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 OF INTERWORKING BETWEEN NETWORKS
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 wireless communication networks, and more particularly relates to a system and a method of interworking between networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the context of a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which is responsible for defining global mobile communication standards, different Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) may adopt different models for their Network Functions (NFs). The NFs within a PLMN are responsible for various network operations, such as authentication, authorization, and service provisioning.
[0003] However, when NFs from different PLMNs need to communicate with each other, the challenge arises when these NFs support incompatible models. This incompatibility hinders seamless interoperability and effective communication between NFs.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for a solution which solves the above problem.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and a method of interworking between networks.
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the method of interworking between networks is disclosed. The method includes the step of receiving, by one or more processors, a request from a first network to communicate with a second network pertaining to the networks. The method includes the step of determining, by the one or more processors, a mode of communication between the first network and the second network utilizing a discovery header available in the request. The method includes the step of converting, by the one or more processors, the discovery header of the first network to a format that is known to the second network. The conversion of the discovery header is done based on the mode of communication supported by the first network and the second network. The method further includes the step of establishing, by the one or more processors, connectivity between the first network and the second network, based on the conversion of the discovery header of the first network, and thereby allowing interworking between the first network and the second network.
[0007] In one embodiment, the first network and the second network are part of one of a home network and a foreign network.
[0008] In another embodiment, the mode of communication is one of direct communication and an indirect communication.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the direct communication includes one of a direct routing and a direct routing via discovery using a Network Repository Function (NRF) of the networks.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the indirect communication includes one of a routing via a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) of the networks, based on discovery via the NRF and a routing via the SCP based on discovery being delegated to the SCP utilizing selection parameters. The selection parameters are predefined in the request.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the request is one of a service request, a discovery request, and a delegated request.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the request is the service request, when the mode of communication between the first network and the second network is a direct communication including a direct routing.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the request is the discovery request, when the mode of communication between the first network and the second network is a direct communication including the direct routing via discovery using the NRF.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the request is the discovery request, when the mode of communication between the first network and the second network is an indirect communication including the routing via the SCP based on the discovery using the NRF.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the request is the delegated request, when the mode of communication between the first network and the second network is an indirect communication including the routing via the SCP based on the discovery delegated to the SCP.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to provide a centralized communication between the first network and the second network with varying one or more capabilities. The one or more varying capabilities pertains to network elements.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the method further includes the step of configuring, by the one or more processors, a network function (NF) profile by creating a virtual NRF environment for unsupported discovery requests by the second network.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, utilizing the discovery header, the one or more processors determines the mode of communication between the first network and the second network by checking the mode of communication configured with the second network.
[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, the system of interworking between networks is disclosed. Accordingly, the system includes a transceiver unit configured to receive the request from the first network to communicate with the second network pertaining to the networks. The system further includes the discovery unit configured to determine the mode of communication between the first network and the second network utilizing the discovery header available in the request. The system includes a conversion unit configured to convert the discovery header of the first network to the format that is known to the second network. The conversion of the discovery header is done based on the mode of communication supported by the first network and the second network. The system further includes a connecting unit configured to establish a connectivity between the first network and the second network, based on the conversion of the discovery header of the first network, and thereby allowing interworking between the first and the second network.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an environment of interworking between networks, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of a system for interworking between the networks, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3a to 3d are exemplary block diagrams of an architecture for the system of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4a to 4p are exemplary block diagrams of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between a first network and a second network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method of interworking between the networks, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an environment 100 of interworking between networks 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The environment 100 includes an at least one User Equipment (UE) 104 configured to generate and transmit a request of interworking between the networks 106. In one embodiment, the request is at least one of, but not limited to, a service request, a discovery request, and a delegated request.
[0032] Further, in one embodiment, the UE 104 from a first network 110a establishes connection with a second network 110b.
[0033] More information regarding the same will be provided with reference to the following figures.
[0034] Further, as per the illustrated embodiment, the at least one UE 104 is at least one of a first UE 104a, a second UE 104b, and a third UE 104c. It is to be however noted that that the UE 104 may include one or more UEs 104 and is only described with respect to the first UE 104a, the second UE 104b, and the third UE 104c for the purpose of description and illustration and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Further, each of the first UE 104a, the second UE 104b, and the third UE 104c is configured to transmit the request to a remote server 108 via the network 106.
[0035] The first UE 104a, the second UE 104b, and the third UE 104c may include, but are not limited to, a handheld wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet device, and so on), a wearable computer device (e.g., a head-mounted display computer device, a head-mounted camera device, a wristwatch computer device, and so on), a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or another type of portable computer, a media playing device, a portable gaming system, and/or any other type of computer device with wireless communication capabilities, and the like, 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.
[0036] The remote server 108 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 defense facility, or any other facility that provides content.
[0037] The networks 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 networks 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.
[0038] In one embodiment, the networks 106 includes the first network 110a and the second network 110b. In an embodiment, the first network 110a includes a first Public Land Mobile network (PLMN) defined as a home network. The first network 110a includes, but not limited to, one or more consumers or one or more clients or one or more UEs 104. Similarly, the second network 110b includes a second PLMN, defined as a foreign network. The second network 110b includes, but not limited to, one or more servers or one or more producers. The foreign network includes, but not limited to, one of network in different geographical area coverage, network to different operators’ boundary.
[0039] In one embodiment, the networks 106 is configured to include at least a Network Function (NF), a Network Repository Function (NRF), a Service Communication Proxy (SCP), a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), and the SEPP with an Integrated Core Network Management Function (ICMF).More specifically, the first network 110a includes a first NF 111a, a first NRF 112a, a first SCP 113a, a first SEPP 114a, and a first SEPP with ICMF 115a.
[0040] Similarly, the second network 110b includes a second NF 111b, a second NRF 112b, a second SCP 113b, a second SEPP 114b, and a second SEPP with ICMF 115b. For the ease of reference and description, the first NF 111a is henceforth interchangeably referred to as the NF consumer 111a and the second NF 111b is henceforth interchangeably referred to as the NF producer 111b.
[0041] In one embodiment, each of the first and the second NRF 112 a, b works as a centralized repository for all the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b in the networks 106. Each of the first and the second NRF 112 a, b is a key component of a Fifth Generation (5G) core network architecture. Each of the first and the second NRF 112 a, b provides essential services related to the discovery and management of network functions (NFs). Each of the first and the second NRF 112 a, b enables the NFs to register their services and capabilities, and allows other NFs to discover these registered services, and facilitates communication and service interaction between different NFs in the 5G core network. Each of the first and the second NRF 112 a, b supports the discovery request feature, which receives the discovery requests from the NF consumer 110a and provides information about the discovered NF producers 110b to the NF consumer 110a.
[0042] The first and the second SCP 113 a, b acts as a proxy or representative on behalf of one or more client devices or one or more consumers, intercepting their requests and forwarding them to the server 108. The first and the second SCP 113 a, b effectively shields clients or consumers from the complexities of the underlying network infrastructure, enabling seamless communication and enhancing security. The first and the second SEPP 114 a, b is a proxy that sits at the perimeter of the PLMN and oversees the transit of all the communication across the operator network. The first and the second SEPP 114 a, b ensures end-to-end confidentiality protection, integrity, and replay protection between the networks 106.
[0043] Furthermore, in certain instances, the first and the second SEPP 114 a, b serves as a bridge when the NF consumer 111a lack the capability to support certain modes of communication. The first and the second SEPP 114 a, b acts as an intermediary, facilitating communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b by providing the necessary translation and support for the incompatible modes.
[0044] The environment 100 further includes a system 102 communicably coupled to the remote server 108 and each of the first UE 104a, the second UE 104b, and the third UE 104c via the networks 106. The system 102 is configured for interworking between the networks 106. Further, in one or more embodiments, the system 102 is adapted to be embedded within the remote server 108 or is embedded as an individual entity, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the system 102 configures the NF profile of the NF producers 111b by creating a virtual NRF environment for unsupported discovery requests by the second network 110b. In one embodiment, the virtual NRF environment refers to the second NRF 112b.
[0045] In one embodiment, the system 102 is configured to provide a centralized communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b with varying capabilities. In one embodiment, the varying capabilities pertains to network elements such as at least one of the first and the second SCP 113a, b and the first and the second NRF 112 a, b. The first and the second SEPP 114 a, b effectively addresses the limitations and complexities associated with interworking and compatibility between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b operating in the different models within the networks 106. By doing so, the system 102 handles and manages the communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[0046] Operational and constructional features of the system 102 will be explained in detail with respect to the following figures.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the system 102 of interworking between the first network 110a (as is shown in FIG.1) and the second network 110b (as is shown in FIG.1), according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the system 102 includes one or more processors 202, a memory 204, an input/output (I/O) interface unit 200 and a display unit 206 and an input device 218. The one or more processors 202, hereinafter referred to as the processor 202, 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. However, it is to be noted that the system 102 may include multiple processors as per the requirement and without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Among other capabilities, the processor 202 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 204.
[0048] The memory 204 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 the network service. The memory 204 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. In an embodiment, the I/O interface unit 200 includes a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as Input/Output (I/O) devices, storage devices, and the like. The I/O interface unit 200 facilitates communication of the system 102. In one embodiment, the I/O interface unit 200 provides a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 102.
[0049] The I/O interface unit 200 may include functionality similar to at least a portion of functionality implemented by one or more computer system interfaces such as those described herein and/or generally known to one having ordinary skill in the art. The I/O interface unit 200 may be rendered on the display unit 206, implemented using LCD display technology, OLED display technology, and/or other types of conventional display technology. The display unit 206 is integrated within the system 102 or maybe connected externally. Further, the service request may be configured to receive the request, queries, or information from the user by using the input device 218. The input device 218 may include, but not limited to, keyboard, buttons, scroll wheels, cursors, touchscreen sensors, audio command interfaces, magnetic strip reader, and optical scanner.
[0050] The system 102, further, includes the database 216 communicably connected to the processor 202 and the memory 204. The database 216 is configured to store and retrieve the data. Further, the processor 202, 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 202. 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 202 may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for processor 202 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the memory 204 may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processor 202. In such examples, the system 102 may comprise the memory 204 storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the memory 204 may be separate but accessible to the system 102 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processor 202 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0051] In order for the system 102 to facilitate interworking between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, the processor 202 of the system 102 includes a transceiver unit 208, a discovery unit 210, a conversion unit 212 and a connecting unit 214 communicably coupled to each other for interworking between the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[0052] The transceiver unit 208 of the processor 202 is communicably connected to each of the at least first UE 104a, the second UE 104b, and the third UE 104c (as is shown in FIG.1) via the first network 110a and the second network 110b. Accordingly, the transceiver unit 208 is configured to receive a request from the first network 110a to communicate with the second network 110b pertaining to the network 106. In one embodiment, the first network 110a is a part of the home network and the second network 110b is a part of the foreign network. In one embodiment, the received request includes at least one of the service request, the discovery request, and the delegated request.
[0053] In one embodiment, the service request includes a direct routing. More specifically, in the direct routing the mode of communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b is the direct communication including the direct routing.
[0054] In one embodiment, the discovery request includes the direct communication. More specifically, the discovery request includes the direct routing which includes the direct routing via discovery using the first and the second NRF 112 a, b when the first network 110a communicates with the second network 110b.
[0055] In another embodiment, the discovery request includes an indirect communication including the routing via the first and the second SCP 113 a, b based on the discovery using the first and the second NRF 112 a, b when the first network 110a communicates with the second network 110b.
[0056] In one embodiment, the delegated request includes the indirect communication. The indirect communication includes the routing via the first and the second SCP 113 a, b based on the discovery delegated to the first and the second SCP 113 a, b, when the first network 110a communicates with the second network 110b.
[0057] The transceiver unit 208 is thereafter configured to transmit the request to the discovery unit 210 that is communicably connected to the transceiver unit 208. The request includes a discovery header containing information about the mode of communication. On receipt of the request from the transceiver unit 208, the discovery unit 210 is configured to determine the mode of communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b by utilizing the discovery header available in the received request. The discovery header includes the mode of communication configured with the second network 110b. In one embodiment, the mode of communication includes one of the direct communication and the indirect communication. If the discovery header indicates that the mode of communication is the direct communication, the first network 110a is configured to directly communicate with the second network 110b. If the discovery header indicates that the mode of communication is the indirect communication, the first network 110a utilize an intermediary, such as a router or a proxy server, to communicate with the second network 110b.
[0058] In an embodiment, the direct communication includes the direct routing. In another embodiment, the direct communication includes the direct routing via discovery using first and the second NRF 112 a, b of the network 106. The discovery unit 210 verifies the network configurations to ensure direct communication is feasible. The discovery unit 210 is configured to determine that no intermediary devices are needed. The discovery unit 210 is configured to establish the direct communication link between first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[0059] In an embodiment, the indirect communication includes the routing via the first and the second SCP 113 a, b of the networks 106 based on the discovery via the first and the second NRF 112 a, b.
[0060] In another embodiment, the indirect communication includes the routing via the first and the second SCP 113 a, b based on discovery being delegated to the first and the second SCP 113 a, b utilizing selection parameters. In one embodiment, the selection parameters are predefined in the request. The selection parameters are included in the request and is utilized to guide the first and the second SCP 113 a, b in selecting the most appropriate NF instance. The selection parameters include criteria such as, but not limited to, load status, geographical location, latency requirements, and specific service capabilities. The first and the second SCP 113 a, b utilizes the selection parameters to discover the possible NF instance through the first and the second NRF 112 a, b, ensuring optimal routing and service delivery.
[0061] Upon determining the mode of communication from the received request via the discovery unit 210, the conversion unit 212 is configured to convert the format of the discovery header that is known to the first network 110a to the format of the discovery header that is known to the second network 110b. The conversion of the discovery header is done based on the mode of communication supported by the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[0062] Upon conversion of the format of the discovery header that is known to the second network 110b, the connecting unit 214 is configured to establish the connectivity between the first network 110a and the second network 110b. By doing so, the processor 202 of the system 102 improves the cross conversion between different models with the minimal configuration and communicate efficiently without the need for extensive configuration or the complex setup procedures, thus the usage of the memory is reduced, and the processing speed of the processor is improved.
[0063] In order for the system 102 to facilitate interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, the system 102 is configured to adopt one or more models as per one or more embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of explanation and illustration, the present disclosure will be explained with respect to a model A, a model B, a model C, and a model D. It is to be, however, noted that in alternate embodiments, there may be different models adopted for the interoperability and interworking between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0064] FIG. 3a illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an architecture for the system 102 of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, the FIG. 3a illustrates interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b utilizing the model A. The model A includes one or more consumers, the SEPP with ICMF unit, the SEPP, the NRF, and the one or more producers. More specifically, the model A includes the first SEPP with ICMF 115 a (as shown in FIG. 1), the first and the second SEPP 114a, b (shown in FIG. 1), the NF consumer 111a, and the NF producer 111b.
[0065] The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a maintains the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b that are present in the second network 110b. In one embodiment, the NF consumer 111a is one of, but not limited to, the user of the UE 104. In another embodiment, the NF producer 111b is one of, but not limited to, the server 108 or one or more network services. In one embodiment, the NF profile includes, but not limited to, a supported service and the second network 110b of the NF producer 111b.
[0066] The model A illustrates the mode of direct communication between the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a and the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b via the direct routing. In one embodiment, the direct routing refers to routing the communication from the first network 110a to the second network 110b without any other intermediate such as the first and the second SCP 113 a, b or the first and the second NRF 112 a, b (as shown in the FIG. 1).
[0067] When the service request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a to the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b from the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. Based on the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the “service request” to the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b via the first and the second SEPP 114a, b. (as is further explained in FIG. 4a). Further, the NF consumer 111a directly configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a and the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b.
[0068] FIG. 3b illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the architecture for the system 102 of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, the FIG. 3b illustrates the interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b utilizing the model B. The model B includes the one or more consumers, the SCP, the SEPP with ICMF unit, the SEPP, the NRF and the one or more NF producers. More specifically, the model B includes the first SEPP with ICMF 115 a (as shown in FIG. 1), the first NRF 112a, the second NRF 112b (as shown in FIG. 1), the NF consumer 111a, and the NF producer 111b.
[0069] The Model B illustrates the mode of direct communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b. The mode of direct communication includes the direct routing via discovery using the first NRF 112a.
[0070] When the discovery request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a to the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b from the first NRF 112a. The discovery request includes a PLMN Identifier (ID) of the second network 110b. Based on the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, the first NRF 112a forwards the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b to the NF consumer 111a. Further, the NF consumer 111a directly configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[0071] FIG. 3c illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the architecture for the system 102 of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, the FIG. 3c illustrates interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b utilizing the model C. The model C includes the one or more consumers, the SCP, the SEPP with ICMF unit, the SEPP, the NRF and the one or more NF producers. More specifically, the model C includes the first SEPP with ICMF 115 a (as shown in FIG. 1), the first and the second SCP 113 a, b, the first NRF 112a, the second NRF 112b (as shown in FIG. 1), the second SEPP 114a (as shown in FIG. 1), the NF consumer 111a, and the NF producer 111b.
[0072] The model C illustrates the mode of indirect communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b. The indirect communication includes the routing via the first and the second SCP 113a, b based on the discovery using the first and the second NRF 112a, b services of the network 106.
[0073] When the discovery request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a to the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b from the NRF 112. Based on receiving the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a forwards the service request to the first and the second SCP 113a, b. The second SCP 113b further transmits the service request to the respective NF producer 111b. The NF producer 111b responds to the second SCP 113b and, the second SCP 113 further forwards the response to the NF consumer 111a via the first SCP 113a. Further, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[0074] FIG. 3d illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the architecture for the system 102 of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, the FIG. 3d illustrates interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b utilizing the model D. The model D illustrates the mode of indirect communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b. In an embodiment, the indirect communication includes the routing via the first and the second SCP 113a, b based on discovery being delegated to the first and the second SCP 113a, b utilizing selection parameters. In one embodiment, the selection parameters are predefined in the received request.
[0075] When the service request with selection parameters is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a to the first SCP 113a, via the second SCP 113b, configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b based on the selection parameters. The selection parameters are present in the service request. The selection parameters are configured with the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b in the second NRF 112b. The second SCP 113b transmits the service request to the NF producer 111b. The NF producer 111b is configured to respond to the second SCP 113b and, the first SCP 113a thereafter forwards the response to the NF consumer 111a. Further, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[0076] As mentioned earlier, the system 102 facilitates interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b. Each of the first network 110a and the second network 110b is configured to adopt at least one of the model A, the model B, the model C, and the model D, as per requirement.
[0077] In this regard, referring to FIG. 4a, FIG. 4a is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model A and the second network 110b adopts the model A. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a maintains the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b that are present in the second network 110b. The second network 110b includes the first SEPP 114b and the NF producer 111b.
[0078] When the service request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a to the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b from the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. Based on the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the service request to the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b.
[0079] The service request from the second SEPP 114b is then forwarded to the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b. Further, the NF producer 111b responds to the second SEPP 114b upon receiving the service request. The second SEPP 114b forwards the service request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115b of the first network 110a and then transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a.
[0080] As such, the NF consumer 111a directly configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b without involving the first and the second SCP 113a, b or the first and the second NRF 112a, b.
[0081] FIG. 4b is an exemplary block diagrams of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model A and the second network 110b adopts the model B. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b and the NF producer 111b.
[0082] When the service request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a to the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b from the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. Based on the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the “service request” to the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b.
[0083] The service request from the second SEPP 114b is then forwarded to the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b. Further, the NF producer 111b responds to the second SEPP 114b, upon receiving the service request. The second SEPP 114b forwards the service request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a of the first network 110a and then transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a.
[0084] A such, the NF consumer 111a directly configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b without involving the first and the second SCP 113a, b or the first and the second NRF 112a, b.
[0085] FIG. 4c is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model A and the second network 110b adopts the model C. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[0086] When the service request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a to the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b from the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. Based on the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the “service request” to the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b.
[0087] The service request from the second SEPP 114b is then forwarded to the second SCP 113b of the second network 110b. As the second network 110b adopts the model C, the service request is forwarded to the second SCP 113b. Further, the second SCP 113b forwards the request to the targeted NF producer 111b based on the targeted Application programming interface (API)-root header. The NF producer 111b responds to the second SCP 113b, and then the second SCP 113b transmits the service response to the second SEPP 114b. The second SEPP 114b forwards the service request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a of the first network 110a and then transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a.
[0088] Thereby, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[0089] In one embodiment, the API-root header is a header used by a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client or the NF consumer 111a to indicate the API-root of the targeted NF producer 111b, when communicating indirectly with a HTTP server or the NF producer 111b via the first and the second SCP 113a, b.
[0090] FIG. 4d is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model A and the second network 110b adopts the model D. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[0091] When the service request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a of the first network 110a to the NF producer 111b, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b from the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. Based on the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the service request to the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b.
[0092] The service request from the second SEPP 114b is then forwarded to the second SCP 113b of the second network 110b. As the second network 110b adopts the model D, the service request is forwarded to the second SCP 113b. Further, the second SCP 113b forwards the request to the targeted NF producer 111b based on the targeted API-root header. The NF producer 111b responds to the second SCP 113b, and then the second SCP 113b transmits the service response to the second SEPP 114b. The second SEPP 114b forwards the service response to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a of the first network 110a and then transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a.
[0093] Thereby, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[0094] FIG. 4e is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model B and the second network 110b adopts the model A. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b and the NF producer 111b.
[0095] The NF consumer 111a initiates the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a. The first NRF 112a forwards the discovery request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b and further transmits the discovery request to the NF producer 111b.
[0096] Further, the NF producer 111b responds to the second SEPP 114b and forwards the response to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The discovery request is further sent from the NF consumer 111a to the NF producer 111b. Further, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b via the discovery request and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[0097] FIG. 4f is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model B and the second network 110b adopts the model B. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[0098] The NF consumer 111a is configured to transmits the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a of the first network 110a. Thereafter, the first NRF 112a forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b via the first SEPP with the ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP 114b of the second network 110b transmits the request to the second NRF 112b of the second network 110b. Further, the second NRF 112b of the second network 110b responds to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a via the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b and transmits the response to the NF consumer 111a. The NF consumer 111a receives the targeted NF producer 111b and proceeds to transmit the service request to the NF producer 111b in the second network 110b.
[0099] Accordingly, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profile of the NF producer 111b via the discovery request and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00100] FIG. 4g is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model B and the second network 110b adopts the model C. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00101] The NF consumer 111a is configured to transmit the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a of the first network 110a. The first NRF 112a forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b via the first SEPP with the ICMF unit 115a. The second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b transmits the request to the second NRF 112b of the second network 110b.
[00102] Further, the second NRF 112b of the second network 110b responds to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a via the second SEPP 114b and transmits the response to the NF consumer 111a. The NF consumer 111a receives the targeted NF producer 111b and proceeds to transmit the service request to the NF producer 111b in the second network 110b. The NF consumer 111a configures the NF producer 111b via the discovery request and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00103] FIG. 4h is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model B and the second network 110b adopts the model D. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00104] The NF consumer 111a is configured to transmit the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a of the first network 110a. The first NRF 112a forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b via the first SEPP with the ICMF unit 115a. On receipt, the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b transmits the request to the second NRF 112b of the second network 110b. Further, the second NRF 112b of the second network 110b responds to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a via the second SEPP 114b and transmits the response to the NF consumer 111a. The NF consumer 111a receives the targeted NF producer 111b and proceeds to transmit the service request to the NF producer 111b in the second network 110b.
[00105] Accordingly, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF producer 111b via the discovery request and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00106] FIG. 4i is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model C and the second network 110b adopts the model A. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a, the first SCP 113b and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b and the NF producer 111b.
[00107] The NF consumer 111a is configured to transmit the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a of the first network 110a. On receipt of the first NRF 112a forwards the discovery request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. Since the second network 110b adopts the model A, the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a of the first network 110a are configured with the NF profile of the NF producer 111b that are present in the second network 110b. Based on this NF profile configuration of the NF producer 111b, the first SEPP and ICMF unit 115a respond to the discovery requests initiated from the NF consumer 111a to the first NRF 112a and the first NRF 112a transmit the NF profiles to the NF consumer 111a.
[00108] Further the NF consumer 111a transmits the service request to the first SCP 113a. The first SCP 113a forwards the request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a of the first network 110a. The first SEPP with ICMF 115a forwards the request to the NF producer 111b via the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b. The NF producer 111b responds to the second SEPP 114b.The second SEPP 114b forwards the service response to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a of the first network 110a and then transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a.
[00109] Thereby, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00110] FIG. 4j is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model C and the second network 110b adopts the model B. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a, the first SCP 113a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00111] The NF consumer 111a initiates the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a. On receipt the first NRF 112a forwards the service request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b and further transmits the request to the second NRF 112b. Since the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a is configured with the model B of the second network 110b, the first SEPP and ICMF unit 115a forwards the discovery request to the second NRF 112b via the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b. The second NRF 112b transmits the response to the second SEPP 114b. The second SEPP 114b transmits the discovery response to the first NRF 112a via the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first NRF 112a transmits the discovery response to the NF consumer 111a. Further, the NF consumer 111a transmits the service request to the NF producer 111b to establish connection between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00112] As such, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b via the discovery request and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00113] FIG. 4k is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model C and the second network 110b adopts the model C. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a, the first SCP 113a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00114] The NF consumer 111a initiates the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a. The first NRF 112a forwards the service request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. On receipt the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b and further transmits the request to the second NRF 112b. Since the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a is configured with the model C of the second network 110b, the first SEPP and ICMF unit 115a forwards the discovery request to the second NRF 112b via the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b. The second NRF 112b transmits the response to the second SEPP 114b. The second SEPP 114b transmits the discovery response to the first NRF 112a of the first network 110a via the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first NRF 112a transmits the discovery response to the NF consumer 111a. Further, the NF consumer 111a transmits the service request to the NF producer 111b to establish connection between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b via the first and the second SCP 113a, b.
[00115] Accordingly, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b via the discovery request and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00116] FIG. 4l is exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model C and the second network 110b adopts the model D. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first NRF 112a, the first SCP 113a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00117] The NF consumer 111a initiates the discovery request containing the PLMN ID of the second network 110b to the first NRF 112a. On receipt the first NRF 112a forwards the service request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b and further transmits the request to the second NRF 112b.
[00118] Since the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a is configured with the model D of the second network 110b, the first SEPP and ICMF unit 115a forward the discovery request to the second NRF 112b via the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b. The second NRF 112b transmits the response to the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b. The second SEPP 114btransmits the discovery response to the first NRF 112a via the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a.
[00119] The first NRF 112a transmits the discovery response to the NF consumer 111a. Further, the NF consumer 111a transmits the service request to the NF producer 111b to establish connection between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b via the first and the second SCP 113a, b.
[00120] Accordingly, the NF consumer 111a configures the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b via the discovery request and establishes the communication between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00121] FIG. 4m is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model D and the second network 110b adopts the model A. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first SCP 113a, and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b and the NF producer 111b.
[00122] The NF consumer 111a is configured to transmit the delegated request with the discovery header to the first SCP 113a. The first SCP 113a recognizes the request for the second network 110b and transmits the delegated request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. On receipt the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a includes the configured NF Profiles of the NF producer 111b for the second network 110b. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a inserts the peer endpoint in the targeted API-root header. As such, subsequent request is transmitted from the NF consumer 111a to the NF producer 111b as per endpoints present in the targeted-API-root header.
[00123] FIG. 4n is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model D and the second network 110b adopts the model B. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first SCP 113a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00124] The NF consumer 111a is configured to transmit the delegated request with the discovery header to the first SCP 113a. The first SCP 113a recognizes the request is for the second network 110b and transmits the request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a is configured to the NF profile of the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b since the second network 110b adopts the model B. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a converts the delegated request into the service request and forwards it to the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b and further transmits the request to the NF producer 111b. Further, the NF producer 111b transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a to establish the connection between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00125] FIG. 4o is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model D and the second network 110b adopts the model C. The first network 110a includes the NF consumer 111a, the first SCP 113a and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network 110b includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00126] When the NF consumer 111a sends the delegated request with the discovery header to the first SCP 113a. On receipt the first SCP 113a recognizes the request is for the second network 110b and transmits the request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a is configured to the NF profile of the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b since the second network 110b adopts the model C. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a converts the delegated request into the service request and forwards the second SEPP 114b of the second network 110b and further the second SEPP 114b transmits the request to the NF producer 111b. In this way, the NF producer 111b transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a to establish the connection between the NF consumer 111a and the producer 111b.
[00127] FIG. 4p is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the system of FIG. 2 for providing interworking and interoperability between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, when the first network 110a adopts the model D and the second network 110b adopts the model D. The first network includes the first NF 111a, the first SCP 113b and the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The second network includes the second SEPP 114b, the second SCP 113b, the second NRF 112b and the NF producer 111b.
[00128] The NF consumer 111a is configured to transmit the delegated request with the discovery header to the first SCP 113a. The first SCP 113a recognizes the request is for the second network 110b and transmits the request to the first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a is configured to the NF profile of the NF producer 111b of the second network 110b, since the second network 110b adopts the model D. The first SEPP with ICMF unit 115a converts the delegated request into the service request and forwards the request to the second SEPP 114b and the second SEPP 114b transmits the request to the NF producer 111b. Further, the NF producer 111b transmits the service response to the NF consumer 111a to establish the connection between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b.
[00129] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 of an interworking between the networks 106, more specifically, operations between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, that adopts different models, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of description, the method 500 is described with the embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 2 and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[00130] At step 501, the method 500 includes the step of receiving the request from the first network 110a (as shown in FIG. 1) to communicate with the second network 110b (as shown in FIG. 1) pertaining to the networks 106 via the transceiver unit 208. In one embodiment, the received request includes at least one of the service request, the discovery request, and the delegated request.
[00131] In one embodiment, the service request includes the direct communication that is the direct routing. The direct routing defines the mode of communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[00132] At step 502, the method 500 includes the step of determining the mode of communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b by utilizing the discovery header available in the request. The discovery header includes the mode of communication configured with the second network 110b. In one embodiment, the more of communication includes one of the direct communications and an indirect communication.
[00133] In one embodiment, the mode of communication is the direct communication. The direct communication includes one of the direct routing and the direct routing is via the discovery using the first NRF 112a (as shown in FIG. 1) of the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[00134] In one embodiment, the request is the discovery request. The discovery request includes the mode of communication is the direct communication. The direct communication includes the direct routing via the discovery using the second NRF 112b (as shown in FIG. 1) between the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[00135] In an alternate embodiment, the discovery request includes the mode of communication is the indirect communication. The indirect communication includes the routing via the first and the second SCP 113a, b based on the discovery using the first and the second NRF 112a, b between the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[00136] In one embodiment, the request is the delegated request. The delegate request includes the mode of communication is the indirect communication. The indirect communication includes the routing via the first and the second SCP 113a, b based on the discovery delegated to the first and the second SCP 113a, b between the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[00137] At step 503, the method 500 includes the step of converting the discovery header from the format that is known to the first network 110a to the format that is known to the second network 110b. The conversion of the discovery header is done based on the mode of communication supported by the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[00138] At step 504, the method 500 includes the step of establishing the connectivity between the first network 110a and the second network 110b. The connecting unit 214 is configured to establish the connectivity between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, based on the conversion of the discovery header. Thereby allowing the interworking between the first network 110a and the second network 110b.
[00139] Thus, the first and the second SEPP 114a, b of the present invention centralizes the configuration of the NF profiles of the NF producer 111b, making it easier to handle and manage the communication requirements across the networks 106. Overall, the first and the second SEPP 114a, b effectively addresses the limitations and complexities associated with interworking and compatibility between the NF consumer 111a and the NF producer 111b operating in the different models within the networks 106.
[00140] 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 202. The processor 202 is configured to receive a request from a first network 110a to communicate with the second network 110b pertaining to the network 106. The processor 202 is configured to determine the mode of communication between the first network 110a and the second network 110b utilizing the discovery header available in the request. The processor 202 is configured to convert the discovery header of the first network 110a to a format that is known to the second network 110b, the conversion of the discovery header is done based on a mode of communication supported by the first and the second network. Further, the processor 202 is configured to establish the connectivity between the first network 110a and the second network 110b, based on the conversion of the discovery header of the first network 110a, and thereby allowing interworking between the first and the second network.
[00141] 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.
[00142] The present disclosure incorporates technical advancement in cross-conversion between different models of communication with minimal configuration and management overheads. It allows for seamless interoperability between various models, enabling NFs to communicate efficiently without the need for extensive configuration or complex setup procedures. This reduces the burden of configuration management and also simplifies the integration process, making it easier to deploy communication strategies across different network domains. Further, the present invention's ability to support multiple conversion modes within a network domain further enhances its flexibility, allowing for quick deployment strategies that can adapt to specific communication requirements and optimize network performance.
[00143] 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
[00144] Environment - 100;
[00145] System - 102;
[00146] User Equipment - 104;
[00147] Network - 106;
[00148] Remote server-108;
[00149] First network-110a;
[00150] NF consumer-111a;
[00151] First NRF-112a;
[00152] First SCP- 113a;
[00153] First SEPP-114a;
[00154] First SEPP with ICMF unit- 115a;
[00155] Second network-110b;
[00156] NF producer-111b;
[00157] Second NRF-112b;
[00158] Second SCP- 113b;
[00159] Second SEPP-114b;
[00160] Second SEPP with ICMF unit- 115b;
[00161] Input/Output (I/O) interface unit- 200;
[00162] One or more processor-202;
[00163] Memory – 204;
[00164] Display- 206;
[00165] Input device- 218;
[00166] Transceiver unit- 208;
[00167] Discovery unit-210;
[00168] Conversion unit- 212;
[00169] Connecting unit-214;
[00170] Database-216.

,CLAIMS:
CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. A method (500) of interworking between networks (106), the method (500) comprising:
receiving (501), by one or more processors (202), a request from a first network (110a) to communicate with a second network (110b) pertaining to the networks (106);
determining (502), by the one or more processors (202), a mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) utilizing a discovery header available in the request;
converting (503), by the one or more processors (202), the discovery header of the first network (110a) to a format that is known to the second network (110b), the conversion of the discovery header is done based on the mode of communication supported by the first network (110a) and the second network (110b); and
establishing (504), by the one or more processors (202), connectivity between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b), based on the conversion of the discovery header of the first network (110a), and thereby allowing interworking between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b).

2. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) are part of one of a home network and a foreign network.

3. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mode of communication is one of a direct communication and an indirect communication.

4. The method (500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the direct communication includes one of a direct routing and a direct routing via discovery using the first and the second Network Repository Function (NRF) (112a and 112b) of the networks (106).

5. The method (500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the indirect communication includes one of a routing via the first and second Service Communication Proxy (SCP) (113a and 113b) of the networks (106), based on discovery via the first and the second NRF (112a and 112b) and a routing via the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) based on discovery being delegated to the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) utilizing selection parameters, wherein the selection parameters are predefined in the request.

6. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the request is one of a service request, a discovery request, and a delegated request.

7. The method (500) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the request is the service request, when the mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) is a direct communication including a direct routing.

8. The method (500) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the request is the discovery request, when the mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) is one of:
a direct communication including a direct routing via discovery using the first and the second NRF (112a and 112b); and
an indirect communication including a routing via the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) based on a discovery using the first and the second NRF (112a and 112b).

9. The method (500) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the request is the delegated request, when the mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) is an indirect communication including a routing via the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) based on a discovery delegated to the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b).

10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (202) are configured to provide a centralized communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) with varying one or more capabilities, wherein the one or more varying capabilities pertains to network elements.

11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (500) further comprises the step of:
configuring, by the one or more processors (202), a network function (NF) profile by creating a virtual NRF environment for unsupported discovery requests by the second network (106).

12. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein utilizing the discovery header, the one or more processors (202) determines the mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) by checking the mode of communication configured with the second network (110b).

13. A system (102) of interworking between networks (106), the system (102) comprising:
a transceiver unit (208) configured to receive, a request from a first network (110a) to communicate with a second network (110b) pertaining to the networks (106);
a discovery unit (210) configured to determine, a mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) utilizing a discovery header available in the request;
a conversion unit (212) configured to convert, the discovery header of the first network (110a) to a format that is known to the second network (110b), the conversion of the discovery header is done based on a mode of communication supported by the first and the second network (106); and
a connecting unit (214) configured to establish, connectivity between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b), based on the conversion of the discovery header of the first network (110a), and thereby allowing interworking between the first and the second network (106).

14. The system (102) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) are part of one of a home network and a foreign network.

15. The system (102) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mode of communication is one of a direct communication and an indirect communication.

16. The system (102) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the direct communication includes one of a direct routing and direct routing via discovery using the first and the second Network Repository Function (NRF) (112a and 112b) of the networks (106).

17. The system (102) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the indirect communication includes one routing via the first and the second Service Communication Proxy (SCP) (113a and 113b) of the networks (106) based on discovery via the first and the second NRF (112a and 112b) and routing via the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) based on discovery being delegated to the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) utilizing selection parameters, wherein the selection parameters are predefined in the request.

18. The system (102) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the request is one of a service request, a discovery request, and a delegated request.

19. The system (102) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the request is the service request, wherein the mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) is a direct communication including a direct routing.

20. The system (102) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the request is the discovery request, when the mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) is one of:
a direct communication including a direct routing via discovery using the first and the second NRF (112a and 112b); and
an indirect communication including a routing via the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) based on a discovery using the first and the second NRF (112a and 112b).

21. The system (102) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the request is the delegated request, when the mode of communication between the first network (110a) and the second network (110b) is an indirect communication including a routing via the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) based on a discovery delegated to the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b).

22. The system (102) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the system (102) is configured to provide centralized communication between networks (106) with varying capabilities, wherein the varying capabilities pertains to network elements such as at least one of the first and the second SCP (113a and 113b) and the first and the second NRF (112a and 112b).

23. The system (102) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the system (102) configures a network function (NF) profile by creating a virtual NRF environment for unsupported discovery requests by the second network (110b).