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

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AN ONLINE CHARGING SYSTEM (OCS)

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 systems, more particularly relates to a method and system for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, telecom networks are geographically divided into multiple circles or zones to manage and segregate the services provided to users. These circles are assigned to both the users and the network entities that deliver the services. For example, when a user registers in the Mumbai circle, the user's home circle becomes Mumbai, and the network entities associated with Mumbai, such as the Mumbai SCSCF (Serving Call Session Control Function), Mumbai IPSMGW (IP Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway), and Mumbai OCS (Online Charging System), handle the user's services.
[0003] Conventionally, when a user sends an SMS, the message request is first routed to the SCSCF, which serves as the central control point for call sessions in the telecom network. The SCSCF performs essential functions such as session control, signaling message handling, and routing. Upon receiving the SMS message, the SCSCF determines the user's home IPSMGW based on the assigned home circle.
[0004] The IPSMGW, functioning as an application server, is responsible for providing SMS-related services and charging the user's account. It serves as a media gateway in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture and facilitates the conversion and routing of multimedia traffic between different network types. In the context of the SMS service, the IPSMGW processes the SMS request received from the SCSCF and is required to charge the user's account accurately.
[0005] To charge the user's account for the SMS service, the SCSCF provides the OCS address in the P-charging-function header of the message request using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) protocol. The OCS plays a critical role in real-time charging and billing within the telecom network. It monitors and controls the usage of network resources by subscribers and calculates charges for various services. The IPSMGW, utilizing the OCS address provided by the SCSCF, sends a charging request to the corresponding OCS.
[0006] In the existing technique of selecting the appropriate OCS, the IPSMGW needs to maintain a comprehensive database of all the OCS servers deployed in the network. This manual maintenance of the OCS server data is inefficient, especially considering the frequent changes that occur when users switch circles or when new OCS servers are added or removed from the network. Furthermore, updating a user's OCS address in their profile requires manual intervention, leading to additional inefficiencies.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an efficient and simplified solution to select the appropriate OCS in a telecom network based on the user's home circle. Such a solution would eliminate the need for the IPSMGW to maintain a large and constantly changing database of OCS servers. Additionally, the solution should seamlessly adapt to changes in the number or location of OCS servers deployed in the network, ensuring accurate charging of user accounts while reducing manual intervention and database maintenance overhead.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and system for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS).
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for selecting an OCS in a network is disclosed. The method includes the step of identifying a user's home domain at an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) in a received Short Message Service (SMS). The method further includes the step of populating utilizing the IPSMGW, a request message with the identified user's home domain. The method further includes the step of transmitting utilizing the IPSMGW, the request message to the OCS via a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA), thereby routing the request to the OCS.
[0010] In one embodiment, the user's home domain is identified based on the steps of, receiving the SMS from a user, transmitting, the received SMS to a Serving Call Session Control Function (SCSCF), determining utilizing the SCSCF, the user's home IPSMGW based on the user's assigned home circle, transmitting the SMS to the IPSMGW via the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message and identifying, the user's home domain at the IPSMGW.
[0011] In another embodiment, the one or more processors utilizing the SCSCF facilitates at least one of, a call session control and routing within the telecom network.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the OCS is a real-time charging and billing system within the telecom network, wherein the one or more processors utilizing the OCS calculates charges for various services, including at least one of, SMS messages.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the one or more processors, enables the IPSMGW to connect with the OCS over an interface based on at least one of, a diameter protocol.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the one or more processors integrates the IPSMGW with the SCSCF over an IP Service Control (ISC) interface.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the user's home domain is identified at the IPSMGW based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which is received in the header of the SIP message in response to transmitting the SMS to the IPSMGW via the SIP message.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the one or more processors extracts the IMSI at the IPSMGW from the header of the SIP message.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the request message includes a destination-realm Attribute Value Pair (AVP) which contains the realm of an operator domain, wherein the destination realm AVP is addressed with a domain address of a corresponding public Uniform Resource Identifier (URI).
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, a system for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network is disclosed. The system includes an identification unit configured to identify a user's home domain at an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) in a received Short Message Service (SMS). The system further includes a populating unit configured to populate utilizing the IPSMGW a request message with the identified user's home domain. The system further includes a transceiver configured to transmit utilizing the IPSMGW, the request message to the OCS via a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA), thereby routing the request to the OCS.
[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, a User Equipment (UE) is disclosed. One or more primary processors communicatively coupled to one or more processors. The one or more primary processors are coupled with a memory. The memory stores instructions which when executed by the one or more primary processors causes the UE to transmit the SMS by the user via a user interface to the one or more processors in order to avail one or more services. Further, the one or more processors is configured to perform the steps for selecting the OCS.
[0020] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to identify a user's home domain at an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) in a received Short message service (SMS). The processor is further configured to populate utilizing the IPSMGW a request message with the identified user's home domain. The processor is further configured to transmit utilizing the IPSMGW, the request message to the OCS via a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA), thereby routing the request to the OCS.
[0021] 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
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a communication system for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of the system for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow diagram of the system of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of an architecture of the system for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a signal flow diagram for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] The present invention provides a solution for selection of the Online Charging System (OCS) in a network, more particularly, the invention provides solution for efficient circle-wise selection of the OCS in the network. The proposed solution introduces a technical advancement performed in a system utilizing an IP Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) which streamlines a process of selecting the appropriate OCS in the network. By leveraging the inventive steps for selection of the OCS, the system utilizing an IPSMGW ensures that a Credit-Control-Request (CCR) quickly reaches the correct OCS without any failure or manual intervention. Advantageously, the OCS selection is simplified, and reducing the overhead of maintaining a large list of OCS.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a communication system 100 for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The communication system 100 includes a User Equipment (UE) 102, a server 104, a network 106 and a system 108. The UE 102 aids a user to interact with the system 108 to transmit a Short Message Service (SMS) to the system 108 in order to avail one or more services.
[0035] For the purpose of description and explanation, the description will be explained with respect to one or more user equipment’s (UEs) 102, or to be more specific will be explained with respect to a first UE 102a, a second UE 102b, and a third UE 102c, and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Each of the at least one UE 102 namely the first UE 102a, the second UE 102b, and the third UE 102c is configured to connect to the server 104 via the network 106.
[0036] In an embodiment, each of the first UE 102a, the second UE 102b, and the third UE 102c is one of, but not limited to, any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical or an equipment and a combination of one or more of the above devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device.
[0037] The network 106 includes, by way of example but not limitation, one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, an internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, or some combination thereof. The network 106 may include, but is not limited to, a Third Generation (3G), a Fourth Generation (4G), a Fifth Generation (5G), a Sixth Generation (6G), a New Radio (NR), a Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), and the like.
[0038] The network 106 may also include, by way of example but not limitation, at least a portion of one or more networks having one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or a combination thereof, etc. one or more messages, packets, signals, waves, voltage or current levels, some combination thereof, or so forth. The network 106 may also include, by way of example but not limitation, one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, an internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, a VOIP or some combination thereof.
[0039] The communication system 100 includes the server 104 accessible via the network 106. The server 104 may include by way of example but not limitation, one or more of a standalone server, a server blade, a server rack, a bank of servers, a server farm, hardware supporting a part of a cloud service or system, a home server, hardware running a virtualized server, a processor executing code to function as a server, one or more machines performing server-side functionality as described herein, at least a portion of any of the above, some combination thereof. In an embodiment, the entity may include, but is not limited to, a vendor, a network operator, a company, an organization, a university, a lab facility, a business enterprise side, a defense facility side, or any other facility that provides service.
[0040] The communication system 100 further includes the system 108 communicably coupled to the server 104 and each of the first UE 102a, the second UE 102b, and the third UE 102c via the network 106. The system 108 is adapted to be embedded within the server 104 or may be an individual entity.
[0041] Operational and construction features of the system 108 will be explained in detail with respect to the following figures.
[0042] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of the system 108 for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) 228 in a network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] As per the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the system 108 for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in the network 106 is provided. The system 108 includes one or more processors 202, a memory 204, a database 220, an IP Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) 222, and a Serving Call Session Control Function (SCSCF) 224. The one or more processors 202 includes an identification unit 206, a populating unit 208, a transceiver 210, a managing unit 212, , a connection establishment unit 216, and an integration unit 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 108 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.
[0044] As per the illustrated embodiment, the processor 202 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 204 as the memory 204 is communicably connected to the processor 202. The memory 204 is configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to create or share data packets over a network service. The memory 204 may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as disk memory, EPROMs, FLASH memory, unalterable memory, and the like.
[0045] In an embodiment, the database 220 is one of, but not limited to, a centralized database, a cloud-based database, a commercial database, an open-source database, a distributed database, an end-user database, a graphical database, a No-Structured Query Language (NoSQL) database, an object-oriented database, a personal database, an in-memory database, a document-based database, a time series database, a wide column database, a key value database, a search database, a cache databases, and so forth. The foregoing examples of database 220 types are non-limiting and may not be mutually exclusive e.g., the database can be both commercial and cloud-based, or both relational and open-source, etc.
[0046] In an embodiment, the IP Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) 222 is an IMS media gateway. The IMS media gateway is a gateway between the SCSCF 224 and the OCS 228. The gateway is a network node used in telecommunications that connects two networks or network elements with different transmission protocols together.
[0047] In an embodiment, the SCSCF 224 is the primary node in the system 108 which facilitates the processor 202 in a call session control and routing calls/messages within the network 106. The processor 202 integrates the IPSMGW 222 with the SCSCF 224 over an IP Service Control (ISC) interface based on the SIP. In particular, an integration unit 218 of the processor 202 integrates the IPSMGW 222 with the SCSCF 224 over the IPISC interface.
[0048] The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol which is used for initiating, maintaining, modifying and terminating real-time communications sessions between Internet Protocol (IP) devices. The SIP enables voice, messaging, video and other communications applications and services between two or more endpoints on IP networks.
[0049] In an embodiment, the Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) 226 provides a real-time routing capability to ensure that calls/messages are routed among the correct elements in the network 106. The DRA 226 connects the system 108 with the OCS 228 via at least one of, a diameter interface based on the diameter protocol which is used for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) in IP networks. The diameter interface enables communication between the system 108 and the DRA 226.
[0050] In an embodiment, the Online charging System (OCS) 228 is a real-time charging and billing system within the network 106. The OCS 228 calculates charges for various services, including at least one of, but not limited to, the SMS messages. The system 108 connects to the OCS 228 through a DRA 310 over at least one of, a Ro interface and the diameter interface based on at least one of, the diameter protocol. The diameter interface enables communication between the system 108 and the OCS 228, ensuring secure and reliable exchange of charging-related information.
[0051] In one embodiment, the connection establishing unit 216 of the processor 202 is configured to enable the IPSMGW 222 to connect with the OCS 228 over an interface based on at least one of, the diameter protocol.
[0052] In an embodiment, the identification unit 206 is configured to identify a user's home domain at the IPSMGW 222 utilizing the SCSCF 224 based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which is received in the header of the SIP message in response to transmitting the SMS to the SCSCF 224 via the SIP message by a user. The identification unit 206 determines the user's home IPSMGW 222 based on the user's assigned home circle. In an alternate embodiment, the identification unit 206 extracts the IMSI utilizing the SCSCF 224 at the IPSMGW 222 from the header of the SIP message.
[0053] In an embodiment, the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is a unique number automatically generated and stored in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) of the user. IMSI identifies every mobile phone subscriber/user on a mobile communication network.
[0054] In an embodiment, when a user registers into network 106, the user is assigned with a particular circle as the user’s home circle and the network entities such as the SCSCF 224, the IPSMGW 222 and the OCS 228 have respective names accordingly. For example, when the user registers in a Mumbai circle, the user will communicate with the Mumbai’s SCSCF, the Mumbai’s IPSMGW, and the Mumbai’s OCS etc.
[0055] In an embodiment, the populating unit 208 of the processor 202 is configured to populate/fill the identified user's home domain information utilizing the IPSMGW 222 in a request message such as a Credit-Control-Request (CCR) message. In particular, the CCR message, indicated by the Command-Code field set to 272 is sent by a Charging Trigger Function (CTF) to an Online Charging Function (OCF) in order to request credits for the request bearer / subsystem /service. The CCR message format is defined as follows:
::= < Diameter Header: 272, REQ, PXY >
< Session-Id >
{ Origin-Host }
{ Origin-Realm }
{ Destination-Realm }
{ Auth-Application-Id }
{ Service-Context-Id }
{ CC-Request-Type }
{ CC-Request-Number }
[ Destination-Host ]
[ User-Name ]
[ Origin-State-Id ]
[ Event-Timestamp ]
*[ Subscription-Id ]
[ Termination-Cause ]
[ Requested-Action ]
[ Multiple-Services-Indicator ]
*[ Multiple-Services-Credit-Control ]
[ CC-Correlation-Id ]
[ User-Equipment-Info ]
*[ Proxy-Info ]
*[ Route-Record ]
[ Service-Information ]
*[ AVP ]
[0056] Further, the populating unit 208 populates a destination-realm Attribute Value Pair (AVP) included in the CCR with the identified user's home domain. The CCR represents a Credit-Control-Request message, which is transmitted to the OCS 228 by the processors 202. The destination-realm AVP contains a realm of an operator domain pertaining to which the message is to be routed. The realm is a logical way of identifying a domain, a network, a collection of networks, or a set of addresses. The destination realm AVP is addressed with a domain address of a corresponding public Uniform Resource Identifier (URI).
[0057] In an embodiment, the transceiver 210 of the processor 202 is configured to transmit the CCR message to the OCS 228 via at least one of, but not limited to, the DRA 226, thereby routing the CCR message to the OCS 228.
[0058] The identification unit 206, the populating unit 208, the transceiver 210, the managing unit 212, the connection establishment unit 216, and the integration unit 218, in an exemplary embodiment, are 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 the processor 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 108 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 108 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processor 202 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an architecture for the system 108 of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the system 108 configured for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in a network 106. It is to be noted that the embodiment with respect to FIG. 3 will be explained with respect to the UE 102 for the purpose of description and illustration and should nowhere be construed as limited to the scope of the present disclosure. The UE 102 communicates with the system 108 based on at least one of, but not limited to, a 4G and a 5G. The communication between the UE 102 and the system 108 is established via using one or more Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes which include at least one of, but not limited to, gNodeB (gNB) and evolved NodeB (eNB). The UE 102 transmits at least one of, but not limited to, the SMS to the system 108. Further, the SMS is received by the SCSCF 224 of the system 108.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows communication between the UE 102 and the system 108. For the purpose of description of the exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the User Equipment (UE) 102 uses network protocol connection to communicate with the system 108. In an embodiment, the network protocol connection is the establishment and management of communication between the UE 102 and the system 108 over the network 106 using a specific protocol or set of protocols. The network protocol connection includes, but not limited to, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), System Information Block (SIB) protocol, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) and Terminal Network (TELNET).
[0061] In an embodiment, the UE 102 includes a primary processor 302, a memory 304, and a user interface 306. In alternate embodiments, the UE 102 may include more than one primary processor 302 as per the requirement of the network 106. The primary processor 302, may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, single board computers, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
[0062] In an embodiment, the primary processor 302 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 304. The memory 304 may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to create or share data packets over a network service. The memory 304 may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as disk memory, EPROMs, FLASH memory, unalterable memory, and the like.
[0063] In an embodiment, the user interface 306 of the UE 102 includes a variety of interfaces, for example, a graphical user interface, a web user interface, a Command Line Interface (CLI), and the like. The user interface 306 is configured to allow a user to transmit the SMS to the processors 202 via the UE 102 in order to avail one or more services. Further, the processor 202 is configured to perform the steps for selecting the OCS 228 in the network 106.
[0064] In an embodiment, for example, initially when the user transmits the SMS via the UE 102 to the processor 202 by interacting with the user interface 306, the SMS is received by the identification unit 206 which determines the user's home IPSMGW 222 utilizing the SCSCF 224 based on the user's assigned home circle. Further the identification unit 206 identifies the user’s home domain at the user's home IPSMGW 222. For example, let us assume a user registers in a Mumbai circle based on which the Mumbai circle is assigned as the user’s home circle. The Mumbai circle is associated with the network entities within the Mumbai circle, including at least one of, Mumbai’s SCSCF 224, Mumbai’s IPSMGW 222, and Mumbai’s OCS 228. Further, when the user’s SMS is received, the identification unit 206 identifies that the SMS is received from the Mumbai’s circle and identifies the information related to the user and the network entities associated with the Mumbai’s circle which is inferred as the user's home domain.
[0065] Thereafter, utilizing the user's home IPSMGW 222, the populating unit 208 populates a CCR message with the identified user's home domain. For example, the identification unit 206 identifies the address of the Mumbai’s OCS 228 and the populating unit 208 adds the identified address of the Mumbai’s OCS 228 in the destination-realm AVP of the CCR message. Subsequent to populating the CCR message with the identified address of the Mumbai’s OCS 228, the transceiver 210 transmits the CCR message to the Mumbai’s OCS 228 via the DRA 226. Advantageously, the CCR message is routed to the appropriate OCS 228 based on the user's home circle for charging the user for SMS services.
[0066] FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of an architecture 400 of the system 108 for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) 228 in the network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0067] The architecture 400 includes an IPSMGW 222, which is communicably coupled with a Serving-Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) 224, a F5 Load Balancer 406a and 406b, a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) 226, a Signaling Transfer Point (STP) 410, an Element Management System (EMS) 412, and the database 220.
[0068] In an embodiment, the IPSMGW 222 system integrates with the S-CSCF 224 through Integrated Small Cell (ISC) over Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) interface. The ISC interface connects the S-CSCF 224 and Application Server(s). The S-CSCF 224 will trigger the IPSMGW 222 for 3rd Party Registrations and for forwarding SMS originated from the UE 102 towards the IPSMGW 222.
[0069] Upon transmitting the SMS from the UE 102, the IPSMGW 222 performs a Mobile Number Portability (MNP) 416 query by using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) MESSAGE method to find Routable Number (RN) and outbound Mobile Numbers. This integration between the IPSMGW 222 and the MNP 416 is done via the F5 load balancer 406b.
[0070] Thereafter, the IPSMGW 222 connects to the OCS 228, to provide diameter-based IMS online charging. This interface is via the Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) 226. Charging for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers will be via the OCS 228.
[0071] The IPSMGW 222 will communicate with the HSS 420 over Sh interface to fetch user registration data. The IPSMGW 222 integrates with CP (content provider) over Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol (SMPP) interface for Peer-to-Application (P2A) or Application-to-Peer (A2P) SMS service. This integration between the HSS 420 and the IPSMGW 222 is done via the F5 load balancer 406a.
[0072] The IPSMGW 222 deployed for A2P traffic connects with P2P IPSMGW over SMPP interface to transfer SMPP request from the UE 102 to A2P IPSMGW. This integration is done via the F5 load balancer 406a. The IPSMGW 222 connects with a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) 224 over T4 interface to receive device trigger messages. The IPSMGW 222 connects with the HSS 420 over S6c interface to fetch terminating the IPSMGW 222 address of user. The IPSMGW 222 connects with MME 424 over SGd interface to terminate the device trigger message to user. The front end of the IPSMGW 222 connects with a Home Location Register (HLR) over a Mapping of Address and Port with Encapsulation (MAP-E) interface to fetch registration status of end user. This integration is done via the STP 410.
[0073] The front end of the IPSMGW 222 integrates with the Element Management System (EMS) 412 over Representational State Transfer (REST) interface to share FCAPS (Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security) data of IPSMGW 222 application, IPSMGW 222 signaling front end and IPSMGW 222 antispam manager. The EMS 412 primarily supports fault management, performance management and configuration management of the nodes. EMS integrates with north bound OSS/BSS nodes i.e. Telecommunications Management Information Platform (TeMIP), My Communication (MyCOM), Hewlett-Packard Operations Orchestration (HPOO), Granite, Discovery and Reconciliation (DnR) for sharing FCAPs data.
[0074] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) 228 in a network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of description, the method 500 is described with the embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 2 and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0075] At step 502, the method 500 includes the step of identifying a user's home domain at an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) 222 based on received Short Message Service (SMS). In one embodiment, an identification unit 206 of the processor 202 is configured to identify a user's home domain at an IPSMGW 222 in a received Short Message Service (SMS). Initially, when the user transmits the SMS to the processor 202, the SCSCF 224 receives the SMS from the user. Further, the SCSCF 224 determines the user's home IPSMGW 222 based on the user's assigned home circle. Subsequent to determining the user's home IPSMGW 222, the SCSCF 224 transmits the received SMS to the user's home IPSMGW 222 via the SIP message. Further, the identification unit 206 extracts the IMSI which is received in the header of the SIP message. Utilizing the extracted IMSI, the identification unit 206 identifies the information pertaining to the user’s home domain.
[0076] At step 504, the method 500 includes the step of populating utilizing the IPSMGW 222, a request message with the identified user's home domain. In one embodiment, the populating unit 208 of the processor 202 is configured to populate/add the identified information user's home domain in the destination-realm AVP of the request message such as Credit-Control-Request (CCR) message. For example, the populating unit 208 adds the identified user's OCS address in the destination-realm AVP of the CCR.
[0077] At 506, the method 500 includes the step of transmitting utilizing the IPSMGW 222, the Credit-Control-Request message to the OCS 228 via a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) 226, thereby routing the CCR to the OCS 228. In one embodiment, the transceiver 210 of the processor 202 is configured to transmit the CCR message to the OCS 228 via the DRA 226. The CCR contains the destination-realm AVP, which ensures that the SMS is routed to an appropriate OCS 228 corresponding to the user's home circle. Advantageously, the invention eliminates the need for the IPSMGW 222 to maintain a large list of plurality of OCS in the network 106.
[0078] Further, the appropriate OCS 228 calculates the charges for the SMS and updates the user accordingly.
[0079] FIG. 6 is a signal flow diagram illustrating the flow for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) 228 in a network 106, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0080] At step 602, utilizing the UE 102, the user transmits the SMS via the user interface 306 to the S-CSCF 224.
[0081] At step 604, the SCSCF 224 receives the SMS and further forwards theSMS received from the UE 102 as the SIP message at the IPSMGW 222..
[0082] At step 606, the IPSMGW 222receives the SMS from SCSCF 224 as the SIP message and identifies the users home domain . Further, the IPSMGW 222 populates a request message with the identified user's home domain and transmits the populated user's home domain in the request message to the DRA 226.
[0083] At step 608, the DRA 226 receives the request message and routes request to the appropriate OCS 228.
[0084] At step 610, the appropriate OCS 228 transmits a response related to the charges for the SMS service to the user.
[0085] The present invention further discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions are executed by the processor 202. The processor 202 is configured to identify a user's home domain at an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) 222 in a received Short message service (SMS). The processor 202 is further configured to populate utilizing the IPSMGW 222, a request message with the identified user's home domain. The processor 202 is further configured to transmit utilizing the IPSMGW 222, the request message to the OCS 228 via a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) 226, thereby routing the request to the OCS 222.
[0086] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated embodiments and steps in description and drawings (FIG.1-6) 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.
[0087] The present disclosure provides technical advancement for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS) in the network. The system simplifies the process of the OCS selection by eliminating the need for the IPSMGW to maintain the large list of the plurality of the OCS which reduces the overhead and complexity associated with maintaining and updating the OCS data. Furthermore, the invention seamlessly adapts to changes in the number of the OCS or location of the OCS in the network. The addition or reduction of the OCS in the network does not impact the selection process, making it highly scalable and adaptable to evolving network requirements. By accurately determining the appropriate OCS based on the user's home circle, the invention ensures precise charging of user for SMS services and eliminates errors or inconsistencies that may occur in manual maintenance of list of the plurality of OCS.
[0088] 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

[0089] Communication system - 100;
[0090] User Equipment (UE) - 102;
[0091] Server - 104;
[0092] Network- 106;
[0093] System -108;
[0094] Processor - 202;
[0095] Memory - 204;
[0096] Identification unit – 206;
[0097] Populating unit – 208;
[0098] Transceiver – 210;
[0099] Managing unit – 212;
[00100] Connection establishing unit – 216;
[00101] Integration unit – 218;
[00102] Database – 220;
[00103] IPSMGW- 222;
[00104] SCSCF – 224;
[00105] DRA – 226;
[00106] OCS – 228;
[00107] Primary processor- 302;
[00108] Memory- 304;
[00109] User Interface – 306;
[00110] F5 Load balancer- 406a, 406b;
[00111] STP-410;
[00112] EMS- 412;
[00113] SMPP-CP- 414;
[00114] MNP-416;
[00115] HSS- 420;
[00116] SCEF- 422;
[00117] MME-424.

,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A method (500) for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS), the method (500) comprises the steps of:
identifying, by one or more processors (202), a user's home domain at an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) (222) in a received Short message service (SMS);
populating, by the one or more processors (202), utilizing the IPSMGW (222), a request message with the identified user's home domain; and
transmitting, by the one or more processors (202), utilizing the IPSMGW (222), the request message to the OCS via a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) (226), thereby routing the request to the OCS (228).

2. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (202), identifies the user's home domain based on:
receiving, the SMS from a user;
transmitting, the received SMS to a Serving Call Session Control Function (SCSCF) (224);
determining, utilizing the SCSCF (224), the user's home IPSMGW(222) based on the user's assigned home circle;
transmitting, the SMS to the IPSMGW (222) via the (Session Initiation Protocol) SIP message; and
identifying, the user's home domain at the IPSMGW (222).

3. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (202) utilizing the SCSCF (224) facilitates at least one of, a call session control and routing within the telecom network (106).

4. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the OCS (228) is a real-time charging and billing system within the telecom network (106), wherein the OCS (228) calculates charges for various services, including at least one of, SMS messages.

5. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (202), enables the IPSMGW (222) to connect with the OCS (228) over an interface based on at least one of, a diameter protocol.

6. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (202) integrates the IPSMGW (222) with the SCSCF (224) over an IP Service Control (ISC) interface.

7. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user's home domain is identified at the IPSMGW (222) based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which is received in the header of the SIP message in response to transmitting the SMS to the IPSMGW (222) via the SIP message.

8. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more processors (202) extracts the IMSI at the IPSMGW (222) from the header of the SIP message.

9. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the request message includes a destination-realm Attribute Value Pair (AVP) which contains the realm of an operator domain, wherein the destination realm AVP is addressed with a domain address of a corresponding public Uniform Resource Identifier (URI).

10. A system (108) for selecting an Online Charging System (OCS), the system (108) comprising:
an identification unit (206), configured to, identify, a user's home domain at an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Media Gateway (IPSMGW) (222) in a received Short message service (SMS);
a populating unit (208), configured to, populate, utilizing the IPSMGW (222), a request message with the identified user's home domain; and
a transceiver (210), configured to, transmit, utilizing the IPSMGW (222), the request message to the OCS (228) via a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) (226), thereby routing the request to the OCS (228).

11. The system (108) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the identification unit (206) identifies the user's home domain based on:
receiving, the SMS from a user;
transmitting, the received SMS to a Serving Call Session Control Function (SCSCF) (224);
determining, utilizing the SCSCF (224), the user's home IPSMGW (222) based on the user's assigned home circle;
transmitting, the SMS to the IPSMGW (222) via the (Session Initiation Protocol) SIP message; and
identifying, the user’s home domain at the IPSMGW (222).

12. The system (108) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a managing unit (212) of the system (108) utilizes the SCSCF (224) to facilitate at least one of, a call session control and routing within the telecom network (106).

13. The system (108) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the OCS (228) is a real-time charging and billing system within the telecom network (106), wherein the OCS (228) calculates charges for various services, including at least one of, SMS messages.

14. The system (108) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a connection establishing unit (216) of the system (108) enables the IPSMGW (222) to connect with the OCS (228) over an interface based on at least one of, a diameter protocol.

15. The system (108) as claimed in claim 10, wherein an integration unit (218) of the system (108) integrates the IPSMGW (222) with the SCSCF (224) over an IP Service Control (ISC) interface.

16. The system (108) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the user's home domain is identified at the IPSMGW (222) based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which is received in the header of the SIP message in response to transmitting the SMS to the IPSMGW (222) via the SIP message.

17. The system (108) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the identification unit (206) extracts the IMSI at the IPSMGW (222) from the header of the SIP message.

18. The system (108) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the request message includes a destination-realm Attribute Value Pair (AVP) which contains the realm of an operator domain, wherein the destination realm AVP is addressed with a domain address of a corresponding public Uniform Resource Identifier (URI).

19. A User Equipment (UE) (102), comprising:
one or more primary processors (302) communicatively coupled to one or more processors (202), the one or more primary processors (302) coupled with a memory (304), wherein said memory (304) stores instructions which when executed by the one or more primary processors (302) causes the UE (102) to:
transmit, the SMS by the user via a user interface (306) to the one or more processors (202) in order to avail one or more services; and
wherein the one or more processors (202) is configured to perform the steps as claimed in claim 1.