached first SM container which includes the PDU accept message from the RAN unit to the SMF unit via AMF unit and, from the AMF unit to the UE unit via RAN unit, respectively, thereby establish a PDU session in the network.
[0010] In an embodiment, on receipt of the create SM request message at the SMF unit, the system comprises an establishment unit configured to establish the PDU session and transmit an establishment response to the AMF unit.
[0011] In an embodiment, each of the at least one UE and the RAN unit are coupled to each other via a first interface unit, wherein the first interface is at least one of a N1 interface. In an embodiment, the PDU establishment request message received by the RAN unit is an N1 message type and the PDU establishment request message transmitted to the AMF unit is a N2 message type.
[0012] In an embodiment, the N2 message type is an uplink (UL) Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transport message which further includes at least one of a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), the PDU session ID, and request type.
[0013] In an embodiment, the plurality of nodes includes a Unified Data Management (UDM), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), and a Charging Function (CHF).
[0014] In an embodiment, the create SM request message includes at least a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Data Network Name (DNN), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI), PDU Session ID, AMF ID, Request Type, Policy Control Function (PCF) ID, Priority Access, N1 SM container (PDU Session Establishment Request), User location information, Access Type, Permanent Equipment Identifier (PEI), Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), UE presence in LADN service area, Subscription For PDU Session Status Notification, and DNN Selection Model.
[0015] In an embodiment, the PDU accept message includes at least the PDU Session ID, and second SM information. In an embodiment, on receipt of the resource setup response message at the SMF unit from the RAN unit, the PDU is marked as established in the AMF unit.
[0016] In an embodiment, the system includes a retransmission message generation unit configured to generate, a retransmission message including the cached first SM container at the AMF unit. The retransmission message transmission unit is configured to transmit the retransmission message from the AMF unit to the RAN unit. Further, the retransmission message transmission unit is configured to transmit the message containing the PDU session ID and the establishment response to the at least one UE via the RAN unit.
[0017] In an embodiment, the PDU establishment request message is the retransmitted request message based on a non-successful interaction between the SMF unit and the plurality of nodes of the network within a predefined interval of time.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the method of establishing the PDU session in the network is disclosed. The method includes the step of transmitting the PDU establishment request message to the Radio Access Network (RAN) unit from the at least one User Equipment (UE). The method further includes the step of transmitting the PDU establishment request message from the RAN unit to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit. The transmitted PDU establishment request message includes the first Session Management (SM) container attached therein. The method further includes the step of transmitting the create SM request message to the Session Management Function (SMF) unit utilizing at least one communication protocol, based on receipt of the first SM container at the AMF unit. The method further includes the step of generating the PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit and the plurality of nodes of the network. The PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container. The method further includes the step of caching the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container. The method further includes the step of generating the resource setup request message to be transmitted to the RAN unit from the SMF unit via the AMF unit. The message includes the first SM container and the second SM container as received from the SMF unit. The method further includes the step of transmitting the resource setup response message and the cached first SM container which includes the PDU accept message from the RAN unit to the SMF unit via AMF unit and, from the AMF unit to the UE unit via RAN unit, respectively, thereby establishing the PDU session in the network.
[0019] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The features and advantages described in this summary and in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a communication system for establishing a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session in a network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b is an exemplary signal flow diagram illustrating the establishment of the PDU session in the network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the system for establishing the PDU session in the network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a workflow of the communication system of FIG. 1 workflow, according to the one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a method for establishing the PDU session in the network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0028] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure including the definitions listed here below are not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0029] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated steps detailed in the figures and here below are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a communication system 100 for establishing the PDU session in a network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, the communication system 100 includes a User Equipment (UE) 102, a server 104, the network 106 and a system 108 communicably coupled to each other for establishing the PDU session in the network 106.
[0031] As per the illustrated embodiment and for the purpose of description and illustration, the UE 102 includes, but not limited to, a first UE 102a, a second UE 102b, and a third UE 102c, and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In alternate embodiments, the UE 102 may include a plurality of UEs as per the requirement. For ease of reference, each of the first UE 102a, the second UE 102b, and the third UE 102c, will hereinafter be collectively and individually referred to as the “User Equipment (UE) 102”.
[0032] In an embodiment, the UE 102 is not limited to, any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical or an equipment and a combination of one or more of the above devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device.
[0033] The communication system 100 includes the server 104 accessible via the network 106. The server 104 may include by way of example but not limitation, one or more of a standalone server, a server blade, a server rack, a bank of servers, a server farm, hardware supporting a part of a cloud service or system, a home server, hardware running a virtualized server, one or more processors executing code to function as a server, one or more machines performing server-side functionality as described herein, at least a portion of any of the above, some combination thereof. In an embodiment, the entity may include, but is not limited to, a vendor, a network operator, a company, an organization, a university, a lab facility, a business enterprise side, a defence facility side, or any other facility that provides service.
[0034] The network 106 includes, by way of example but not limitation, one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, an internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, or some combination thereof. The network 106 may include, but is not limited to, a Third Generation (3G), a Fourth Generation (4G), a Fifth Generation (5G), a Sixth Generation (6G), a New Radio (NR), a Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), and the like.
[0035] The network 106 may also include, by way of example but not limitation, at least a portion of one or more networks having one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or a combination thereof, etc. one or more messages, packets, signals, waves, voltage or current levels, some combination thereof, or so forth. The network 106 may also include, by way of example but not limitation, one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, an internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, a VOIP or some combination thereof.
[0036] The communication system 100 further includes the system 108 communicably coupled to the server 104 and the UE 102 via the network 106. The system 108 is configured to establish the PDU session in the network 106. As per one or more embodiments, the system 108 is adapted to be embedded within the server 104 or embedded as an individual entity. However, for the purpose of description, the system 108 is described as an integral part of the server 104, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0037] Operational and construction features of the system 108 will be explained in detail with respect to the following figures.
[0038] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b is an exemplary signal flow diagram illustrating the establishment of the PDU session in the network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] As per the illustrated embodiment, the signal flow diagram includes, but not be limited to, various components, such as the UE 102, a Radio Access Network (RAN) unit 204, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit 206, and a Session Management Function (SMF) unit 208.
[0040] In one or more embodiments, the UE 102 may be connected to a mobile communication network, i.e., 5G network and the UE 102 may be a mobile device. The PDU establishment request, for accessing the 5G network for connecting a voice call, availing data service and such service, is initiated via the UE 102.
[0041] In one embodiment, the UE 102 transmits the PDU session establishment request to the RAN unit 204 as an N1 message from the UE 102. As per one embodiment, the RAN unit 204 is configured to connect each of the UEs 102 to the network 106 via at least one wireless link. The RAN unit 204 includes, but not limited to Open RAN, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) RAN, or GRAN, GSM Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) RAN, or GERAN, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial RAN, or UTRAN, Evolved Universal Terrestrial RAN, or E-UTRAN.
[0042] In an embodiment, the N1 message is sent through an N1 interface established between the UE 102 and the RAN unit 204. The N1 message refers to a message exchanged between the UE 102 and the AMF 206 during the registration process. The AMF 206 is configured to handle access authentication, mobility management, and security functions for the UE 102 accessing the network 106. The AMF unit 206 is configured to, but not limited to, access authentication, registration management, mobility management, session management, security functions, policy enforcement, and interworking with legacy networks.
[0043] The N1 message includes signaling and control information related to user sessions, mobility management, Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, and other aspects of network operation.
[0044] Thereafter, the RAN unit 204 is configured to forward the received N1 message to the AMF unit 206, as an N2 message. The N2 message from the RAN unit 204 includes an Uplink (UL) messaging Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message (UL NAS Transport), which further includes a N1 Session Management (N1 SM) container. The N1 SM container is also referred to as the first SM container, and hence hereinafter the N1 SM container is referred to as “the first SM container” without limiting or deviating from the scope of the disclosure. The SM container refers to a component responsible for handling the establishment, maintenance, and termination of user sessions. The user sessions encompass various communication services, such as internet browsing, video streaming, voice calls, and IoT (Internet of Things) applications. The key functionalities of the SM container include, but not limited to session establishment, session maintenance, mobility management, policy enforcement, session termination. The first SM container further includes a PDU establishment request. The N2 message further includes at least one of, but not limited to, a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), a PDU session ID, and a request type. The request type includes, but not limited to, initial request, existing PDU session, emergency request, existing emergency PDU session, initial emergency request, handover.
[0045] Subsequent to receiving the N2 message, the AMF unit 206 creates and transmits a create Session Management (SM) request to the SMF unit 208 using at least one network protocol connection. The SMF 208 is configured to establish, manage, and terminate sessions. The SMF unit 208 is further configured to, but is not limited to, user session establishment, mobility management, Quality of Service (QoS) enforcement, policy enforcement, session termination and charging and billing.
[0046] The at least one network protocol connection includes, but not limited to, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) and Terminal Network (TELNET).
[0047] In one embodiment, the create SM request may include at least one of, but not limited to, a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Data Network Name (DNN), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI), the PDU Session ID, AMF ID, the Request Type, Policy Control Function (PCF) ID, Priority Access, N1SM container (PDU Session Establishment Request), User location information, Access Type, Permanent Equipment Identifier (PEI), Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), UE presence in LADN service area, Subscription For PDU Session Status Notification, and DNN Selection Mode.
[0048] Upon receiving the create SM request by the SMF unit 208, the PDU session is established, and the establishment response is sent to the AMF unit 206. Thereafter, in one embodiment, the SMF unit 208 receives a create SM context request. In response, the SMF unit 208 creates an SM context and responds to the AMF unit 204 by providing an SM Context Identifier.
[0049] Further, the PDU establishment request is processed by the SMF unit 208 in accordance with the standard procedure, in particular as per 3GPP defined standard procedures and corresponding signaling messages.
[0050] It is well known in the art that the term “3GPP” is a 3rd Generation Partnership Project or 3GPP. The 3GPP is a collaborative project between a group of telecommunications associations with the initial goal of developing globally applicable specifications for Third Generation (3G) mobile systems. 3GPP specifications cover cellular telecommunications technologies, including radio access, core network, and service capabilities, which provide a complete system description for mobile telecommunications. The 3GPP specifications also provide hooks for non-radio access to the core network, and for networking with non-3GPP networks.
[0051] The corresponding signaling messages refer to Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling messages which are defined as per 3GPP TS 24.501 standard procedure. In particular, the PDU sessions are established and processed between the UE 102 and the SMF unit 208 using NAS signaling message exchange between these two network nodes as per 3GPP standard TS 24.501 – related to PDU Session Establishment Procedure.
[0052] In order to process the PDU session, the SMF unit 208 interacts with a plurality of nodes of the network 106. The nodes include, but not limited to, a Unified Data Management (UDM), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), and a Charging Function (CHF). Successful interaction of the SMF unit 208 with the respective nodes indicates that the PDU session establishment request has been served.
[0053] Once the PDU session has been served, and entered into the respective nodes, the SMF unit 208 creates a PDU accept message and sends it to the AMF unit 206. The SMF unit 208 creates, in an example of the implementation, N1 and N2 message. The message includes at least, but not limited to, PDU Session ID, N2 SM information (PDU Session ID, QoS Flow Identity (QFI)(s), QoS Profile(s), Core Network (CN) Tunnel Info, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI) from the Allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), Session-AMBR, PDU Session Type, User Plane Security Enforcement information, UE Integrity Protection Maximum Data Rate, N1SM container (PDU Session Establishment Accept (QoS Rule(s) and QoS Flow level QoS parameters if needed for the QoS Flow(s) associated with the QoS rule(s), selected SSC mode, S-NSSAI(s), DNN, allocated IPv4 address, interface identifier, Session-AMBR, selected PDU Session Type, Reflective QoS Timer (if available), P-CSCF address.
[0054] More specifically, the PDU accept message received from the SMF 208 is embedded within the first SM container. The PDU accept message within the first SM container is forwarded to the AMF unit 206.
[0055] After receiving the PDU accept message, the AMF unit 206 is configured to cache a copy of the first SM container along with the PDU accept message. Once the first SM container is cached, the resource setup request message is created and transmitted to the RAN unit 204 by the AMF unit 206. The resource setup request message is embedded with a N1 Downlink Non-Access Stratum (N1DL NAS) transport message, which further includes the PDU accept message as the first SM Container. The resource setup request message shall contain the information required by the RAN to setup the PDU session related to RAN configuration consisting of at least one PDU session resource and includes each PDU session resource to setup in the PDU Session Resource Setup Request List. The N1DL NAS transport message transports message payload and associated information to the UE 102.
[0056] After receiving the resource setup request message from the AMF unit 206, the RAN unit 204 transmits a resource setup response message to the AMF unit 206. Thereafter, the AMF unit 206 is configured to create an update SM request. The AMF unit 206 further transmits the update SM request to the SMF unit 208. On receipt of the update SM request, the SMF unit 208 transmits an acknowledgment response to the AMF unit 206. As a result, the PDU is marked as established in the AMF unit 206 unit. Consequently, the AMF unit 206 transmits the PDU accept message to the UE 102 from the AMF unit 206 via the RAN unit 204. As such, the PDU session is established in the network 106.
[0057] In accordance with the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2b, the PDU accept message is transmitted to the UE 102 from the RAN unit 204 in the first SM Container. In certain embodiments, there may be a delay in transmission of the PDU accept message from the RAN unit 204 to the UE 102. The delay in transmission may be due to lack of connectivity between the RAN unit 204 and the UE 102. Accordingly, a negative handling response is generated. Further, in other embodiments when the delay is caused during transmission, the message will be retransmitted. More specifically, if the UE 102 does not receive the message, the RAN unit 204 shall retransmit the message.
[0058] In one embodiment, the PDU establishment request from the UE 102 is retransmitted to the RAN unit 204. Accordingly, the RAN unit 204 is configured to forward the N1 message to the AMF 206, as the N2 message. The N2 message from the RAN unit 204 includes the uplink messaging NAS message (UL NAS Transport), which further includes the first SM container (PDU establishment request).
[0059] Thereafter, the AMF unit 206 utilizes the cached PDU accept message within the first SM container as mentioned earlier in the FIG. 2a. By utilizing the cached PDU accept message, the N2 message (Downlink (DL) NAS Transport) is created and transmitted to the RAN unit 204 by the AMF unit 206.
[0060] Thereafter, the RAN unit 204 transmits an N2 response to the AMF unit 206. The N2 response includes the resource setup response.
[0061] Upon receiving the N2 response, the AMF unit 206 utilizes the first SM container which was cached at the AMF unit 206 and does not send the N2 response to the SMF unit 208. By doing so, the AMF unit 206 and the SMF unit 208 ease the additional burden of interacting with each other,. Thereby avoiding the traffic between the AMF unit 206 and the SMF unit 208. Further, the AMF unit 206 sends the NAS message containing PDU Session ID and PDU accept message targeted to the UE 102 directly via the RAN unit 204. In one embodiment, the DL NAS Transport is encrypted.
[0062] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the system 108 for establishing the PDU session in the network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0063] As per the illustrated embodiment, the system 108 includes one or more processors 302, a memory 304, a user interface 306, and a database 308. For the purpose of description and explanation, the description will be explained with respect to one processor 302 and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In alternate embodiments, the system 108 may include more than one processors 302 as per the requirement of the network 106. The one or more processors 302, hereinafter referred to as the processor 302 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, single board computers, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
[0064] As per the illustrated embodiment, the processor 302 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 304. The memory 304 may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to create or share data packets over a network service. The memory 304 may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as disk memory, EPROMs, FLASH memory, unalterable memory, and the like.
[0065] In an embodiment, the user interface 306 includes a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for a graphical user interface, a web user interface, a Command Line Interface (CLI), and the like. The user interface 306 facilitates communication of the system 108. In one embodiment, the user interface 306 provides a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 108. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, the UE 102 and the database 308.
[0066] The database 308 is one of, but not limited to, a centralized database, a cloud-based database, a commercial database, an open-source database, a distributed database, an end-user database, a graphical database, a No-Structured Query Language (NoSQL) database, an object-oriented database, a personal database, an in-memory database, a document-based database, a time series database, a wide column database, a key value database, a search database, a cache databases, and so forth. The foregoing examples of database 308 types are non-limiting and may not be mutually exclusive e.g., a database can be both commercial and cloud-based, or both relational and open-source, etc.
[0067] In order for the system 108 to establish the PDU session in the network 106, the processor 302 includes one or more modules. In one embodiment, the one or more modules includes, but not limited to, a transceiver 310, a generation unit 312, a caching unit 314, a setup message generation unit 316, a transmittal unit 318, an establishment unit 320 and a retransmission message generation unit 322 communicably coupled to each other to establish the PDU session in the network 106.
[0068] In one embodiment, the transceiver 310 of the system 108 is configured to transmit the PDU establishment request message to the RAN unit 204 from the at least one UE 102. The request message includes, but is not limited to, information about the type of service that the UE 102 wants to use, and the type of traffic.
[0069] Each of the at least one UE 102 and the RAN unit 204 are coupled to each other via a first interface unit. The first interface unit is at least one of the N1 interface. Further, the PDU establishment request message is then transmitted from the RAN unit 204 to the AMF unit 206. The transmitted PDU establishment request message includes the first SM container. The PDU establishment request message received by the RAN unit 204 is the N1 message type and the PDU establishment request message transmitted to the AMF unit 206 is the N2 message type.
[0070] Subsequent to receiving the PDU establishment request message, the AMF unit 206 creates and transmits the create SM request message to the SMF unit 208 utilizing the at least one network protocol connection. The SM request message is a signaling message in between the UE 102 and the SMF unit 208 via the RAN unit 204 and the AMF unit 206 to initiate the setup of the PDU session. The SM Request message includes essential parameters and attributes necessary for the setup of the PDU session. The essential parameters include, but not limited to, QoS (Quality of Service) requirements, security parameters, data session preferences, and other session-specific configurations.
[0071] On receipt of the create SM request message at the SMF unit 208, the establishment unit 320 is configured to establish the PDU session and transmit an establishment response to the AMF unit 206.
[0072] More specifically, the generation unit 312 is configured to generate the PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit 208 and the plurality of nodes of the network 106. The PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container. The PDU accept message includes at least the PDU Session ID, second SM information, and N1SM container.
[0073] Upon generating the PDU accept message, the SMF unit 208 sends the first SM container including PDU accept message and the second SM container to the AMF unit 206. On receiving the first SM container including PDU accept message and the second SM container, the AMF unit 206 caches the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container by using the caching unit 314.
[0074] On receipt of caching the first SM container, the setup message generation unit 316 is configured to generate the resource setup request message. The resource setup request message is transmitted to the RAN unit 204 from the SMF unit 208 via the AMF unit 206. The resource setup request message includes the first SM container and the second SM container as received from the SMF unit 208.
[0075] Upon receiving the resource setup request message, the transmittal unit 316 is configured to transmit the resource setup response message. The resource setup response message is transmitted from the RAN unit 204 to the SMF unit 208 via the AMF unit 206. On receipt of the resource setup response message at the SMF unit 208 from the RAN unit 204, the PDU session is marked as established in the AMF unit 206. Accordingly, the PDU accept message is transmitted from the AMF unit 206 to the UE 102 via the RAN unit 204, thereby establishing a PDU session in the network 106.
[0076] In one embodiment, there may be a delay in transmission of the PDU accept message from the RAN unit 204 to the UE 102. The delay in transmission may be due to lack of connectivity between the RAN unit 204 and the UE 102. Hence the UE 102 retransmits the PDU establishment request message to the RAN unit 204. Thus, the processor 302 of the system 108 includes the retransmission message generation unit 322 which is configured to generate the retransmission message including the cached first SM container at the AMF unit 206. In particular, the AMF unit 206 utilizes the cached first SM container instead of sending it to the SMF unit 208. In one embodiment, the PDU establishment request message is the retransmitted request message based on a non-successful interaction between the SMF unit 208 and the plurality of nodes of the network within a predefined interval of time. The non-successful interaction between the SMF 208 and the plurality of nodes of the network 106 refers to bypassing the interaction between the AMF unit 206 and the SMF unit 208 and the plurality of nodes of the network 106. Upon non-successful interaction, as explained above, the AMF unit 206 utilizes the cached first SM container instead of sending it to the SMF unit 208. In an embodiment, the predefined interval of time refers to a specific duration for monitoring or managing interactions within the network 106.
[0077] The retransmission message generation unit 322 is further configured to transmit the retransmission message from the AMF unit 206 to the RAN unit 204. The retransmission message generation unit 322 is further configured to transmit the message containing the PDU session ID and the establishment response to the at least one UE 102 via the RAN unit 204.
[0078] FIG. 4 is schematic representation of a workflow of the system 108 of FIG. 3, according to various embodiments of the present invention. It is to be noted that the embodiment with respect to FIG. 4 will be explained with respect to the UE 102 and the system 108 for the purpose of description and illustration and should nowhere be construed as limited to the scope of the present disclosure. The UE 102 includes one or more primary processors 402 coupled with a memory 404 storing instructions which are executed by the one or more primary processors 402. Execution of the stored instructions by the one or more primary processors 402 leads to the establishment of the PDU session in the network 106.
[0079] The UE 102 may comprise a memory 404 such as a volatile memory (e.g., RAM), a non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, FLASH memory, EPROMs, etc.), an unalterable memory, and/or other types of memory. In one implementation, the memory 404 might be configured or designed to store data. The data may pertain to transmit the request and access rights specifically defined for the UE 102. The UE 102 is configured to connect with the foreign server 104 through the network 106.
[0080] As mentioned earlier in FIG. 3, the one or more processors 302 of the system 108 is configured to transmit the PDU establishment request message to the RAN unit 204 from the at least one UE 102 by the transceiver 310. Further, the transceiver 310 is configured to transmit the PDU establishment request message from the RAN unit 204 to the AMF unit 206. The transmitted PDU establishment request message includes the first SM container. Further, the transceiver 310 is configured to transmit the create SM request message to the SMF unit 208 utilizing the at least one communication protocol.
[0081] In one embodiment, on receipt of the create SM request message at the SMF unit 208, the establishing unit 320 of the processor 302 is configured to establish the PDU session and transmit the establishment response to the AMF unit 206.
[0082] More specifically, the one or more processors 302 of the system 108 is configured to generate the PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit 208 and the plurality of nodes of the network 106 by the generation unit 312. The PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container.
[0083] The caching unit 314 of the processor 302 is configured to cache the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container.
[0084] The setup message generation unit 316 of the processor 302 is configured to generate the resource setup request message to be transmitted to the RAN unit 204 from the SMF unit 208 via the AMF unit 206. The resource setup request message includes the first SM container and a second SM container as received from the SMF unit 208.
[0085] The transmittal unit 318 of the processor 302 is configured to transmit the resource setup response message and the cached first SM container which includes the PDU accept message from the RAN unit 204 to the SMF unit 208 via AMF unit 206 and, from the AMF unit 206 to the UE 102 via RAN unit 204, respectively, thereby establishing the PDU session in the network 106.
[0086] The retransmission message generation unit 322 of the processor 302 is configured to generate the retransmission message including the cached first SM container at the AMF unit 206. The retransmission message generation unit 322 is further configured to transmit the retransmission message from the AMF unit 206 to the RAN unit 204 and transmit the message containing the PDU session ID and the establishment response to the at least one UE 102 via the RAN unit 204.
[0087] For the sake of brevity, it is to be noted that similar description related to the working and operation of the system 108 as illustrated in FIG. 3 has been omitted to avoid repetition. The limited description provided for the system 108 in FIG. 4, should be read with the description as provided for the system 108 in the FIG. 3 above, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0088] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 of establishing the PDU session in the network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of description, the method 500 is described with the embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 3 and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0089] At step 502, the method 500 includes the step of transmitting the PDU establishment request message to the RAN unit 204 from the at least one UE 102 by the transceiver 310.
[0090] At step 504, the method 500 includes the step of transmitting the PDU establishment request message from the RAN unit 204 to the AMF unit 206 by the transceiver 310. The transmitted PDU establishment request message includes the first SM container.
[0091] At step 506, the method 500 includes the step of transmitting, a create SM request message to the SMF unit 208 utilizing at least one communication protocol, based on receipt of the first SM container at the AMF unit 206 by the transceiver 310.
[0092] At step 508, the method 500 includes the step of generating the PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit 208 and the plurality of nodes of the network 106, wherein the PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container by the generating unit 312.
[0093] At step 510, the method 500 includes the step of caching the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container by the caching unit 314.
[0094] At step 512, the method 500 includes the step of generating the resource setup request message to be transmitted to the RAN unit 204 from the SMF unit 208 via the AMF unit 206 by the setup message generation unit 316. The message includes the first SM container and the second SM container as received from the SMF unit 208.
[0095] At step 514, the method 500 includes the step of transmitting the resource setup response message and the cached first SM container which includes the PDU accept message from the RAN unit 204 to the SMF unit 208 via the AMF unit 206 and, from the AMF unit 206 to the UE unit 102 via the RAN unit 204, respectively, thereby establishing a PDU session in the network 106 by the transmittal unit 318.
[0096] The present invention further discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions are executed by the processor 302. The processor 302 is configured to transmit the PDU establishment request message to the RAN unit 204 from the at least one UE 102. The processor 302 is further configured to transmit the PDU establishment request message from the RAN unit 204 to the AMF unit 206. The transmitted PDU establishment request message includes the first SM container. The processor 302 is further configured to transmit the create SM request message to the SMF unit 208 utilizing at least one communication protocol, based on receipt of the first SM container at the AMF unit 206.
[0097] The processor 302 is further configured to generate the PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit 208 and the plurality of nodes of the network 106. The PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container. The processor 302 is further configured to cache the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container. The processor 302 is further configured to generate the resource setup request message to be transmitted from the SMF unit 208 to the AMF unit 206, wherein the message includes the first SM container and the second SM container as received from the SMF unit 208. The processor 302 is further configured to transmit a resource setup response message and the cached first SM container which includes the PDU accept message from the RAN unit 204 to the SMF unit 208 via the AMF unit 206 and, from the AMF unit 206 to the UE unit 102 via RAN unit 204, respectively, thereby establishing a PDU session in the network 106.
[0098] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated embodiments and steps in description and drawings (FIG.1-5) are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[0099] The present disclosure incorporates technical advancement of faster and effective communication PDU session establishment transfers between the UE and the SMF. Further, it also facilitates faster PDU session establishment transfers during retransmission between the UE and the SMF more effectively and efficiently.
[00100] The present invention offers multiple advantages over the prior art and the above listed are a few examples to emphasize on some of the advantageous features. The listed advantages are to be read in a non-limiting manner.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[00101] Communication System- 100
[00102] User Equipment (UE)- 102
[00103] Server- 104
[00104] Network- 106
[00105] System -108
[00106] Radio Access Network (RAN) unit- 204
[00107] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit- 206
[00108] Session Management Function (SMF) unit- 208
[00109] Processor- 302
[00110] Memory- 304
[00111] User Interface- 306
[00112] Database- 308
[00113] Transceiver- 310
[00114] Generation Unit- 312
[00115] Caching Unit- 314
[00116] Setup message generation Unit- 316
[00117] Transmittal Unit- 318
[00118] Establishment Unit- 320
[00119] Retransmission message generation unit- 322
[00120] Primary processor- 402
[00121] Memory- 404
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS:
We Claim
1. A system (108) for establishing a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session in a network (106), the system (108) comprising:
a transceiver (310) configured to:
transmit, a PDU establishment request message to a Radio Access Network (RAN) unit (204) from an at least one User Equipment (UE)(102);
transmit, the PDU establishment request message from the RAN unit (204) to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit (206), the transmitted PDU establishment request message includes a first Session Management (SM) container attached therein; and
transmit, a create SM request message to a Session Management Function (SMF) unit (208) utilizing at least one communication protocol, based on receipt of the first SM container at the AMF unit (206);
a generation unit (312) configured to generate, a PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit (208) and a plurality of nodes of the network (106), wherein the PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container;
a caching unit (314) configured to cache, the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container;
a setup message generation unit (316) configured to generate, a resource setup request message to be transmitted to the RAN unit (204) from the SMF unit (208) via the AMF unit (206), wherein the resource setup request message includes the first SM container and a second SM container as received from the SMF unit (208); and
a transmittal unit (318) configured to transmit, a resource setup response message and the cached first SM container which includes the PDU accept message from the RAN unit (204) to the SMF unit (208) via the AMF unit (206) and, from the AMF unit (206) to the UE unit (102) via the RAN unit (204), respectively, thereby establish a PDU session in the network (106).

2. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein on receipt of the create SM request message at the SMF unit (208), the system comprises an establishment unit (320) configured to establish the PDU session and transmit an establishment response to the AMF unit (206).

3. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one UE (102) and the RAN unit (204) are coupled to each other via a first interface unit, wherein the first interface is at least one of a N1 interface.

4. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PDU establishment request message received by the RAN unit (204) is an N1 message type and the PDU establishment request message transmitted to the AMF unit (206) is a N2 message type.

5. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the N2 message type is an uplink (UL) Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transport message which further includes at least one of a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), the PDU session ID, and request type.

6. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of nodes includes a Unified Data Management (UDM), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), and a Charging Function (CHF).

7. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the create SM request message includes at least a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Data Network Name (DNN), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI), PDU Session ID, AMF ID, Request Type, Policy Control Function (PCF) ID, Priority Access, N1 SM container (PDU Session Establishment Request), User location information, Access Type, Permanent Equipment Identifier (PEI), Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), UE presence in LADN service area, Subscription For PDU Session Status Notification, and DNN Selection Mode.

8. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PDU accept message includes at least the PDU Session ID, second SM information, and N1 SM container.

9. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein on receipt of the resource setup response message at the SMF unit (208) from the RAN unit (204), the PDU is marked as established in the AMF unit (206).

10. The system (108) as claimed in claim 1,the system (108) comprises:
a retransmission message generation unit (322) configured to generate, a retransmission message including the cached first SM container at the AMF unit (206); and
a retransmission message transmission unit (322) configured to:
transmit, the retransmission message from the AMF unit (206) to the RAN unit (204); and
transmit, the message containing the PDU session ID and the establishment response to the at least one UE (102) via the RAN unit (204).

11. The system (108) as claimed in claim10, wherein the PDU establishment request message is the retransmitted request message based on a non-successful interaction between the SMF unit (208) and the plurality of nodes of the network within a predefined interval of time.

12. A method (500) of establishing a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session in a network (106), the method comprising the steps of:
transmitting, by one or more processors (302), a PDU establishment request message to a Radio Access Network (RAN) unit (204) from an at least one User Equipment (UE) (102);
transmitting, by the one or more processors (302), the PDU establishment request message from the RAN unit (204) to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit (206), the transmitted PDU establishment request message includes a first Session Management (SM) container attached therein;
transmitting, by the one or more processors (302), a create SM request message to a Session Management Function (SMF) unit (208) utilizing at least one communication protocol, based on receipt of a first SM container at the AMF unit (206);
generating, by the one or more processors (302), a PDU accept message based on successful interaction between the SMF unit (208) and a plurality of nodes of the network (106), wherein the PDU accept message is attached within the first SM container;
caching, by the one or more processors (302), the first SM container subsequent to attaching the PDU accept message within the first SM container;
generating, by the one or more processors (302), a resource setup request message to be transmitted to the RAN unit (204) from the SMF unit (208) via the AMF unit (206), wherein the message includes the first SM container and a second SM container as received from the SMF unit (208); and
transmitting, by the one or more processors (302), a resource setup response message and the cached first SM container which includes the PDU accept message from the RAN unit (204) to the SMF unit (208) via the AMF unit (206) and, from the AMF unit (206) to the UE unit (102) via the RAN unit (204), respectively, thereby establishing a PDU session in the network (106).

13. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein on receipt of the create SM request message at the SMF unit (208), the method comprises the step of establishing, by the one or more processors (302), the PDU session, and transmit an establishment response to the AMF unit (206).

14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the at least one UE (102) and the RAN unit (204) are coupled to each other via a first interface unit, wherein the first interface is at least one of a N1 interface.

15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the PDU establishment request message received by the RAN unit (204) is an N1 message type and the PDU establishment request message transmitted to the AMF unit (206) is a N2 message type.

16. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the N2 message type is an uplink (UL) Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transport message which further includes at least one of a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), the PDU session ID, and request type.

17. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of nodes includes a Unified Data Management (UDM), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), and a Charging Function (CHF).

18. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the create SM request message includes at least a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Data Network Name (DNN), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI), PDU Session ID, AMF ID, Request Type, Policy Control Function (PCF) ID, Priority Access, N1 SM container (PDU Session Establishment Request), User location information, Access Type, Permanent Equipment Identifier (PEI), Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), UE presence in LADN service area, Subscription For PDU Session Status Notification, and DNN Selection Model.

19. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the PDU accept message includes at least the PDU Session ID, second SM information and N1SM container.

20. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein on receipt of the resource setup response message at the SMF unit (208) from the RAN unit (204), the PDU is marked as established in the AMF unit (206).

21. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, wherein upon detect that the PDU establishment request message is a retransmitted request message, the method (500) comprises the steps of:
generating, by the one or more processors (302), a retransmission message including the cached first SM container at the AMF unit (206);
transmitting, by the one or more processors, the retransmission message from the AMF unit (206) to the RAN unit (204); and
transmitting, by the one or more processors (302), the message containing the PDU session ID and the establishment response to the at least one UE (102) via the RAN unit (204).

22. The method (500) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the PDU establishment request message is the retransmitted request message based on a non-successful interaction between the SMF unit (208) and the plurality of nodes of the network within a predefined interval of time.

23. A User Equipment (UE) (102) comprising:
one or more primary processors (402) communicatively coupled to one or more processors (302), the one or more primary processors (402) coupled with a memory (404), wherein said memory (404) stores instructions which when executed by the one or more primary processors (402) causes the UE (102) to:
generate and transmit a Packet Data Unit (PDU) establishment request message to the one or more processors (302),
wherein the one or more processors (302) is configured to perform the steps as claimed in claim 12.