FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF 1970) & THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MESSAGES IN
BINDING SUPPORT FUNCTION BSF UNIT OF
COMMUNICATION NETWORK”
We, Jio Platforms Limited, an Indian National, of Office - 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MESSAGES IN BINDING SUPPORT FUNCTION BSF UNIT OF COMMUNICATION NETWORK
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to network performance management systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to managing messages in binding support function BSF unit of communication network.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.
[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. The third-generation (3G) technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth-generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless

communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users.
[0004] In the 5G communication system, there is provided a plurality of network functions (NFs), for example an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), session management function (SMF), Policy control function (PCF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Binding Support Function (BSF) and the like. One or more of the aforementioned NFs communicates with each other, to implement multiple activities on the 5G communication system. For example, for data transfer, the AMF communicates with SMF, to initiate the communication. Binding Support Function (BSF) allows Policy Control Function (PCF) to register, update, and remove the binding information from it, and allows Network Function (NF) consumers to discover the selected Policy Control Function (PCF). Accordingly, one or more connections are established between two peer NFs, to allow communication therebetween, and thus enable such activities there between.
[0005] In 5G communication system, BSF stores the binding information for a certain PDU sessions and discovers the selected PCF according to the binding information. The BSF also acts as diameter proxy agent or diameter redirect agent to Rx requests targeting an IP address of a UE to the selected Policy Control Function. The BSF provides a PDU session binding functionality, which ensures that an Application Function (AF) request for a certain PDU session reaches the relevant PCF holding the PDU session information. Preferably, BSF is one of key 5G Core Network Function (NF) with key functionality including storing the binding information for PDU Session/ UE, discovery of binding information and acting as proxy and/or redirect agent for Rx interface between Proxy Call Session Control Function/ Diameter Routing Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) and PCF. However, in conventional known solution, there is no sufficient support for binding information and error messages handling during process, certain attributes, original host information, IP ranges, SUPI ranges and values has no efficient operational procedures for processing. Further, in conventional known solution, there is no

support or mechanism for providing customization and flexibility for future additional use cases which may require ability to accept, reject, overwrite, discard binding or Rx messages or discovery requests based on business requirements.
[0006] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to provide an efficient system and method for providing the enhancement at BSF which allows user to define the rules using customized rule engine which helps in not only supersede the default behaviour wherever needed but also provides more flexibility and customization to BSF for future business cases.
SUMMARY
[0007] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, the method comprising receiving, by a transceiver unit at the BSF unit, a network message from a network interface, the network message comprising a set of attributes. The method comprises determining, by a determining unit at the BSF unit, the network interface through which the network message is received based on the set of attributes, the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface. The method comprises selecting, by a selecting unit at the BSF unit, a rule engine based on the determined network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine. The method comprises determining, by the rule engine at the BSF unit, a set of rules based on the set of attributes. The method comprises processing, by a processing unit at the BSF unit, the network message based on the determined set of rules. The method comprises modifying, by a modification engine at the BSF unit, the network

message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages. The method comprises generating, by a generating unit at the BSF unit, an output message based on the processed and modified network message.
[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the set of attributes comprises at least one of service operation, group public service identity (GPSI), subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), internet protocol (IP), media access control (MAC), data network name (DNN), slice, policy control function fully qualified domain name (pcfFqdn), policy control function diameter host (PcfDiamHost), realm and bindingexists.
[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the first interface is an Rx interface between Proxy Call Session Control Function/ Diameter Routing Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) unit and a policy control function (PCF) unit; and the second interface is an Nbsf interface between the Binding Support Function (BSF) and a Network Exposure Function (NEF).
[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the first rule engine is configured to process Rx-based network message, and the second rule engine is configured to process Nbsf-based network message.
[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the modification engine comprising at least one of a first modification engine and a second modification engine, wherein the first modification engine is configured to modify Rx-based network message; and the second modification engine is configured to modify Nbsf-based network message.
[0013] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the determining further comprises matching, by the rule engine, the set of rules with the set of attributes utilizing a set of logical operators comprising at least one of AND, OR,

and NOT, and wherein the set of attributes are further matched using relational operators including equals (=), not equals (!=), greater than (>), less than (<), and range specification.
[0014] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the network message is modified at least one stage of the set of predefined stages.
[0015] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the modifying comprising at least one of adding, deleting, or altering attributes, headers, or attribute-value pair (AVP) elements.
[0016] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the first rule engine and the second rule engine are interdependent, such that the first rule engine is further configured to process Nbsf-based network message and the second rule engine is further configured to process Rx-based network message.
[0017] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the set of predefined stages comprises at least one of upon entry into the BSF unit, during rule evaluation, prior to forwarding from the BSF unit, before sending a response, and after receiving a response.
[0018] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the set of pre-stored conditions comprises conditions defined based on network policies, user profiles, and historical data analytics, each condition being associated with a modification action to optimize network performance and compliance with regulatory requirement.
[0019] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the set of rules is at least one of:

prioritized, such that a priority is allocated to each rule of the set of rules; marked as exclusive, such that if a rule marked as an exclusive rule is executed, the execution of the exclusive rule prevents subsequent execution of other rules of the set of rules; and action-terminating, such that if an action-terminating rule is executed, further evaluation of subsequent rules is halted, and only action of the action-terminating executed rule is enforced.
[0020] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the processed and modified network message is stored in a memory unit of the BSF unit.
[0021] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the BSF unit comprising at least one of a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI) enabling users to perform at least one of configure and modify the set of rules.
[0022] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the method comprising identifying, by an identifying unit at the BSF unit, one or more actions to be performed based on the generated output message.
[0023] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the one or more actions comprise at least one of an accept binding action, a reject binding action, an overwrite binding action, a send redirect action, an accept discovery action, a reject discovery action, an include custom attribute action, modify a binding allowed action, a modify binding not allowed action, and a modify attribute action.
[0024] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the method comprising creating, by the processing unit at the BSF unit, one or more routes based on policy configurations, wherein the BSF unit is configured to modify an incoming message from at least one of P-CSCF over the Diameter protocol and AF/NEF over the hypertext transfer protocol 2 (HTTP/2) protocol; and route at least one of the modified message and unmodified message to an appropriate PCF unit.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, the system comprising the BSF unit comprising a transceiver unit configured to receive a network message from a network interface, the network message comprising a set of attributes. The system comprises a determining unit connected to at least the transceiver unit, wherein the determining unit configured to determine the network interface through which the network message is received based on the set of attributes, the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface. The system comprises a selecting unit connected to at least the determining unit, wherein the selecting unit configured to select, a rule engine based on the determined network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine. The system comprises the rule engine connected to at least the selecting unit, wherein the rule engine unit configured to determine a set of rules based on the set of attributes. The system comprises a processing unit connected to at least the rule engine, wherein the processing unit configured to process the network message based on the determined set of rules. The system comprises a modification engine connected to at least the processing unit, wherein the modification engine configured to modify the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages. The system comprises a generating unit connected to at least the modification engine wherein the generating unit configured to generate an output message based on the processed and modified network message.
[0026] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a User Equipment (UE). The User Equipment ((UE) may include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to: transmit a network message comprising a set of attributes to a network interface associated with a binding support function (BSF) unit, the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface; select a rule engine based on the network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule

engine; determine a set of rules based on the set of attributes; process, via a server, the network message based on the determined set of rules; modify, via the server, the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages; and generate, via the server, an output message based on 5 the processed and modified network message.
[0027] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, the instructions
10 include executable code which, when executed by a one or more units of a system, causes: a transceiver unit of the system to receive a network message from a network interface, the network message comprising a set of attributes; a determining unit of the system to determine the network interface through which the network message is received based on the set of attributes, the network interface
15 comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface; a selecting unit of the system to select, a rule engine based on the determined network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine; the rule engine of the system to determine a set of rules based on the set of attributes; a processing unit of the system to process the network message based on the
20 determined set of rules; a modification engine of the system to modify the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages; a generating unit of the system to generate an output message based on the processed and modified network message.
25 OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.
9

[0029] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for enhancement at Binding Support Function (BSF) for enabling the future business needs with supporting flexibility and/or customization.
5 [0030] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for enabling the BSF to supersede the default behaviour of conventional method to meet the business requirements providing more flexibility and control for control plane flow at BSF. Further it will also provide the ability to moderate (by modifying the original message) the signalling messages for interworking with
10 different vendor network elements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute
15 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. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as
20 limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of the method and system
according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight the advantages of the
disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such
drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used
to implement such components.
25
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device upon 30 which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
10

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system [300] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. 5 [0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram [400] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
10 [0036] FIG.5A illustrates an exemplary signaling flow diagram [500] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG.5B illustrates an exemplary signaling flow diagram [600] for managing 15 messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary network architecture [700] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in 20 accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
[0039] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.
25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that 30 embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one
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another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above.
5 [0041] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and
10 arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.
[0042] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of 15 ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.
20 [0043] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process
25 is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure.
[0044] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the
30 subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any
aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not
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necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed 5 description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0045] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor”
10 includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a (Digital Signal Processing) DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific
15 Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.
20
[0046] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smart-device”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and/or computing device
25 or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment/device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may
30 contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from at least one of
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a transceiver unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, a detection unit and any other such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
[0047] As used herein, “storage unit” or “memory unit” refers to a machine or 5 computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The storage unit stores at least the data 10 that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective functions.
[0048] As used herein “interface” or “user interface refers to a shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a system exchange information 15 or data. The interface may also be referred to a set of rules or protocols that define communication or interaction of one or more modules or one or more units with each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may be called.
20 [0049] BSF (Binding Support Function): BSF is a critical network function responsible for managing both PDU and UE Bindings ensuring that AF request for specific session reaches to correct PCF or providing the correct PCF information for querying NFs.
25 [0050] GPSI (Group Public Service Identity): GPSIs are public identifiers used both inside and outside of the 3GPP system. The GPSI is either a mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN) or an external identifier. If MSISDN is included in the subscription data, it will be possible that the same MSISDN value is supported in both 5GS and EPS.
30
14

[0051] SUPI (Subscriber Permanent Identifier): SUPI in 5G networks is a unique identifier assigned to individual subscribers, facilitating secure and seamless connectivity and service access.
5 [0052] IP (Internet Protocol): In the context of 5G, IP remains a fundamental protocol for data transmission, providing the foundation for communication between devices, networks, and services in the Internet of Things (IoT) era.
[0053] MAC (Media Access Control): In 5G, MAC addresses continue to play a 10 crucial role in identifying and managing network interfaces, enabling efficient data transmission and device connectivity.
[0054] DNN (Data Network Name): In 5G networks, DNN serves as a label or identifier for specific data networks, allowing devices and services to route traffic 15 and access resources based on network policies and configurations.
[0055] PCF (Policy Control Function): PCF in 5G is a key network function responsible for enforcing policy rules and controlling resource allocation based on service requirements, user profiles, and network conditions. 20
[0056] NEF (Network Exposure Function): In 5G, NEF facilitates secure and controlled access to network information and services by external applications, enabling innovation and integration with third-party services and platforms.
25 [0057] AVP (Attribute-Value Pair): In 5G protocols such as Diameter, AVPs are used to represent and exchange attribute information between network elements, facilitating signalling and control functions within the network.
[0058] PCF FQDN (Policy Control Function Fully Qualified Domain Name): In 30 5G, PCF FQDN refers to the fully qualified domain name assigned to policy control functions, enabling their identification and communication within the network.
15

[0059] PCF DH (Policy Control Function Diameter Host): PCF DH in 5G networks represents the host or network address of policy control functions within a Diameter-based signalling framework, facilitating routing and communication 5 between network elements.
[0060] P-CSCF/DRA (Proxy Call Session Control Function/Diameter Routing Agent): In 5G, P-CSCF and DRA are network elements responsible for handling signalling and routing messages in the core network, ensuring efficient call/session 10 establishment and management.
[0061] Graphical User Interface (GUI): A visual interface allowing users to interact with the system using graphical elements such as icons, buttons, and menus.
15 [0062] Command-Line Interface (CLI): A text-based interface enabling users to interact with the system by typing commands and receiving text-based responses.
[0063] NBSF (Network Binding Support Function): NBSF refers to BSF which is a critical network function responsible for managing both PDU and UE Bindings 20 ensuring that AF request for specific session reaches to correct PCF or providing the correct PCF information for querying NFs.
[0064] GPSI (Group Public Service Identity): GPSIs are public identifiers used both inside and outside of the 3GPP system. The GPSI is either a mobile subscriber 25 ISDN number (MSISDN) or an external identifier. If MSISDN is included in the subscription data, it will be possible that the same MSISDN value is supported in both 5GS and EPS.
[0065] All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded
30 herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a
general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor,
16

a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array circuits (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuits, etc.
5 [0066] As used herein the transceiver unit include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data, signals, information or a combination thereof between units/components within the system and/or connected with the system.
10
[0067] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions have several shortcomings. The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing method and system of managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit
15 of a communication network. The system and method for providing the enhancement at BSF which allows user to define the rules using customized rule engine which helps in not only supersede the default behaviour wherever needed but also provides more flexibility and customization to BSF for future business cases.
20
[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the 5GC network architecture [100] includes a user equipment (UE) [102], a radio access network
25 (RAN) [104], an access and mobility management function (AMF) [106], a Session Management Function (SMF) [108], a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) [110], an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) [112], a Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) [114], a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) [116], a Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118], a
30 Network Repository Function (NRF) [120], a Policy Control Function (PCF) [122], a Unified Data Management (UDM) [124], an application function (AF) [126], a
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User Plane Function (UPF) [128], a data network (DN) [130], wherein all the components are assumed to be connected to each other in a manner as obvious to the person skilled in the art for implementing features of the present disclosure.
5 [0069] Radio Access Network (RAN) [104] is the part of a mobile telecommunications system that connects user equipment (UE) [102] to the core network (CN) and provides access to different types of networks (e.g., 5G network). It consists of radio base stations and the radio access technologies that enable wireless communication.
10
[0070] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing access and mobility aspects, such as UE registration, connection, and reachability. It also handles mobility management procedures like handovers and paging.
15
[0071] Session Management Function (SMF) [108] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing session-related aspects, such as establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions. It coordinates with the User Plane Function (UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP address allocation and QoS enforcement.
20
[0072] Service Communication Proxy (SCP) [110] is a network function in the 5G core network that facilitates communication between other network functions by providing a secure and efficient messaging service. It acts as a mediator for service-based interfaces.
25
[0073] Authentication Server Function (AUSF) [112] is a network function in the 5G core responsible for authenticating UEs during registration and providing security services. It generates and verifies authentication vectors and tokens.
30 [0074] Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) [114] is a network function that provides authentication and
18

authorization services specific to network slices. It ensures that UEs can access only the slices for which they are authorized.
[0075] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) [116] is a network function 5 responsible for selecting the appropriate network slice for a UE based on factors such as subscription, requested services, and network policies.
[0076] Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118] is a network function that exposes capabilities and services of the 5G network to external applications, enabling 10 integration with third-party services and applications.
[0077] Network Repository Function (NRF) [120] is a network function that acts as a central repository for information about available network functions and services. It facilitates the discovery and dynamic registration of network functions. 15
[0078] Policy Control Function (PCF) [122] is a network function responsible for policy control decisions, such as QoS, charging, and access control, based on subscriber information and network policies.
20 [0079] Unified Data Management (UDM) [124] is a network function that centralizes the management of subscriber data, including authentication, authorization, and subscription information.
[0080] Application Function (AF) [126] is a network function that represents 25 external applications interfacing with the 5G core network to access network capabilities and services.
[0081] User Plane Function (UPF) [128] is a network function responsible for handling user data traffic, including packet routing, forwarding, and QoS 30 enforcement.
19

[0082] Data Network (DN) [130] refers to a network that provides data services to user equipment (UE) in a telecommunications system. The data services may include but are not limited to Internet services, private data network related services.
5 [0083] Referring to FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device [1000] upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the computing device [1000] may also implement a method for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a
10 communication network utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device [1000] itself implements the method for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network using one or more units configured within the computing device [1000], wherein said one or more units are capable of implementing the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.
15
[0084] The computing device [1000] may include a bus [1002] or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor [1004] coupled with bus [1002] for processing information. The hardware processor [1004] may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor. The
20 computing device [1000] may also include a main memory [1006], such as a random-access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus [1002] for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor [1004]. The main memory [1006] also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be
25 executed by the processor [1004]. Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor [1004], render the computing device [1000] into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The computing device [1000] further includes a read only memory (ROM) [1008] or other static storage device coupled to the bus [1002]
30 for storing static information and instructions for the processor [1004].
20

[0085] A storage device [1010], such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is provided and coupled to the bus [1002] for storing information and instructions. The computing device [1000] may be coupled via the bus [1002] to a display [1012], such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD),
5 Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for displaying information to a computer user. An input device [1014], including alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the bus [1002] for communicating information and command selections to the processor [1004]. Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller
10 [1016], such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor [1004], and for controlling cursor movement on the display [1012]. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allow the device to specify positions in a plane.
15
[0086] The computing device [1000] may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/or program logic which in combination with the computing device [1000] causes or programs the computing device [1000] to be a special-purpose machine.
20 According to one implementation, the techniques herein are performed by the computing device [1000] in response to the processor [1004] executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory [1006]. Such instructions may be read into the main memory [1006] from another storage medium, such as the storage device [1010]. Execution of the sequences of
25 instructions contained in the main memory [1006] causes the processor [1004] to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the present disclosure, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.
30 [0087] The computing device [1000] also may include a communication interface [1018] coupled to the bus [1002]. The communication interface [1018] provides a
21

two-way data communication coupling to a network link [1020] that is connected to a local network [1022]. For example, the communication interface [1018] may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a
5 corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface [1018] may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface [1018] sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital
10 data streams representing various types of information.
[0088] The computing device [1000] can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link [1020] and the communication interface [1018]. In the Internet example, a server [1030] might
15 transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet [1028], the ISP [1026], the Host [1024], the local network [1022] and the communication interface [1018]. The received code may be executed by the processor [1004] as it is received, and/or stored in the storage device [1010], or other non-volatile storage for later execution.
20
[0089] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system [300] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The system [300] comprises at least one transceiver unit [302], at least
25 one determining unit [304], at least one selecting unit [306], at least one processing unit [308], at least one modification engine [310], at least one generating unit [312], at least one identification unit [314] and at least one BSF unit [320]. Also, all of the components/ units of the system [300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures all units shown within
30 the system should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in FIG. 3 only a few units are shown, however, the system [300] may comprise multiple such
22

units or the system [300] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the system [300] may be present in a user device to implement the features of the present disclosure. The system [300] may be a part of the user device / or may be 5 independent of but in communication with the user device (may also referred herein as a UE). In another implementation, the system [300] may reside in a server or a network entity. In yet another implementation, the system [300] may reside partly in the server/ network entity and partly in the user device.
10 [0090] The system [300] is configured for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit [320] of a communication network, with the help of the interconnection between the components/units of the system [300].
[0091] The system for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit
15 [320] of a communication network, the system comprising, the BSF unit [320] comprising a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive a network message from a network interface, the network message comprising a set of attributes. The present disclosure encompasses the transceiver unit [302] is responsible for receiving network messages from the network interface. The network message refers to data
20 packets or signals exchanged within a communication network. These messages can carry various types of information, such as control signals, user data. The network interface serves as an entry or exit point for data entering or leaving the network and facilitates the exchange of information between devices, wherein the set of attributes comprises at least one of service operation, group public service
25 identity (GPSI), subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), internet protocol (IP), media access control (MAC), data network name (DNN), slice, policy control function fully qualified domain name (pcfFqdn), policy control function diameter host (PcfDiamHost), realm and bindingexists. The BSF unit [320] comprising at least one of a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI)
30 enabling users to perform at least one of configure and modify the set of rules. These
23

sets of attributes are characteristics or properties associated with network messages processed by the BSF unit.
[0092] a determining unit [304] connected to at least the transceiver unit [302],
5 wherein the determining unit [304] configured to determine the network interface
through which the network message is received based on the set of attributes, the
network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface.
The present disclosure encompasses the determining unit is responsible for
determining the network interface through which the network message is received
10 based on the attributes of the message, the determination is based on the set of
attributes associated with the network message. The network interface can be
categorized into different types, represented here as a "first interface" and a "second
interface wherein the first interface is an Rx interface between Proxy Call Session
Control Function/ Diameter Routing Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) unit and a policy
15 control function (PCF) unit; and the second interface is an Nbsf interface between
the Binding Support Function (BSF) and a Network Exposure Function (NEF).
[0093] a selecting unit [306] connected to at least the determining unit [304], wherein the selecting unit [306] configured to select, a rule engine based on the
20 determined network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine. The present disclosure encompasses the selecting unit [306] within the BSF unit [320] is responsible for selecting a rule engine based on the determined network interface. The rule engine analyses attributes of network messages and first rule engine configured to process network messages received
25 through a network interface, and second rule engine configured to process network messages received through another network interface. The first rule engine is configured to process Rx-based network message, and the second rule engine is configured to process Nbsf-based network message. The first rule engine and the second rule engine are interdependent, such that the first rule engine is further
30 configured to process Nbsf-based network message and the second rule engine is further configured to process Rx-based network message. The Rx interface refers
24

to a specific network interface used for receiving network messages between the Proxy Call Session Control Function/Diameter Routing Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) unit and a Policy Control Function (PCF) unit. The Nbsf interface stands for the "Network Binding Support Function" interface. It represents a communication 5 interface between the Binding Support Function (BSF) unit [320] and a Network Exposure Function (NEF) within the communication network.
[0094] the rule engine connected to at least the selecting unit [306], wherein the rule engine unit configured to determine a set of rules based on the set of attributes. 10 The present disclosure encompasses the Rule Engine is designed to analyse the attributes associated with incoming network messages and determine a set of rules based on this analysis. The rule engine is further configured to match the set of rules with the set of attributes utilizing a set of logical operators comprising at least one of AND, OR, and NOT, and wherein the set of attributes are further matched using 15 relational operators including equals (=), not equals (!=), greater than (>), less than (<), and range specification. The set of rules is at least one of prioritized, such that a priority is allocated to each rule of the set of rules marked as exclusive, such that if a rule marked as an exclusive rule is executed, the execution of the exclusive rule prevents subsequent execution of other rules of the set of rules and action-20 terminating, such that if an action-terminating rule is executed, further evaluation of subsequent rules is halted, and only action of the action-terminating executed rule is enforced. The Rule Engine in processing incoming network messages. It analyses the attributes of these messages, employing logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT, along with relational operators like equals (=), not equals (!=), 25 greater than (>), less than (<), and range specification, to match them with predefined rules. These rules are prioritized, ensuring that each rule is assigned a specific priority level for evaluation. Additionally, certain rules may be marked as exclusive, meaning that if executed, they prevent the execution of other rules in the set. Moreover, the Rule Engine may encounter action-terminating rules, which, 30 when executed, halt further evaluation of subsequent rules and enforce only the action specified by the action-terminating rule.
25

[0095] a processing unit [308] connected to at least the rule engine, wherein the processing unit [308] configured to process the network message based on the determined set of rules. The present disclosure encompasses the processing unit
5 [308] within the BSF unit [320] is responsible for processing the network message based on the determined set of rules, wherein the network message is modified at least one stage of the set of predefined stages and the set of predefined stages comprises at least one of upon entry into the BSF unit [320], during rule evaluation, prior to forwarding from the BSF unit [32 0], before sending a response, and after
10 receiving a response. wherein the processing unit [308] at the BSF unit [320] is further configured to create one or more routes based on policy configurations, wherein the BSF unit [320] is configured to modify an incoming message from at least one of P-CSCF over the Diameter protocol and AF/NEF over the hypertext transfer protocol 2 (HTTP/2) protocol and route at least one of the modified
15 message and unmodified message to an appropriate PCF unit. These stages encompass different points in the message processing workflow, including entry into the BSF unit, rule evaluation, forwarding from the BSF unit, response sending, and response reception. Additionally, the Processing Unit [308] is equipped to create routes based on policy configurations, allowing for the establishment of paths
20 for network messages. The BSF unit [320] possesses the capability to modify incoming messages originating from sources like P-CSCF over the Diameter protocol and AF/NEF over the HTTP/2 protocol, and to route them accordingly.
[0096] a modification engine [310] connected to at least the processing unit [308], 25 wherein the modification engine [310] configured to modify the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages. The present disclosure encompasses the modification Engine [310] within the BSF unit is responsible for modifying the network message based on predefined conditions or stages, wherein the set of pre-stored conditions comprises conditions 30 defined based on network policies, user profiles, and historical data analytics, each condition being associated with a modification action to optimize network
26

performance and compliance with regulatory requirement. The modification engine [310] comprising at least one of a first modification engine, wherein the first modification engine is configured to modify Rx-based network message and the first modification engine is configured to modify Nbsf-based network message. The 5 modifying further comprising at least one of adding, deleting, or altering attributes, headers, or attribute-value pair (AVP) elements.
[0097] a generating unit [312] connected to at least the modification engine [310] wherein the generating unit [312] configured to generate an output message based
10 on the processed and modified network message. The present disclosure encompasses the generating Unit [312] within the BSF unit is responsible for generating an output message based on the processed and modified network message and the processed and modified network message is stored in a memory unit of the BSF unit [320].
15
[0098] The system further comprising an identifying unit [314] at the BSF unit [320], configured to identify one or more actions to be performed based on the generated output message wherein the one or more actions comprise at least one of an accept binding action, a reject binding action, an overwrite binding action, a send
20 redirect action, an accept discovery action, a reject discovery action, an include custom attribute action, modify a binding allowed action, a modify binding not allowed action, and a modify attribute action. The identification unit [314] is tasked with analysing the generated output message to determine one or more actions to be undertaken. Such actions include accepting or rejecting binding between
25 network entities, overwriting existing binding information, or redirecting the message to another network entity. Furthermore, the identifying unit [314] can handle discovery requests or responses, include custom attributes in messages, and modify binding information as needed, among other actions.
27

[0099] By identifying and executing these actions in response to the output message, the system ensures adaptive and responsive behaviour in managing network operations within the communication network.
5 [0100] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram [400] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit [320] of a communication network in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the method [400] is performed by the system [300]. Further, in an implementation, the system [300] may be present in a server device
10 to implement the features of the present disclosure., Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method [400] starts at step [402].
[0101] At step 404, the method comprises, receiving, by a transceiver unit [302] at the BSF unit [320], a network message from a network interface, the network
15 message comprising a set of attributes. The present disclosure encompasses the transceiver unit [302] is responsible for receiving network messages from the network interface. The network message refers to data packets or signals exchanged within a communication network. These messages can carry various types of information, such as control signals, user data. The network interface serves as an
20 entry or exit point for data entering or leaving the network and facilitates the exchange of information between devices, wherein the set of attributes comprises at least one of service operation, group public service identity (GPSI), subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), internet protocol (IP), media access control (MAC), data network name (DNN), slice, policy control function fully qualified domain
25 name (pcfFqdn), policy control function diameter host (PcfDiamHost), realm and bindingexists. The BSF unit [320] comprising at least one of a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI) enabling users to perform at least one of configure and modify the set of rules. These sets of attributes are characteristics or properties associated with network messages processed by the
30 BSF unit.
28

[0102] At step 406, the method comprises, determining, by a determining unit [304] at the BSF unit [320], the network interface through which the network message is received based on the set of attributes, the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface. The present disclosure encompasses the
5 determining unit is responsible for determining the network interface through which the network message is received based on the attributes of the message, the determination is based on the set of attributes associated with the network message. The network interface can be categorized into different types, represented here as a "first interface" and a "second interface wherein the first interface is an Rx interface
10 between Proxy Call Session Control Function/ Diameter Routing Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) unit and a policy control function (PCF) unit; and the second interface is an Nbsf interface between the Binding Support Function (BSF) and a Network Exposure Function (NEF).
15 [0103] At step 408, the method comprises, selecting, by a selecting unit [306] at the BSF unit [320], a rule engine based on the determined network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine. The present disclosure encompasses the selecting unit [306] within the BSF unit [320] is responsible for selecting a rule engine based on the determined network
20 interface. The rule engine analyses attributes of network messages and first rule engine configured to process network messages received through a network interface, and second rule engine configured to process network messages received through another network interface. The first rule engine is configured to process Rx-based network message, and the second rule engine is configured to process
25 Nbsf-based network message. The first rule engine and the second rule engine are interdependent, such that the first rule engine is further configured to process Nbsf-based network message and the second rule engine is further configured to process Rx-based network message. The Rx interface refers to a specific network interface used for receiving network messages between the Proxy Call Session Control
30 Function/Diameter Routing Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) unit and a Policy Control Function (PCF) unit. The Nbsf interface stands for the "Network Binding Support
29

Function" interface. It represents a communication interface between the Binding Support Function (BSF) unit [320] and a Network Exposure Function (NEF) within the communication network.
5 [0104] At step 410, the method comprises, determining, by the rule engine at the BSF unit [320], a set of rules based on the set of attributes. The present disclosure encompasses the rule engine is designed to analyse the attributes associated with incoming network messages and determine a set of rules based on this analysis. The determining further comprises matching, by the rule engine, the set of rules with
10 the set of attributes utilizing a set of logical operators comprising at least one of AND, OR, and NOT, and wherein the set of attributes are further matched using relational operators including equals (=), not equals (!=), greater than (>), less than (<), and range specification. The set of rules is at least one of prioritized, such that a priority is allocated to each rule of the set of rules marked as exclusive, such that
15 if a rule marked as an exclusive rule is executed, the execution of the exclusive rule prevents subsequent execution of other rules of the set of rules and action-terminating, such that if an action-terminating rule is executed, further evaluation of subsequent rules is halted, and only action of the action-terminating executed rule is enforced. The Rule Engine in processing incoming network messages. It
20 analyses the attributes of these messages, employing logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT, along with relational operators like equals (=), not equals (!=), greater than (>), less than (<), and range specification, to match them with predefined rules. These rules are prioritized, ensuring that each rule is assigned a specific priority level for evaluation. Additionally, certain rules may be marked as
25 exclusive, meaning that if executed, they prevent the execution of other rules in the set. Moreover, the Rule Engine may encounter action-terminating rules, which, when executed, halt further evaluation of subsequent rules and enforce only the action specified by the action-terminating rule.
30 [0105] At step 412, the method comprises, processing, by a processing unit [308] at the BSF unit [320], the network message based on the determined set of rules.
30

The present disclosure encompasses the processing unit [308] within the BSF unit [320] is responsible for processing the network message based on the determined set of rules, wherein the network message is modified at least one stage of the set of predefined stages and the set of predefined stages comprises at least one of upon
5 entry into the BSF unit [320], during rule evaluation, prior to forwarding from the BSF unit [32 0], before sending a response, and after receiving a response. wherein the processing unit [308] at the BSF unit [320] is further configured to create one or more routes based on policy configurations, wherein the BSF unit [320] is configured to modify an incoming message from at least one of P-CSCF over the
10 Diameter protocol and AF/NEF over the hypertext transfer protocol 2 (HTTP/2) protocol and route at least one of the modified message and unmodified message to an appropriate PCF unit. These stages encompass different points in the message processing workflow, including entry into the BSF unit, rule evaluation, forwarding from the BSF unit, response sending, and response reception. Additionally, the
15 Processing Unit [308] is equipped to create routes based on policy configurations, allowing for the establishment of paths for network messages. The BSF unit [320] possesses the capability to modify incoming messages originating from sources like P-CSCF over the Diameter protocol and AF/NEF over the HTTP/2 protocol, and to route them accordingly.
20
[0106] At step 414, the method comprises, modifying, by a modification engine [310] at the BSF unit [320], the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages. The present disclosure encompasses the modification Engine [310] within the BSF unit is responsible for
25 modifying the network message based on predefined conditions or stages, wherein the set of pre-stored conditions comprises conditions defined based on network policies, user profiles, and historical data analytics, each condition being associated with a modification action to optimize network performance and compliance with regulatory requirement. The modification engine [310] comprising at least one of a
30 first modification engine, wherein the first modification engine is configured to modify Rx-based network message and the first modification engine is configured
31

to modify Nbsf-based network message. The modifying further comprising at least one of adding, deleting, or altering attributes, headers, or attribute-value pair (AVP) elements.
5 [0107] At step 416, the method comprises, generating, by a generating unit [312] at the BSF unit [320], an output message based on the processed and modified network message. The present disclosure encompasses the generating Unit [312] within the BSF unit [320] is responsible for generating an output message based on the processed and modified network message and the processed and modified
10 network message is stored in a memory unit of the BSF unit [320].
[0108] Further, the method comprising identifying, by an identifying unit [314] at the BSF unit [320], one or more actions to be performed based on the generated output message wherein the one or more actions comprise at least one of an accept
15 binding action, a reject binding action, an overwrite binding action, a send redirect action, an accept discovery action, a reject discovery action, an include custom attribute action, modify a binding allowed action, a modify binding not allowed action, and a modify attribute action. The identification unit [314] is tasked with analysing the generated output message to determine one or more actions to be
20 undertaken. Such actions include accepting or rejecting binding between network entities, overwriting existing binding information, or redirecting the message to another network entity. Furthermore, the identifying unit [314] can handle discovery requests or responses, include custom attributes in messages, and modify binding information as needed, among other actions.
25
[0109] By identifying and executing these actions in response to the output message, the system ensures adaptive and responsive behaviour in managing network operations within the communication network.
32

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5A, an exemplary signaling flow diagram [500] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
5 [0111] At step S1: receiving message, via BSF [320], checking for if received at Rx/Nbsf SBI interface passing towards Rx Rule Engine.
[0112] At step S2 and S7: check if modification needed based on condition and called modification action. 10
[0113] At step S3 and S8: If yes, then stage A is performed. Further stage A explain in Fig 5B.
[0114] At step S4 and S9: If no, message will pass through various rules defined in 15 the engine as per defined priority and exclusivity.
[0115] At step S5 and S10: if Rule match found, then apply rule action and more rules to evaluate.
20 [0116] At step S6: If no rule match found, stage A performed.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 5B, an exemplary signaling flow diagram [600] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 25
[0118] At step S1: Stage A is performed and evaluate the stage at which message is received for modification.
[0119] At step S2: Start evaluating modification Engine for stage and conditions 30 according to priority and exclusive.
33

[0120] At step S3: Modify Rule match found for stage and conditions.
[0121] At step S4: If yes, apply modification actions happens.
5 [0122] At step S5: If No rules match found, then evaluate stage and Rx/Nbsf.
[0123] At step S6: Check does stage reflect need to reevaluate Rx/Nbsf Rules?
[0124] At step S7: If yes perform stage B or C. 10
[0125] At step S8: If no, stop the method.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary network architecture [600] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit of a communication network, in 15 accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0127] FCAP Management – Internal Software module responsible for Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance and Security (FCAPS) for the BSF.
20 [0128] High Availability: This module is responsible for maintaining high availability or redundancy within the BSF cluster managed by HSM.
[0129] Overload Management: This module as part of SM is responsible for providing the Overload control function for signaling interface. 25
[0130] Diameter Stack Management: This module is responsible for creating the Diameter connections with Peer NFs i.e. DRA, PCF. This module as part of SM is responsible for handling the Diameter Rx traffic to/from DRA/PCF.
34

[0131] HTTP Stack Management: This module is responsible for creating the HTTP/2 connections with Peer NFs. In addition, this module also maintains HTTP connections with various NBI such as vProbe / NMS.
5 [0132] Binding Function Module: This module is responsible for handling the PDU and UE session binding functionality, which ensures that an AF request for a certain PDU Session reaches the relevant PCF or PCF for UE binding is recorded.
[0133] NRF Client: This module integrates with the SCP or NRF for the 10 registration, update or delete for the BSF cluster.
[0134] Session Management: This module integrates with SDL (Session Data Layer) layer for Create, Read, Update and Delete Operations of the Session data related to BSF cluster.
15
[0135] Rule Engine Module: This module is responsible for managing the user defined rules that will determine the customized flow for message for Diameter and HTTP/2 interfaces by providing the condition to checks and corresponding action to achieve with hook to modification module.
20
[0136] Modification Module: This module is responsible for handling the addition/ deletion/ modification of IEs/ AVPs as per user defined definition.
[0137] The present disclosure may further relate to a User Equipment (UE). The 25 User Equipment (UE) may include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to: transmit a network message comprising a set of attributes to a network interface associated with a binding support function (BSF) unit [320], the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface; select a rule engine based on the network 30 interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine; determine a set of rules based on the set of attributes; process, via a
35

server, the network message based on the determined set of rules; modify, via the server, the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages; and generate, via the server, an output message based on the processed and modified network message.
5 [0138] The present disclosure may furthermore relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit [320] of a communication network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by a one or more units of a system,
10 causes: a transceiver unit [302] of the system to receive a network message from a network interface, the network message comprising a set of attributes; a determining unit [304] of the system to determine the network interface through which the network message is received based on the set of attributes, the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface; a
15 selecting unit [306] of the system to select, a rule engine based on the determined network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine; the rule engine of the system to determine a set of rules based on the set of attributes; a processing unit [308] [of the system to process the network message based on the determined set of rules; a modification engine [310] of the
20 system to modify the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages; a generating unit [312] of the system to generate an output message based on the processed and modified network message.
[0139] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically 25 advanced solution for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit [320] of a communication network. The present solution provides a technically advanced solution at binding support function (BSF) node for providing the enhancement at BSF which allows user to define the rules using customized rule engine which helps in not only supersede the default behaviour wherever needed 30 but also provides more flexibility and customization to BSF node for future business cases and need.
36

[0140] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed implementations, it will be appreciated that many implementations can be made and that many changes can be made to the implementations without 5 departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.
10 [0141] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged that the functionality described for the various the components/units can be implemented interchangeably. While specific embodiments may disclose a particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is recognized that various configurations and combinations thereof are within the scope of the disclosure. The
15 functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.
20
37

We Claim:
1. A method [400] for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF)
unit [320] of a communication network, the method comprising:
5 receiving [404], by a transceiver unit [302] at the BSF unit [320], a
network message from a network interface, the network message comprising a set of attributes;
determining [406], by a determining unit [304] at the BSF unit [320], the network interface through which the network message is received based 10 on the set of attributes, the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface;
selecting [408], by a selecting unit [306] at the BSF unit [320], a rule
engine based on the determined network interface, the rule engine comprising
at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine;
15 determining [410], by the rule engine at the BSF unit [320], a set of
rules based on the set of attributes;
processing [412], by a processing unit [308] at the BSF unit [320], the network message based on the determined set of rules;
modifying [414], by a modification engine [310] at the BSF unit [320], 20 the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages; and
generating [416], by a generating unit [312] at the BSF unit [320], an output message based on the processed and modified network message.
25 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of attributes comprises at least one of service operation, group public service identity (GPSI), subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), internet protocol (IP), media access control (MAC), data network name (DNN), slice, policy control function fully qualified domain name (pcfFqdn), policy control function diameter host
30 (PcfDiamHost), realm and bindingexists.
38

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first interface is an Rx
interface between Proxy Call Session Control Function/ Diameter Routing
Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) unit and a policy control function (PCF) unit; and the
second interface is an Nbsf interface between the Binding Support Function
5 (BSF) and a Network Exposure Function (NEF).
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first rule engine is configured
to process Rx-based network message, and the second rule engine is
configured to process Nbsf-based network message.
10
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modification engine [310]
comprising at least one of a first modification engine and a second
modification engine, wherein:
the first modification engine is configured to modify Rx-based network 15 message; and
the second modification engine is configured to modify Nbsf-based network message.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the determining further comprises
20 matching, by the rule engine, the set of rules with the set of attributes utilizing
a set of logical operators comprising at least one of AND, OR, and NOT, and wherein the set of attributes are further matched using relational operators including equals (=), not equals (!=), greater than (>), less than (<), and range specification. 25
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network message is modified
at least one stage of the set of predefined stages.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the modifying comprising at least
30 one of adding, deleting, or altering attributes, headers, or attribute-value pair
(AVP) elements.
39

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first rule engine and the second
rule engine are interdependent, such that the first rule engine is further
configured to process Nbsf-based network message and the second rule
5 engine is further configured to process Rx-based network message.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of predefined stages
comprises at least one of upon entry into the BSF unit [320], during rule
evaluation, prior to forwarding from the BSF unit [320], before sending a
10 response, and after receiving a response.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of pre-stored conditions
comprises conditions defined based on network policies, user profiles, and
historical data analytics, each condition being associated with a modification
15 action to optimize network performance and compliance with regulatory requirement.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of rules is at least one of:
prioritized, such that a priority is allocated to each rule of the set of 20 rules;
marked as exclusive, such that if a rule marked as an exclusive rule is executed, the execution of the exclusive rule prevents subsequent execution of other rules of the set of rules; and
action-terminating, such that if an action-terminating rule is executed, 25 further evaluation of subsequent rules is halted, and only action of the action-terminating executed rule is enforced.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processed and modified
network message is stored in a memory unit of the BSF unit [320].
30
40

14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the BSF [320] unit comprising at
least one of a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface
(CLI) enabling users to perform at least one of configure and modify the set
of rules.
5
15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprising
identifying, by an identifying unit [314] at the BSF unit [320], one or more
actions to be performed based on the generated output message.
10 16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one or more actions comprise at least one of an accept binding action, a reject binding action, an overwrite binding action, a send redirect action, an accept discovery action, a reject discovery action, an include custom attribute action, modify a binding allowed action, a modify binding not allowed action, and a modify attribute
15 action.
17. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprising:
creating, by the processing unit [308] at the BSF unit [320], one or more routes based on policy configurations, wherein the BSF unit [320] is 20 configured to:
modify an incoming message from at least one of P-CSCF over a Diameter protocol and AF/NEF over the hypertext transfer protocol 2 (HTTP/2) protocol; and
route at least one of the modified message and unmodified
25 message to an appropriate PCF unit.
18. A system for managing messages in a binding support function (BSF) unit
[320] of a communication network, the system comprising:
the BSF unit [320] comprising:
41

a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive a network message from a network interface, the network message comprising a set of attributes;
a determining unit [304] connected to at least the transceiver unit
5 [302], wherein the determining unit [304] configured to determine the
network interface through which the network message is received based
on the set of attributes, the network interface comprising at least one of
a first interface and a second interface;
a selecting unit [306] connected to at least the determining unit
10 [304], wherein the selecting unit [306] configured to select, a rule
engine based on the determined network interface, the rule engine
comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine;
the rule engine connected to at least the selecting unit [306],
wherein the rule engine is configured to determine a set of rules based
15 on the set of attributes;
a processing unit [308] connected to at least the rule engine, wherein the processing unit [308] configured to process the network message based on the determined set of rules;
a modification engine [310] connected to at least the processing
20 unit [308], wherein the modification engine [310] configured to modify
the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages; and
a generating unit [312] connected to at least the modification
engine [310] wherein the generating unit [312] configured to generate
25 an output message based on the processed and modified network
message.
19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the set of attributes comprises at
least one of service operation, group public service identity (GPSI),
30 subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), internet protocol (IP), media access
control (MAC), data network name (DNN), slice, policy control function
42

fully qualified domain name (pcfFqdn), policy control function diameter host (PcfDiamHost), realm and bindingexists.
20. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first interface is an Rx interface between Proxy Call Session Control Function/ Diameter Routing Agent (P-CSCF/DRA) unit and a policy control function (PCF) unit; and the second interface is an Nbsf interface between the Binding Support Function (BSF) and a Network Exposure Function (NEF).
21. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first rule engine is configured to process Rx-based network message, and the second rule engine is configured to process Nbsf-based network message.
22. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the modification engine [310] comprising at least one of a first modification engine and a first modification engine, wherein:
the first modification engine is configured to modify Rx-based network message; and
the first modification engine is configured to modify Nbsf-based network message.
23. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the rule engine is further configured to match the set of rules with the set of attributes utilizing a set of logical operators comprising at least one of AND, OR, and NOT, and wherein the set of attributes are further matched using relational operators including equals (=), not equals (!=), greater than (>), less than (<), and range specification.
24. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the network message is modified at least one stage of the set of predefined stages.

25. The system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the modifying comprising at least one of adding, deleting, or altering attributes, headers, or attribute-value pair (AVP) elements.
26. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first rule engine and the second rule engine are interdependent, such that the first rule engine is further configured to process Nbsf-based network message and the second rule engine is further configured to process Rx-based network message.
27. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the set of predefined stages comprises at least one of upon entry into the BSF unit [320], during rule evaluation, prior to forwarding from the BSF unit [320], before sending a response, and after receiving a response.
28. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the set of pre-stored conditions comprises conditions defined based on network policies, user profiles, and historical data analytics, each condition being associated with a modification action to optimize network performance and compliance with regulatory requirement.
29. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the set of rules is at least one of:
prioritized, such that a priority is allocated to each rule of the set of rules;
marked as exclusive, such that if a rule marked as an exclusive rule is executed, the execution of the exclusive rule prevents subsequent execution of other rules of the set of rules; and
action-terminating, such that if an action-terminating rule is executed, further evaluation of subsequent rules is halted, and only action of the action-terminating executed rule is enforced.

30. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the processed and modified network message is stored in a memory unit of the BSF unit [320].
31. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the BSF unit [320] comprising at least one of a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI) enabling users to perform at least one of configure and modify the set of rules.
32. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the system further comprising an identifying unit [314] at the BSF unit [320], configured to identify one or more actions to be performed based on the generated output message.
33. The system as claimed in claim 32, wherein the one or more actions comprise at least one of an accept binding action, a reject binding action, an overwrite binding action, a send redirect action, an accept discovery action, a reject discovery action, an include custom attribute action, modify a binding allowed action, a modify binding not allowed action, and a modify attribute action.
34. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the processing unit [308] at the BSF unit [320] is further configured to create one or more routes based on policy configurations, wherein the BSF unit [320] is configured to:
modify an incoming message from at least one of P-CSCF over a Diameter protocol and AF/NEF over the hypertext transfer protocol 2 (HTTP/2) protocol; and
route at least one of the modified message and unmodified message to an appropriate PCF unit.
35. A User Equipment (UE) comprising:
a memory; and

a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to:
transmit a network message comprising a set of attributes to a network interface associated with a binding support function (BSF) unit [320], the network interface comprising at least one of a first interface and a second interface;
select a rule engine based on the network interface, the rule engine comprising at least one of a first rule engine and a second rule engine;
determine a set of rules based on the set of attributes;
process, via a server, the network message based on the determined set of rules;
modify, via the server, the network message based on at least one of a set of pre-stored conditions and a set of predefined stages; and
generate, via the server, an output message based on the processed and modified network message.