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
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING A NETWORK FUNCTION DURING ROAMING
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 generally relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly relates to selecting a network function during roaming.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Communication networks, particularly cellular networks, are complex systems comprising various network functions that work together to process and manage different types of traffic. These network functions are integral to the proper functioning of communication services, such as voice calls, data transfer, and messaging. Key network functions involved in these networks include the Session Management Function (SMF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP).
[0003] The SMF is responsible for managing the session and data flows within the network. It handles tasks such as session establishment, policy enforcement, and traffic routing. The AMF, on the other hand, focuses on access and mobility management. It manages subscriber registration, authentication, mobility-related procedures, and facilitates seamless handover between base stations. The SEPP acts as a security gateway, protecting the network from unauthorized access and ensuring secure communication between network entities and subscriber devices.
[0004] In the context of international roaming, subscribers are able to use their devices and access communication services while connected to foreign network operators, while still being registered with a home network. This enables uninterrupted communication for subscribers when they travel internationally. However, managing and segregating network functions responsible for international roaming traffic and regional traffic poses challenges within the current architecture of communication networks.
[0005] In traditional communication networks, the selection of network functions is typically based on registration parameters, such as Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifiers and set IDs. When the network function, such as an AMF, needs to communicate with the SMF, it includes the relevant PLMN and the set ID in the communication request. Based on these parameters, the system selects the SMF that is registered under the specified PLMN and Set ID to handle the communication.
[0006] However, the existing systems do not provide an efficient mechanism to differentiate network functions based on the type of traffic they cater to, such as local or international roaming traffic. Consequently, if the regional traffic and international roaming traffic share the same PLMN and Set ID, the same network function may be selected for both scenarios. This lack of differentiation presents challenges in effectively managing dedicated network functions for international roaming and compromises the security and reliability of the communication network.
[0007] To address this problem, a solution is needed to select correct NF during International Roaming in communication.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) during roaming.
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for selecting at least one NF during roaming is disclosed. The system includes a transceiver module configured to receive a roaming request pertaining to the at least one NF from at least one User Equipment (UE) in a first network to establish a connection with a second network. The roaming request includes a set of parameters, including at least one of, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier and a set ID. The system includes a discovery module configured to determine if the at least one NF pertaining to the roaming request is configured at a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). The system includes a modification module configured to dynamically modify, the set of the parameters of the roaming request in response to determining that the at least one NF is configured at the SEPP. The modification of the set of parameters includes modifying the PLMN with a virtual PLMN (vPLMN) in the set of parameters. The system further includes a selection module configured to select the at least one NF based on the modified set of parameters, thereby providing a dedicated NF for roaming subscribers.
[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one NF is registered with a Network Repository Function (NRF) using the modified set of parameters.
[0011] In another embodiment, the roaming request is at least one of a subscription request, a discovery request and a delegated discovery request.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the set ID is a cluster identifier corresponding to the at least one NF.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) during roaming is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving by a processor a roaming request pertaining to the at least one NF from at least one User Equipment (UE) in a first network to establish connection with a second network. The roaming request includes a set of parameters, including at least one of, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier and a set ID. The method includes the step of determining by the processor if the at least one NF pertaining to the roaming request is configured at a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). The method includes the step of dynamically modifying by the processor the set of the parameters of the roaming request in response to determining that the at least one NF is configured at the SEPP. The modification of the set of parameters includes modifying the PLMN with a virtual PLMN (vPLMN) in the set of parameters. Further, the method includes the step of selecting by the processor the at least one NF based on the modified set of parameters, thereby providing a dedicated NF for roaming subscribers.
[0014] 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
[0015] 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.
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an environment for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) during roaming, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2, illustrates an exemplary system architecture for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) during roaming, according to the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of a system for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) during roaming, according to the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the present system of FIG. 1 workflow, according to the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) during roaming, according to the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] As per various embodiments depicted, the present invention discloses the system and method for selecting an at least one Network function (NF) during roaming. The present invention addresses the challenge of segregating the network functions based on regional and international roaming traffic to provide dedicated services for each type of communication.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an environment 100 for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) 135 during roaming, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the environment 100 includes a network 105, a User Equipment (UE) 110, a server 115, a system 130, and an at least one NF 135. The UE 110 aids a user to interact with the system 130 for transmitting a roaming request from the UE 110 to a processor 305 (as shown in FIG. 3). Further, in one embodiment, the UE 110 exists in a first network 120 to establish connection with a second network 125.
[0027] For the purpose of description and explanation, the description will be explained with respect to one or more UEs 110, or to be more specific will be explained with respect to a first UE 110a, a second UE 110b, and a third UE 110c, and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, each of the first UE 110a, the second UE 110b, and the third UE 110c is one of, but are 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.
[0028] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the UE 110 may include more than one processor and communication ports. The communication port(s) may be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem-based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. The communication port(s) may be chosen depending on a network 105, such as, but not limited to, a Local Area Network 105 (LAN), a Wide Area Network 105 (WAN), or any of the network 105 to which the computer system connects.
[0029] The network 105 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 105 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.
[0030] The server 115 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, a defence facility, or any other facility that provides content.
[0031] The environment 100 further includes the at least one NF 135. The at least one NF 135 refers to a specific task, operation, or capability within a network. The at least one NF 135 is typically associated with the processing, manipulation, or management of data as it traverses the network. The first network 120 is connected to the second network 125 which is configured for selecting the at least one NF 135 to manage international roaming traffic and regional traffic.
[0032] The environment 100 further includes the system 130 communicably coupled to the server 115 and each of the first UE 110a, the second UE 110b, and the third UE 110c via the network 105. The system 130 is adapted to be embedded within the server 115 or is embedded as the individual entity, as per multiple embodiments of the present invention. However, for the purpose of description, the system 130 is described as an integral part of the server 115, without deviating from the scope and limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0033] Operational and construction features of the system 130 will be explained in detail with respect to the following figures.
[0034] FIG. 2, illustrates an exemplary system 130 architecture for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) 135 during roaming, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The roaming refers to the ability for a cellular customer to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, including home data services, when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of the second network 125, by means of using the first network 120. A roaming request is defined as a subscriber establish the call from one network to another network (roaming to different country or roaming to different operators’ boundary). The core component of the architecture includes the first network 120 and the second network 125. In an embodiment, the first network 120 includes the UE 110 for establishing connection with the second network 130. In another embodiment, the first network 120 is defined as a visitor SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy). In an embodiment, the second network 130 is defined as a home SEPP.
[0035] To facilitate the segregation of network functions, the first network 120 is connected to the second network 125 and serves as a dedicated gateway for international roaming traffic. The first network 120 ensures that international roaming traffic is directed separately from the regional traffic, enabling specialized handling and selection of network functions.
[0036] The second network 125 includes a Network Repository Function 202 (NRF), and the at least one NF 135 responsible for handling communication services. The NRF 202 is one of the network functions of a 5G core network (5GC). The NRF 202 supports a service discovery feature, which receives the discovery requests from NF instances and provides information about the discovered NF instance to another NF instance. The at least one NF 135 includes the PLMN 206 (Public Land Mobile Network) and a SMF 210 (Session Management Function). The SMF 210 is a key network function responsible for managing user sessions in 5G networks. The SMF 210 controls establishment, modification, and termination of data sessions, ensuring efficient data flow between the UE 110 and the second network 125.
[0037] The second network 125, and the at least one NF 135 is established to provide dedicated network functions for international roaming. The at least one NF 135 consists of a virtual PLMN 208 and the SMF 210. The at least one NF 135 is registered with the NRF 122 using the modified set of parameters that include the virtual PLMN 208 and specific set ID. By introducing the virtual PLMNs 208, the system 130 architecture enables creation of distinct network functions solely dedicated to international roaming scenarios.
[0038] The system 130 configures the second network 125 to perform various operations related to selection of the at least one NF 135. When receiving discovery requests or delegated discovery requests, the second network 125 checks the set of parameters containing the PLMN 206 or set ID information. If the PLMN 206 is configured at the second network 125, it replaces the PLMN 206 with the virtual PLMN 208 based on the set of parameters. The system 130 ensures modification of the set of parameters when regional nodes search for at least one NF 135, they are unaware of the existence of the virtual PLMNs 208, effectively segregating the international roaming traffic from the regional traffic.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the system 130 for selecting the at least one NF 135 during roaming, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The system 130 includes the processor 305, a memory 310, and an interface unit 315. For the purpose of description and explanation, the description will be explained with respect to one or more processors 305, or to be more specific will be explained with respect to the processor 305 and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The one or more processors 305, hereinafter referred to as the processor 305 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.
[0040] The information related to selecting an at least one NF 135 during roaming may be provided or stored in the memory 310. As per the illustrated embodiment, the processor 305 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 310. The memory 310 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 310 may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0041] The information related to selecting the at least one NF 135 during roaming may be configured to render the interface unit 315. The interface unit 315 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 interface unit 315 facilitates communication of the system 130. In one embodiment, the interface unit 315 provides a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 130. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, the user equipment 110 and a database 340.
[0042] The database 340 is configured to store the roaming request made by the UE 110 over time. The database 340 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 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.
[0043] Further, the processor 305, in an embodiment, may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processor 305. In the examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processor 305 may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for processor 305 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the memory 310 may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processor 305. In such examples, the system 130 may comprise the memory 310 storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the memory 310 may be separate but accessible to the system 130 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processor 305 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0044] In order for the system 130 to select an at least one Network Function (NF) 135 during roaming. The processor 305 includes a transceiver module 320, a discovery module 325, a modification module 330, and a selection module 335 communicably coupled to each other.
[0045] The transceiver module 320 is communicably connected to each of the first UE 110a, the second UE 110b, and the third UE 110c via the network 105. Accordingly, the transceiver module 320 is configured to receive the roaming request pertaining to the at least one NF 135 from the first UE 110a in the first network 120 to establish a connection with the second network 125. The at least one NF 135 is established to provide dedicated network functions for international roaming and registered with the Network Repository Function (NRF) 202.
[0046] As per the above illustrated embodiment, the roaming requests are defined in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specification for 5G network. In an embodiment, the roaming request includes the set of parameters. In another embodiment, the set of parameters including at least one of, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier and a set ID. Further, the PLMN 206 is identified by a globally unique PLMN code, which includes a MCC (Mobile Country Code) and MNC (Mobile Network Code). The set ID is a cluster identifier corresponding to the at least one NF. The cluster ID is a unique identifier of the cluster that is generated automatically when the cluster starts for the first time. In yet another embodiment, the roaming request is at least one of a subscription request, a discovery request and a delegated discovery request.
[0047] As per the illustrated embodiment, the subscription request creates a subscription. An NF service consumer requests to be notified when the profile of the at least one NF 135 is modified or when the at least one NF 135 is registered/deregistered in the NRF 202. In another embodiment, the subscription request creates the subscription to a specific NF instance. The NF service consumer requests to be notified when the profile of the specific NF Instance is modified or when the specific NF instance is deregistered from the NRF 122.
[0048] As per the above illustrated embodiments, the discovery request provides Internet Protocol (IP) address(es) or Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the NF instance(s) or NF service(s) to the NF service consumer for matching certain input criteria. The discovery requests are removed from the NF service consumer for finding details of a NF service producer and the service request.
[0049] The delegated discovery request refers to the service request which transmits along with the set of parameters and a proxy discovers the NF service producer based on the set of parameters (so only one request is removed from the consumer side).
[0050] Each request type has a unique Application Programming Interface (API) signature i.e. combination of method Type (e.g. GET, PUT, POST, DELETE etc.,) and Context (e.g. /nnrf-nfm/v1/subscriptions, nnrf-nfm/v1/nf-instances, etc.,) and headers through which they are identified.
[0051] The discovery module 325 is communicably connected with the transceiver module 320. More specifically, the discovery module 325 is configured to determine if the at least one NF 135 pertaining to the roaming request is configured at the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). The SEPP is a proxy deployed at an edge or a perimeter of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and enables secured communication between inter-PLMN network messages. The SEPP is enabled to authenticate, provide confidentiality protection, and enable integration protection between two different mobile service providers i.e., inter-PLMN. The at least one NF 135 includes, but not limited to, the PLMN 206 and the SMF 210 (Session Management Function). The SEPP maintains a list of NFs along with the NF types. When the roaming request arrives, the SEPP is configured to identify and handle the roaming request by comparing the NF type in the request with the list of configured NF types.
[0052] The modification module 330 is configured to dynamically modify the set of the parameters of the roaming request in response to determining that the at least one NF 135 is configured at the SEPP. The modification of the set of parameters includes modifying the PLMN 206 with a virtual PLMN (vPLMN) 208. The at least one NF 135 consists of the virtual PLMN 208 and the SMF 210. The at least one NF 135 is registered with the NRF 202 using the modified set of parameters that include the virtual PLMN 208 and the specific set ID. By introducing the virtual PLMNs 208, the architecture enables the creation of distinct network functions solely dedicated to international roaming scenarios.
[0053] The selection module 335 is configured to select the at least one NF 135 based on the modified set of parameters, thereby providing a dedicated NF for roaming subscribers. The second network 125 is configured to perform various operations related to network function selection. When receiving the discovery requests or the delegated discovery requests, the second network 130 checks the set of parameters containing the PLMN 206 or set ID information. If the PLMN 206 is configured at the second network 125, it replaces the PLMN 206 with the virtual PLMN 208 based on the set of parameters. The second network 125 ensures modification of the set of parameters when the regional nodes search for network functions, they are unaware of the existence of the virtual PLMNs 208, effectively segregating the international roaming traffic from the regional traffic.
[0054] Furthermore, the second network 125 also checks subscription requests. If the PLMN 206 is configured at the second network 125, the second network 125 modifies the received request data by replacing the PLMN 206 with the virtual PLMN 208. The selection module 335 is configured to ensure modification of the PLMN 206 to the virtual PLMN 208 to select the appropriate network function for international roaming traffic, thus providing dedicated services tailored to roaming scenarios.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 describes a preferred embodiment of the system 130, according to one or more 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 first UE 110a for the purpose of description and illustration and should nowhere be construed as limited to the scope of the present disclosure.
[0056] As mentioned earlier in FIG.1, each of the first UE 110a the second UE 110b, and the third UE 110c may include an external storage device, a bus, a main memory, a read-only memory, a mass storage device, communication port(s), and a processor. The exemplary embodiment as illustrated in the FIG. 3 will be explained with respect to the first UE 110a. The first UE 110a includes one or more primary processors 405 communicably coupled to the one or more processors 305 of the system 130.
[0057] The one or more primary processors 405 are coupled with a memory unit 410 storing instructions which are executed by the one or more primary processors 405. Execution of the stored instructions by the one or more primary processors 405 enables the first UE 110a to transmit the roaming request from the first UE 110a to the processor 205.
[0058] As mentioned earlier in FIG.3, the system 130 includes the one or more processors 305, the memory 310, and the interface unit 315. The operations and functions of the one or more processors 305, the memory 310, and the interface unit 315, are already explained in FIG. 3. For the sake of brevity, a similar description related to the working and operation of the system 130 as illustrated in FIG. 3 has been omitted to avoid repetition.
[0059] Further, the processor 305 includes the transceiver module 320, the discovery module 325, the modification module 330, and the selection module 335. The operations and functions of the transceiver module 320, the discovery module 325, the modification module 330, and the selection module 335 are already explained in FIG. 3. Hence, for the sake of brevity, a similar description related to the working and operation of the system 130 as illustrated in FIG. 3 has been omitted to avoid repetition. The limited description provided for the system 130 in FIG. 4, should be read with the description as provided for the system 130 in the FIG. 3 above, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 500 for selecting the at least one Network Function (NF) 135 during roaming, according to the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 500 is adapted to select the at least one NF 135 from the at least one UE 110. 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.
[0061] At step 505, the method 500 includes the step of receiving the roaming request pertaining to the at least one NF 135 from at least one User Equipment (UE) 110 in the first network 120 to establish a connection with the second network 125 by the transceiver module 320. The roaming refers to the ability for a cellular customer to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, including home data services, when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of the first network 120, by means of using the second network 125. The at least one NF 135 is established to provide dedicated network functions for international roaming and registered with the Network Repository Function (NRF) 202. In an embodiment, the roaming request includes the set of parameters. In another embodiment, the set of parameters including at least one of, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier and a set ID. In yet another embodiment, the roaming request is at least one of a subscription request, a discovery request and a delegated discovery request.
[0062] At step 510, the method 500 includes the step of determining if the at least one NF 135 pertaining to the roaming request is configured at the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) by the discovery module 325. The at least one NF 135 includes, but not limited to, the PLMN 206 and the SMF 210 (Session Management Function). The modification module 330 is configured to dynamically modify the set of the parameters of the roaming request when the at least one NF 135 pertaining to the roaming request is configured at the SEPP.
[0063] At step 515, the method 500 includes the step of dynamically modifying the set of the parameters of the roaming request in response to determining that the at least one NF 135 is configured at the SEPP by the modification module 330. The modification of the set of parameters includes modifying the PLMN 206 with a virtual PLMN (vPLMN) 208. The at least one NF 135 consists of the virtual PLMN 208 and the SMF 210. The at least one NF 135 is registered with the NRF 202 using the modified set of parameters that include the virtual PLMN 208 and the specific set ID. By introducing the virtual PLMNs 208, the architecture enables the creation of distinct network functions solely dedicated to international roaming scenarios.
[0064] At step 520, the method 500 includes the step of selecting the at least one NF 135 based on the modified set of parameters, thereby providing a dedicated NF for roaming subscribers by the selection module 335. The second network 125 is configured to perform various operations related to network function selection. When receiving the discovery requests or the delegated discovery requests, the second network 130 checks the set of parameters containing the PLMN 206 or set ID information. If the PLMN 206 is configured at the second network 125, it replaces the PLMN 206 with the virtual PLMN 208 based on the set of parameters. The second network ensures modification of the set of parameters when the regional nodes search for network functions, they are unaware of the existence of the virtual PLMNs 208, effectively segregating the international roaming traffic from the regional traffic.
[0065] Furthermore, the second network 125 also checks subscription requests. If the PLMN 206 is configured at the second network 125, the second network 125 modifies the received request data by replacing the PLMN 206 with the virtual PLMN 208. The selection module 335 is configured to ensure modification of the PLMN 206 to the virtual PLMN 208 to select the appropriate network function for international roaming traffic, thus providing dedicated services tailored to roaming scenarios.
[0066] The present invention further discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor 305. The processor 305 is configured to receive a receive a roaming request from an at least one User Equipment (UE) 110, in a first network 120 to establish connection with a second network 125. The roaming request includes a set of parameters, including at least one of, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier and a set ID. The processor 305 is further configured to determine if at least one Network Function (NF) 135 pertaining to the roaming request is configured at a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). The processor 305 is further configured to dynamically modify the set of the parameters of the roaming request in response to determining that the at least one NF 135 is configured at the SEPP. The modification of the set of parameters includes modifying the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) 206 with a virtual PLMN (vPLMN) 208 in the set of parameters. The processor 305 is further configured to select the at least one NF 135 based on the modified set of parameters, thereby providing a dedicated NF for roaming subscribers.
[0067] 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.
[0068] The present disclosure incorporates technical advancement of replacing the PLMN 206 with the virtual PLMN 208 to determine the appropriate NF, effectively segregating the international roaming traffic from the regional traffic for roaming subscribers. The limitation of international roaming-specific configurations to dedicated NFs, rather than applying them to all NFs based on the set of parameters. This targeted approach streamlines the configuration process and ensures that specific network function services are appropriately differentiated.
[0069] The present disclosure incorporates the advantage of the dedicated network functions for international roaming traffic, the overall management of nodes becomes more efficient. Debugging and tracing activities can be focused on specific NFs, leading to enhanced security measures. The present disclosure makes it possible to keep specific network function service communication separate from other network functions. This separation contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of the communication network.
[0070] 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
[0071] Environment - 100;
[0072] Network - 105;
[0073] User Equipment– 110;
[0074] Server – 115;
[0075] First network – 120;
[0076] Second network – 125;
[0077] System -130;
[0078] At least one Network Function – 135;
[0079] Network Repository Function – 202;
[0080] Public Land Mobile Network – 206;
[0081] Virtual Public Land Mobile Network – 208;
[0082] Session Management Function- 210;
[0083] Processor -305;
[0084] Memory – 310;
[0085] Interface unit– 315;
[0086] Transceiver Module- 320;
[0087] Discovery Module - 325;
[0088] Modification Module - 330;
[0089] Selection Module- 335;
[0090] Database - 340;
[0091] Primary processor– 405;
[0092] Memory unit- 410.

,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A method (500) for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) (135) during roaming, the method (500) comprises the steps of:
receiving (505), by a processor (305), a roaming request pertaining to the at least one NF (135) from at least one User Equipment (UE) (110) in a first network (120), to establish connection with a second network (125), the roaming request includes a set of parameters;
determining (510), by the processor (305), if the at least one NF (135) pertaining to the roaming request is configured at a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP);
dynamically modifying (515), by the processor (305), the set of the parameters of the roaming request in response to determining that the at least one NF (135) is configured at the SEPP; and
selecting (520), by the processor (305), the at least one NF (135) based on the modified set of parameters, thereby providing a dedicated NF for roaming subscribers.

2. The method (500) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the at least one NF (135) is registered with a Network Repository Function (NRF) (202) using the modified set of parameters.

3. The method (500) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the roaming request is at least one of a subscription requests, a discovery request and a delegated discovery request.

4. The method (500) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the set of parameters including at least one of, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier and a set ID.

5. The method (500) as claimed in the claim 4, wherein the set ID is a cluster identifier corresponding to the at least one NF (135).

6. The method (500) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the modification of the set of parameters includes modifying the PLMN (206) with a virtual PLMN (vPLMN) (208) in the set of parameters.

7. A User Equipment (UE) (110), comprising:
one or more primary processors (405) coupled with a memory (410), communicatively coupled to a processor (305), wherein said memory (410) stores instructions which when executed by the one or more primary processors (405) causes the UE (110) to:
transmit, a roaming request from the User Equipment (UE) (110) to the processor (305), the UE (110) present in a first network (120) to establish connection with a second network (125); and
wherein the processor (305) is further configured to perform the method as claimed in claim 1.

8. A system (130) for selecting at least one Network Function (NF) (135) during roaming, the system (130) comprises of:
a transceiver module (320) configured to receive, a roaming request pertaining to the at least one NF (135), from at least one User Equipment (UE) (110), in a first network (120) to establish a connection with a second network (125), the roaming request includes a set of parameters;
a discovery module (325) configured to determine, if the at least one NF (135) pertaining to the roaming request is configured at a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP);
a modification module (330) configured to dynamically modify, the set of the parameters of the roaming request in response to determining that the at least one NF (135) is configured at the SEPP; and
a selection module (335) configured to select, the at least one NF (135) based on the modified set of parameters, thereby providing a dedicated NF for roaming subscribers.

9. The system (130) as claimed in the claim 8, wherein the at least one NF (135) is registered with a Network Repository Function (NRF) (202) using the modified set of parameters.

10. The system (130) as claimed in the claim 8, wherein the roaming request is at least one of a subscription requests, a discovery request and a delegated discovery request.

11. The system (130) as claimed in the claim 8, wherein the set of parameters including at least one of, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier and a set ID.

12. The system (130) as claimed in the claim 11, wherein the set ID is a cluster identifier corresponding to the at least one NF (135).

13. The system (130) as claimed in the claim 8, wherein the modification of the set of parameters includes modifying the PLMN (206) with a virtual PLMN (vPLMN) (208) in the set of parameters.