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 GENERATING A PCF RESPONSE IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS 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.
2
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A PCF RESPONSE IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
5
[0001]
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications network. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network.
10
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 15 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 20 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. 3G technology 25 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 30 multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication
3
technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering
more services to its users.
[0004]
As part of access and mobility (AM) policy flow (via N15 communication protocol), PCF server is responsible for providing the information such as RFSP 5 Index (Index to RAT/Frequency Selection Priority) or UE-AMBR (User Equipment-Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate) or Service Area Restriction (SAR) in response to a policy create or policy update request received from AMF server. Similarly, for session management (SM) policy flow (via N7 communication protocol), PCF server is responsible for providing the session rules in response to 10 policy create or policy update request received from SMF server. Similarly, for user equipment (UE) policy flow, PCF server provides URSP (UE Route Selection Policy and/or V2XP (Vehicle-to-everything Policy) and/or ProSeP (Proximity Services Policy) and/or ANDSP (Access Network Discovery and Selection Policy) in response to policy create or policy update request received from UE. 15
[0005]
It is common general knowledge that PCF server authorizes the request received from AMF server and/or SMF server and also other sources such as UDR, CHF, AF and makes policy decisions based on locally defined rules to provide the information mentioned above. However, it is emphasized that AMF server, in 20 aforementioned requests, provides the RFSP Index and/or UE-AMBR and/or SAR based on local defined information in AMF server as well as data fetched from UDM server. Similarly, SMF server fetches the Subscribed Session AMBR and/or Default QoS (Quality of Service) in initial request based on local provisioned data and UDM server provided subscriber profile. 25
[0006]
For special cases, the PCF server would need to modify the values received from AMF server and/or SMF server or other sources. However, for the majority of cases, the PCF server is required to provide the same value in response that are received in the aforementioned requests by AMF server and/or SMF server. In 30 conventional implementations of PCF server, this results in defining the rules (AM
4
or SM) for all possible combinations of aforementioned cases which leads to
creation of prohibitively large number of rules within the PCF server. This would also make management of such a prohibitively large number of rules very difficult from an operational perspective. This problem pertaining to AM Policy Control and/or SM Policy Control is also relevant for other interfaces like UE Policy 5 Control.
[0007]
Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to efficiently create a PCF response to policy create and policy update request, which the present disclosure aims to address. 10
SUMMARY
[0008]
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. 15 This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0009]
An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network. The 20 method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit at a PCF server, a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs). The policy control request message comprises one or more information elements (IEs). The method further comprises checking, by a checking unit at the PCF server, the one or more IEs received in the policy control request message. The method further comprises 25 fetching, by the transceiver unit at the PCF server, a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message. Furthermore, the method comprises performing, by an application unit at the PCF server, one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data. The one or more NF policy control procedures comprises 30 determining a set of user-defined policy rules. The method further comprises
5
generating, by an output unit, a policy control function response based on the
performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules. The generating of the policy control function response comprises enabling a reflective value feature. The generating of the policy control function response further includes reflecting values of the received one or more IEs, 5 based on the reflective value feature, when no matching rule is found in the set of user-defined policy rules. The generating of the policy control function response further includes returning the reflective values of the one or more IEs as the policy control function response.
10
[0010]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more network functions comprises at least an access and mobility management function (AMF) server and a session management function (SMF) server.
[0011]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more IEs 15 comprises at least one of RAT Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) Index, UE- Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR), Service Area Restrictions (SAR) for AM Policy Control, or Subscribed Session AMBR and Default Quality of Service (QoS) for SM Policy Control.
20
[0012]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one more NF policy control procedures comprise one of: an access and mobility management (AM) policy Control procedure, and a session management (SM) policy control procedure.
25
[0013]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the AM policy control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the AMF server, and the SM policy control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the SMF server.
30
6
[0014]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the NF policy control procedure comprises providing, by the output unit at the PCF server, a set of user defined values in a response to the request message. The providing the set of user-defined values is based on a comparison of the received one or more IEs in the request message with a set of values in the set of user-defined policy rules, in an 5 event the user-defined policy rules exist. The NF policy control procedure further comprises applying, by the output unit at the PCF server, the reflective value feature to populate the response to the request message with identical IEs as received in the policy control request in an event the set of user-defined policy rules are absent.
10
[0015]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more data source servers comprise at least one from among a User Data Repository (UDR), a Subscription Profile Repository (SPR), a Charging Function (CHF), and an Application Function (AF).
15
[0016]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the policy control request is one of: an AM Policy Control Create/Update message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) server, or an SM Policy Control Create/Update message from the Session Management Function (SMF) server.
20
[0017]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the reflective value feature is utilized in scenarios where communication failure occurs between the policy control function (PCF) server, and User Data Repository (UDR) server/Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) server, allowing the PCF to provide reflective AM/SM values based on data provided by one of the AMF or SMF. 25
[0018]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the reflective value feature is enabled or disabled for each IE of the one or more IEs.
[0019]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the generating of the policy 30 control function response comprises returning values for the one or more IEs when
7
a rule is matched with the set of user
-defined policy rules. The generating of the policy control function response further comprises updating values for partial received IEs of the one or more IEs based on the matched rule.
[0020]
In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the policy control function 5 response comprises a combination of the reflective and updated values for the one or more IEs based on the determined set of user-defined policy rules, wherein the combination is determined by the one or more parameters defined in the set of user-defined policy rules.
10
[0021]
Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network. The system comprising a PCF server. The PCF server further comprises a transceiver unit configured to receive, a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs). The policy control request message comprises 15 one or more information elements (IEs). The PCF server further comprises a checking unit connected to at least the transceiver unit. The checking unit is configured to check the one or more IEs received in the policy control request message. Furthermore, the PCF server further comprises the transceiver unit further configured to fetch a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the 20 received one or more IEs in the policy control request message. The PCF server further comprises an application unit connected to at least the transceiver unit. The application unit is configured to perform one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data, the one or more NF policy control procedures are configured to determine a set of user-defined policy rules. The PCF server further 25 comprises an output unit configured to generate a policy control function response based on the performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules. To generate the policy control function response, the output unit is further configured to enable a reflective value feature and reflect values of the received one or more IEs, based on the reflective value feature, when 30 no matching rule is found in the set of user-defined policy rules. To generate the
8
policy control function response, the output unit is further configured to
return the reflective values of the one or more IEs as the policy control function response.
[0022]
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, storing instructions for generating a policy 5 control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network. The instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system cause a transceiver unit of the PCF server to receive a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs). The policy control request message comprises one or more information elements (IEs). The instructions when 10 executed by the system further cause a checking unit connected to at least the transceiver unit, to check the one or more IEs received in the policy control request message. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the transceiver unit to fetch a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message. The instructions 15 when executed by the system further cause an application unit connected to at least the transceiver unit, to perform one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data, the one or more NF policy control procedures are configured to determine a set of user-defined policy rules. The instructions when executed by the system further cause an output unit configured to generate a policy control 20 function response based on the performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules. To generate the policy control function response, the output unit is further configured to enable a reflective value feature. To generate the policy control function response, the output unit is further configured to reflect values of the received one or more IEs, based on the reflective 25 value feature, when no matching rule is found in the set of user-defined policy rules, and further return the reflective values of the one or more IEs as the policy control function response.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 30
9
[0023]
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.
[0024]
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for creation of PCF (server) response to policy create and policy update request. 5
[0025]
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that enables PCF server to provide necessary values of information element based on a node function server provided data even in case of failure of communication between PCF server and data source server such as, but not limited to, UDR/SPR. 10
[0026]
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that reduces number of rules to be created at PCF server for managing the AM session and/or SM session.
15
[0027]
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that increases computational and operational efficiency by reducing the number of rules to be created and managed by a user.
[0028]
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that 20 increases system efficiency by reducing the number of rules to be evaluated by the PCF server for catering the AM sessions and/or SM sessions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
25
[0029]
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 30 disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as
10
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. 5
[0030]
FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
10
[0031]
FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary system architecture depicting communication between a Policy Control Function (PCF), a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) and one or more network functions, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
15
[0032]
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
[0033]
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for generating a 20 policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
[0034]
FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, in accordance with 25 exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
[0035]
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method flow for generating a PCF response where the request is an AM Policy Control Create/Update message request, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. 30
11
[0036]
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method flow for generating a PCF response where the request is an SM Policy Control Create/Update message request, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
[0037]
The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed 5 description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038]
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various 10 specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not 15 address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above.
[0039]
The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, 20 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 arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth. 25
[0040]
Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components 30
12
may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the
embodiments in unnecessary detail.
[0041]
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 5 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 is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. 10
[0042]
The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the 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 15 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 description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner 20 similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0043]
As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for 25 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 Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of 30 integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing,
13
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.
[0044]
As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, 5 “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 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 10 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 contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from at least one of a transceiver unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, a detection unit and any other 15 such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
[0045]
As used herein, “storage unit” or “memory unit” refers to a machine or computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable 20 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 that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective functions. 25
[0046]
As used herein “interface” or “user interface” refers to a shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a system exchange information 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 30
14
each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may be
called.
[0047]
All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a 5 general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, 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. 10
[0048]
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. 15
[0049]
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 generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a 20 telecommunications network.
[0050]
FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture [100A], in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the 5GC network 25 architecture [100A] includes a user equipment (UE) [102], a radio access network (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 30 Selection Function (NSSF) [116], a Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118], a
15
Network Repository Function (NRF) [120], a Policy Control Function (PCF) [122],
a Unified Data Management (UDM) [124], an application function (AF) [126], a 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
[0051]
The 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 10 wireless communication.
[0052]
The 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 15 procedures like handovers and paging.
[0053]
The 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 20 (UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP address allocation and QoS enforcement.
[0054]
The 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 25 service-based interfaces.
[0055]
The 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
16
[0056]
The Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) [114] is a network function that provides authentication and authorization services specific to network slices. It ensures that UEs can access only the slices for which they are authorized.
5
[0057]
The Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) [116] is a network function responsible for selecting the appropriate network slice for a UE based on factors such as subscription, requested services, and network policies.
[0058]
The Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118] is a network function that 10 exposes capabilities and services of the 5G network to external applications, enabling integration with third-party services and applications.
[0059]
The Network Repository Function (NRF) [120] is a network function that acts as a central repository for information about available network functions and 15 services. It facilitates the discovery and dynamic registration of network functions.
[0060]
The 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
[0061]
The Unified Data Management (UDM) [124] is a network function that centralizes the management of subscriber data, including authentication, authorization, and subscription information.
25
[0062]
The Application Function (AF) [126] is a network function that represents external applications interfacing with the 5G core network to access network capabilities and services.
17
[0063]
The User Plane Function (UPF) [128] is a network function responsible for handling user data traffic, including packet routing, forwarding, and QoS enforcement.
[0064]
The Data Network (DN) [130] refers to a network that provides data 5 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.
[0065]
Referring to FIG. 1B, an exemplary system architecture [100B] depicting 10 communication of a combined entity of Policy Control Function (PCF) [122], and a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) [122A] with one or more network functions, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary system architecture [100B] includes the PCF [122], and the PCRF [122A]. Generally, the PCRF [122A] is a node that operates in real time 15 to determine policy rules in a network. The PCRF [122A] is configured to define and monitor quality of service (QoS) policies based on user profiles to ensure that users receive a quality of service that matches their subscription. The PCF [122] and the PCRF [122A] are in communication with the one or more network functions. The one or more network functions include but may not be limited to a 20 Deep packet inspection unit (DPI) [132], the SMF [108], a charging function (CHF) [134], a Binding Support Function (BSF) [136], and the NRF [120]. Also, the one or more network functions include the AMF [106], the AF [126], an Online Charging System (OCS) [138], a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) [140], a Network Management System (NMS) [142] and a Subscription Profile Repository 25 (SPR) [144]. The DPI unit [132] is configured to perform a method of examining content of data packets as they pass by a checkpoint on the network. In addition, the CHF [134] is a network function that exists in control plane in a 5G core network. The CHF [134] is responsible for charging in 5G core network supporting both online and offline charging. The CHF [134] may interacts with the SMF [108] 30 during active user session to perform online charging. Generally, the BSF [136]
18
enables the PCF [122] to register, update and remove binding information from the
PCF [122] or the PCRF [122A].
[0066]
Further, in general, the OCS [138] enables fixed, mobile, and data network carriers to charge fee for voice, data, and multimedia services in real time. In 5 addition, the PGW [140] acts as an interface between the 5G network and external data network. The NMS [142] identifies, configures, monitors, updates and troubleshoots network devices (both wired and wireless). Also, the SPR [144] contains subscriber (e.g. user) related information (such as charging and policy control). The SPR [144] provides the subscriber related information to the PCF 10 [122] and the PCRF [122A].
[0067]
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device [200] upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an 15 implementation, the computing device [200] may also implement a method for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device [200] itself implements the method for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, using one or more units configured 20 within the computing device [200], wherein said one or more units may implement the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.
[0068]
The computing device [200] may include a bus [202] or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware 25 processor [204] coupled with bus [202] for processing information. The hardware processor [204] may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor. The computing device [200] may also include a main memory [206], such as a random-access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus [202] for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor [204]. The 30 main memory [206] also may be used for storing temporary variables or other
19
intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be executed by the
processor [204]. Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor [204], render the computing device [200] into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The computing device [200] further includes a read only memory 5 (ROM) [208] or other static storage device coupled to the bus [202] for storing static information and instructions for the processor [204].
[0069]
A storage device [210], such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is provided and coupled to the bus [202] for storing information and 10 instructions. The computing device [200] may be coupled via the bus [202] to a display [212], such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for displaying information to a computer user. An input device [214], including alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the 15 bus [202] for communicating information and command selections to the processor [204]. Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller [216], such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor [204], and for controlling cursor movement on the display [212]. The input device typically has two degrees 20 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.
[0070]
The computing device [200] may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware 25 and/or program logic which in combination with the computing device [200] causes or programs the computing device [200] to be a special-purpose machine. According to one implementation, the techniques herein are performed by the computing device [200] in response to the processor [204] executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory [206]. Such 30 instructions may be read into the main memory [206] from another storage medium,
20
such as the storage device [210]. Execution of the sequences of instructions
contained in the main memory [206] causes the processor [204] 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. 5
[0071]
The computing device [200] also may include a communication interface [218] coupled to the bus [202]. The communication interface [218] provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link [220] that is connected to a local network [222]. For example, the communication interface [218] may be an 10 integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface [218] 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 15 implementation, the communication interface [218] sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.
[0072]
The computing device [200] may send messages and receive data, including 20 program code, through the network(s), the network link [220] and the communication interface [218]. In the Internet example, a server [230] might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet [228], the ISP [226], the local network [222], the host [224] and the communication interface [218]. The received code may be executed by the processor [204] as it is received, 25 and/or stored in the storage device [210], or other non-volatile storage for later execution.
[0073]
The present disclosure is implemented by a system [300] (as shown in FIG. 3). In an implementation, the system [300] may include the computing device [200] 30
21
of
FIG. 2. It is further noted that the computing device [200] may perform the steps of a method [400] (as shown in FIG. 4).
[0074]
Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system [300] for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications 5 network is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. In one example, the system [300] may be implemented as or within a Policy Control Function (PCF) [122]. In another example, various other network components/entities, known to a person skilled in the art, may be in communication with the system [300]. Such network components/entities have not been explained 10 here for the sake of brevity.
[0075]
As depicted in FIG. 3, the system [300] may include at least one transceiver unit [304], at least one checking unit [306], at least one application unit [308] and at least one output unit [310]. In cases where the system [300] may be implemented 15 as or within an exemplary PCF [122], the different aforementioned units may be a part of the PCF [122].
[0076]
Further, all the components/ units of the system [300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures, 20 all units shown within the system [300] 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 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 25 device to implement the features of the present disclosure. The system [300] may be a part of the user device / or may be 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 30 and partly in the user device.
22
[0077]
The system [300] is configured for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, with the help of the interconnection between the components/units of the system [300]. In one example, the telecommunications network is the 5th generation core network. In another 5 example, the telecommunications network may be a 4th generation, a 6th generation, or any other generation of network. In operation, the transceiver unit [304] may be configured to receive, a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs). In one example, the one or more network functions may include at least an access and mobility management function (AMF) server [106] and a 10 session management function (SMF) server [108]. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the AMF and the AMF server refers to the AMF [106] of FIG. 1. Further, the SMF and the SMF server refers to the SMF [108] of FIG. 1.
[0078]
The policy control request message is one of an AM Policy Control 15 Create/Update message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) server, or an SM Policy Control Create/Update message from a Session Management Function (SMF) server. In an exemplary embodiment, the AM Policy Control Create message creates an AM Policy Association and provides corresponding policies to the NF consumer, i.e., the AMF. The AM Policy Control 20 Update message refers to a message request for updating an AM Policy Association and providing corresponding policies to the NF consumer i.e., the AMF when the policy control request trigger is met, or the AMF is relocated due to the UE mobility and the old PCF is selected. The SM Policy Control Create message refers to a request to create an SM Policy Association with the PCF [122] and receive the 25 policy for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The SM Policy Control Update message refers to a request to update the SM Policy association with the PCF [122] to receive the updated policy when policy control request trigger condition is met. The policy control request messages comprise one or more information elements (IEs). The one or more IEs comprises at least one of RAT Frequency Selection 30 Priority (RFSP) Index, UE- Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR), Service Area
23
Restrictions (SAR) for AM Policy Control, or Subscribed Session AMBR and
Default Quality of Service (QoS) for SM Policy Control. The RFSP Index refers to an index referring to a UE information used locally by the Access Network in order to apply specific radio resource management strategies. The RFSP index shall be encoded using the “RfspIndex” data type. The UE-AMBR limits the aggregate bit 5 rate that can be expected to be provided across all non-guaranteed bit rate Quality of Service (QoS) flows of the UE. The SAR for AM Policy Control comprises a limited allowed area represented as maximum number of allowed Tracking Areas (TAs) or a list of allowed Tracking Area Identities (TAIs). The subscribed session AMBR refers to a subscription parameter retrieved by the SMF [108] where the 10 SMF [108] may use or modify the AMBR based on a local policy. The default QoS comprises of high priority, normal priority and low priority. In an embodiment, the policy control request message is UE Policy control Create or Update message.
[0079]
Furthermore, the checking unit [306] may be configured to check the one or 15 more IEs received in the policy control request message. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the checking unit [306] may validate the one or more IEs against predefined rules and policies. The checking unit [306] may check format and values of the one or more IEs and ensuring that the one or more IEs may comply with the telecommunication network’s policy rules. 20
[0080]
Thereafter, the transceiver unit [304] may be configured to fetch a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message. The one or more data source servers comprise at least one of a User Data Repository (UDR), the Subscription Profile Repository 25 (SPR) [144], the Charging Function (CHF) [134], and the Application Function (AF) [126]. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the transceiver unit [304] may parse the one or more IEs to fetch the set of data from the one or more data sources. In one example, the set of data includes but may not be limited to predefined policy rules that may need to be applied based on a user’s subscription, 30 operator’s policy and network conditions.
24
[0081]
Continuing further, the application unit [308] may be configured to perform one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data. The one or more NF policy control procedures includes determining a set of user-defined policy rules. 5
[0082]
In one example, the one or more NF policy control procedures includes one of an access and mobility management (AM) policy control procedure, and a session management (SM) policy control procedure. The AM policy control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the AMF 10 server [106]. The SM policy Control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the SMF server [108].
[0083]
In one example, for performing the one or more NF policy control procedures, the output unit [310] may provide a set of user defined values in a 15 response to the request message. The set of user defined values may refer to values based a comparison of the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message with a set of values in the set of user-defined policy rules, in an event the set of user-defined policy rules exist. Thereafter, for performing the NF policy control procedure, the output unit [310] may then apply a reflective value feature to 20 populate the response to the request message with identical IEs as received in the policy control request, in an event the set of user-defined policy rules are absent.
[0084]
The reflective value feature is utilized in scenarios where communication failure occurs between the policy control function (PCF) server [122], and the User 25 Data Repository (UDR) server/Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) server [144]. The reflective value feature may allow the PCF [122] to provide reflective AM or reflective SM values based on data provided by one of the AMF [106] or the SMF [108]. The reflective value feature is enabled or disabled for each IE of the one or more IEs. 30
25
[0085]
Continuing further, the output unit [310] may then generate a policy control function response based on the performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules.
[0086]
In one example, it may be the case that a rule is matched with the set of user-5 defined policy rules. In such cases, to generate the policy control function response, the output unit [310] is configured to return values for the one or more IEs. Thereafter, values for partial received IEs of the one or more IEs may then be updated based on the returned values.
10
[0087]
In cases where no matching rule is found in the set of user-defined policy rules, for generating the policy control function response, the output unit [310] may enable the reflective value feature. Thereafter, the output unit [310] may reflect values of the received one or more IEs, based on the reflective value feature. Thereafter, the output unit [310] may then return the reflective values of the one or 15 more IEs as the policy control function response.
[0088]
Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram [400] for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, 20 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 to implement the features of the present disclosure. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method [400] starts at step [402].
25
[0089]
At step [404], the method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit [304] at a PCF server [302], a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs). The one or more network functions comprises at least an access and mobility management function (AMF) server [106] and a session management function (SMF) server [108]. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the 30 AMF and the AMF server refers to the same AMF [106]. Further, the SMF and the
26
SMF server refers to the same
SMF [108]. The policy control request is one of an AM Policy Control Create/Update message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) server, or an SM Policy Control Create/Update message from the Session Management Function (SMF) server. The AM Policy Control Create message creates an AM Policy Association and provides 5 corresponding policies to the NF consumer. The AM Policy Control Update message updates of an AM Policy Association and provides corresponding policies to the NF consumer when the policy control request trigger is met, or the AMF is relocated due to the UE mobility and the old PCF is selected. The SM Policy Control Create message refers to a request to create an SM Policy Association with 10 the PCF [122] to receive the policy for a PDU session. The SM Policy Control Update message refers to a request to update the SM Policy association with the PCF to receive the updated policy when Policy Control Request Trigger condition is met. The policy control request message comprises one or more information elements (IEs). The one or more IEs comprises at least one of RAT Frequency 15 Selection Priority (RFSP) Index, UE- Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR), Service Area Restrictions (SAR) for AM Policy Control, or Subscribed Session AMBR and Default Quality of Service (QoS) for SM Policy Control. The RFSP Index refers to an index referring to a UE information used locally by the Access Network in order to apply specific radio resource management strategies. The RFSP 20 index shall be encoded using the “RfspIndex” data type. The UE-AMBR limits the aggregate bit rate that can be expected to be provided across all non-guaranteed bit rate Quality of Service (QoS) flows of the UE. The SAR for AM Policy Control comprises a limited allowed area represented as maximum number of allowed Tracking Areas (TAs) or a list of allowed Tracking Area Identities (TAIs). The 25 subscribed session AMBR refers to a subscription parameter retrieved by the SMF [108] where the SMF [108] may use or modify the AMBR based on a local policy. The default QoS comprises of high priority, normal priority and low priority.
[0090]
At step [406], the method comprises checking, by a checking unit [306] at 30 the PCF server [302], the one or more IEs received in the policy control request
27
message
. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the checking unit [306] may validate the one or more IEs against predefined rules and policies. The checking unit [306] may check format and values of the one or more IEs and ensuring that the one or more IEs may comply with the telecommunication network’s policy rules. 5
[0091]
Next at step [408], the method comprises fetching, by the transceiver unit [304] at the PCF server [302], a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message. The one or more data source servers comprise at least one from among the User Data 10 Repository (UDR), the Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) [144], the Charging Function (CHF) [134], and the Application Function (AF) [126]. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the one or more data sources are preconfigured with the set of data. The set of data includes but may not be limited to predefined policy rules that may need to be applied based on a user’s subscription 15 and network conditions.
[0092]
Next at step [410], the method comprises performing, by an application unit [308] at the PCF server [302], one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data. The one or more control procedures may be the predefined 20 policy rules. The one more NF policy control procedures comprise one of an access and mobility management (AM) policy Control procedure, and a session management (SM) policy control procedure.
[0093]
The NF policy control procedure comprises providing, by an output unit 25 [310], at the PCF server [302], a set of user defined values in a response to the request message. The output unit [310] provides the set of user-defined values based on a comparison of the received one or more IEs in the request message with a set of values in the set of user-defined policy rules, in an event the user-defined policy rules exist. The NF policy control procedure further comprises applying, by the 30 output unit [310], at the PCF server [302], the reflective value feature to populate
28
the response to the request message
with identical IEs as received in the policy control request in an event the set of user-defined policy rules are absent. The set of values may be fetched from the one or more IEs received in the policy control request message.
5
[0094]
The AM policy control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the AMF server, and the SM policy control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the SMF server. The one or more NF policy control procedures comprises determining a set of user-defined policy rules. 10
[0095]
Next at step [412], the method comprises generating, by the output unit [310], a policy control function response based on the performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules. The policy control function response comprises a combination of the reflective and 15 updated values for the one or more IEs based on the determined set of user-defined policy rules. The combination is determined by the one or more parameters defined in the set of user-defined policy rules.
[0096]
Next at step [412A], the generating of the policy control function response 20 comprises wherein generating of the policy control function response comprises enabling a reflective value feature. The reflective value feature is utilized in scenarios where communication failure occurs between the PCF [122], and the User Data Repository (UDR) server/ the Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) server. The reflective value feature may allow the PCF [122] to provide reflective AM/SM 25 values based on data provided by one of the AMF [106] or the SMF [108]. The reflective value feature may be at least one of enabled or disabled for each IE of the one or more IEs.
[0097]
Further, at step [412B], the generating of the policy control function 30 response comprises reflecting values of the received one or more IEs, based on the
29
reflective value feature, when no matching rule is found in the set of user
-defined policy rules.
[0098]
Further at step [412C], the generating of the policy control function response comprises returning the reflective values of the one or more IEs as the 5 policy control function response. The generating of the policy control function response comprises returning values for the one or more IEs when a rule is matched with the set of user-defined policy rules. In one example, the rule may include conditions related to Quality of Service (QoS), access control, and charging. Furthermore, the generating of the policy control function response includes 10 updating values for partial received IEs of the one or more IEs based on the matched rule.
[0099]
Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary method [500] for generating a PCF response where the request is an AM Policy Control Create/Update message 15 request, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown.
[0100]
When the PCF [122] receives the policy control message request from the AMF [106], the PCF [122] may make an authorization based on the information 20 received in the policy control message request from the AMF [106]. The policy control message request may be the AM Policy Control create message or the AM Policy Control Update message. The policy control message request comprises the one or more IEs. The AMF [106], the CHF [134], the AF [126], a UDR, a NWDAF and operator policy may be preconfigured with the set of data. The set of data refers 25 to the predefined policy rules. Based on received values from the AMF [106], the PCF [122] checks for the user-defined policy rules for policy authorization.
[0101]
In one example, a comparison of the one or more IEs received from the AMF [106] with the user-defined values in the set of user-defined policy rules may 30 be performed at the PCF [122]. The PCF [122] may match the user-defined values
30
with
the set of data from the one or more data source servers to match the rules with the user-defined policy rules. If the PCF [122] finds no specific rule which may define the value to be provided in the response then, the PCF [122] may use the reflective values feature to populate the response with corresponding IEs received in the policy control message request. The reflective value feature is utilized in 5 scenarios where communication failure occurs between the PCF [122], and the User Data Repository (UDR) server/ the Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) server [144]. The reflective value feature may allow the PCF [122] to provide reflective AM values based on data provided by the AMF [106]. The reflective value feature may be at least one of enabled or disabled for each IE of the one or more IEs. 10
[0102]
If the rules defined provide the installation of Session Rules using user defined values than use the same for creation of response with appropriate session rules. In case rules don’t indicate installation of special authorized Session AMBR or default QoS in response than use the Reflective feature to populate these values 15 in response from corresponding request.
[0103]
Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary method [600] for generating a PCF response where the request is an SM Policy Control Create/Update message request, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is 20 shown.
[0104]
At [602], when the PCF [122] receives the policy control message request from the SMF [108], the PCF [122] may make an authorization based on the information received in the policy control message request from the SMF [108]. 25 The policy control message request may be the SM Policy Control create message or the SM Policy Control Update message. The policy control message request comprises the one or more IEs. If the information is available in the policy control message request, the AMF [106], the CHF [134], the AF [126], a UDR, a NWDAF and operator policy may be preconfigured at the PCF [122]. 30
31
[0105]
For the policy control message request received from the SMF [106], the PCF [122] may check for received Subscribed Session AMBR and Default QoS. If the user-defined policy rules provide for the installation of Session Rules using the user-defined values, then the same user-defined policy rules may be used for creation of response with appropriate session rules. In case rules don’t indicate 5 installation of special authorized Session AMBR or default QoS in response, then the reflective value feature may be used to populate these values in response from corresponding request.
[0106]
The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable 10 storage medium, storing instructions for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, cause a transceiver unit [304] of the PCF server [122] to receive a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs). The policy control request message comprises 15 one or more information elements (IEs). The instructions when executed by the system further cause a checking unit [306] connected to at least the transceiver unit [304], to check the one or more IEs received in the policy control request message. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the transceiver unit [304] to fetch a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the 20 received one or more IEs in the policy control request message. The instructions when executed by the system further cause an application unit [308] connected to at least the transceiver unit [304], to perform one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data, the one or more NF policy control procedures are configured to determine a set of user-defined policy rules. The 25 instructions when executed by the system further cause an output unit [310] configured to generate a policy control function response based on the performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules. To generate the policy control function response, the output unit [310] is further configured to enable a reflective value feature. To generate the policy 30 control function response, the output unit [310] is further configured to reflect
32
values of the received one or more IEs, based on the reflective value feature, when
no matching rule is found in the set of user-defined policy rules, and further return the reflective values of the one or more IEs as the policy control function response.
[0107]
As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically 5 advanced solution for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network. The present solution provides a system and a method for creation of PCF (server) response to policy create and policy update request. The present disclosure further provides a solution that enables the PCF to provide necessary values of information element based on a node function server provided 10 data even in case of failure of communication between PCF server and data source server such as, but not limited to, UDR/SPR. The present disclosure further provides a solution that reduces number of rules to be created at PCF server for managing the AM session and/or SM session. Further, the present disclosure provides a solution to increase computational and operational efficiency by 15 reducing the number of rules to be created and managed by a user.
[0108]
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 departing from the 20 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.
25
[0109]
Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged that the functionality described for the various 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 30 functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed
33
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.
34
We Claim:

1.
A method for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, the method comprising: 5
receiving, by a transceiver unit [304], a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs), wherein the policy control request message comprises one or more information elements (IEs);
checking, by a checking unit [306], the one or more IEs received in the policy control request message; 10
fetching, by the transceiver unit [304], a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message;
performing, by an application unit [308], one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data, wherein the one or more NF 15 policy control procedures comprises determining a set of user-defined policy rules; and
generating, by an output unit [310], a policy control function response based on the performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules, 20
wherein generating of the policy control function response comprises:
enabling a reflective value feature;
reflecting values of the received one or more IEs, based on the reflective value feature, when no matching rule is found in the set of user-defined policy rules; and 25
returning the reflective values of the one or more IEs as the policy control function response.
35
2.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more network functions comprises at least: an access and mobility management function (AMF) server and a session management function (SMF) server.
3.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more IEs comprises at least one of RAT Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) Index, UE- Aggregate 5 Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR), Service Area Restrictions (SAR) for AM Policy Control, or Subscribed Session AMBR and Default Quality of Service (QoS) for SM Policy Control.
4.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one more NF policy control procedures comprise one of: an access and mobility management (AM) policy 10 Control procedure, and a session management (SM) policy control procedure.
5.
The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the AM policy control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the AMF server, and the SM policy control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the SMF server. 15
6.
The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein performing, by the application unit [308], the one or more NF policy control procedure comprises:
-
providing, by the output unit [310], a set of user-defined values in a response to the request message, wherein the providing the set of user-defined values is based on a comparison of the received one or more IEs 20 in the request message with a set of values in the set of user-defined policy rules, in an event the user-defined policy rules exist; and
-
applying, by the output unit [310], the reflective value feature to populate the response to the request message with identical IEs as received in the policy control request in an event the set of user-defined 25 policy rules are absent.
7.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more data source servers comprise at least one from among a User Data Repository (UDR), a
36
Subscription Profile Repository (SPR), a Charging Function (CHF), and an
Application Function (AF).
8.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the policy control request is one of: an AM Policy Control Create/Update message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) server, or an SM Policy Control 5 Create/Update message from the Session Management Function (SMF) server.
9.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reflective value feature is utilized in scenarios where communication failure occurs between a policy control function (PCF) server, and User Data Repository (UDR) 10 server/Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) server, allowing a PCF to provide reflective AM/SM values based on data provided by one of the AMF or SMF.
10.
The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the reflective value feature is enabled or disabled for each IE of the one or more IEs. 15
11.
The method of claim 1, wherein generating of the policy control function response comprises:
returning values for the one or more IEs when a rule is matched with the set of user-defined policy rules; and
updating values for partial received IEs of the one or more IEs based on 20 the matched rule.
12.
The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the policy control function response comprises a combination of the reflective and updated values for the one or more IEs based on the determined set of user-defined policy rules, 25 wherein the combination is determined by the one or more parameters defined in the set of user-defined policy rules.
13.
A system [300] for generating a policy control function (PCF) response in a telecommunications network, the system [300] comprising:
37
a transceiver unit [304] configured to receive, a policy control request message from one or more network functions (NFs), wherein the policy control request message comprises one or more information elements (IEs);
a checking unit [306] connected to at least the transceiver unit [304], the checking unit [306] configured to check the one or more IEs received in 5 the policy control request message;
the transceiver unit [304] further configured to fetch a set of data from one or more data source servers based on the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message;
an application unit [308] connected to at least the transceiver unit [304], 10 wherein the application unit [308] is configured to perform one or more NF policy control procedures based on the fetched set of data, the one or more NF policy control procedures are configured to determine a set of user-defined policy rules; and
an output unit [310] configured to generate a policy control function 15 response based on the performance of the one or more NF policy control procedures and the set of user-defined policy rules,
wherein, to generate the policy control function response, the output unit [310] is further configured to:
enable a reflective value feature; 20
reflect values of the received one or more IEs, based on the reflective value feature, when no matching rule is found in the set of user-defined policy rules; and
return the reflective values of the one or more IEs as the policy control function response. 25
14.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more network functions comprises at least: an access and mobility management function (AMF) server and a session management function (SMF) server.
38
15.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more IEs comprises at least one of RAT Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) Index, UE- Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR), Service Area Restrictions (SAR) for AM Policy Control, or Subscribed Session AMBR and Default Quality of Service (QoS) for SM Policy Control. 5
16.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more NF policy control procedures comprise one of: an access and mobility management (AM) policy control procedure, and a session management (SM) policy control procedure.
17.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 16, wherein the AM policy control 10 procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the AMF server, and the SM policy Control procedure is performed in an event the request message is received from the SMF server.
18.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 16, wherein the NF policy control procedure comprises: 15
-
the output unit [310] is configured to provide a set of user defined values in a response to the request message, wherein the set of user-defined values is provided based on a comparison of the received one or more IEs in the policy control request message with a set of values in the set of user-defined policy rules, in an event the user-defined policy rules 20 exist; and
-
the output unit [310] is configured to apply the reflective value feature to populate the response to the request message with identical IEs as received in the policy control request in an event the set of user-defined policy rules are absent. 25
19.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more data source servers comprise at least one of a User Data Repository (UDR), a Subscription Profile Repository (SPR), a Charging Function (CHF), and an Application Function (AF).
39
20.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 13, wherein the policy control request message is one of: an AM Policy Control Create/Update message from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) server, or an SM Policy Control Create/Update message from a Session Management Function (SMF) server. 5
21.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 13, wherein the reflective value feature is utilized in scenarios where communication failure occurs between the policy control function (PCF) server, and User Data Repository (UDR) server/Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) server, allowing the PCF to provide reflective AM/SM values based on data provided by one of the AMF 10 or SMF.
22.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 21, wherein the reflective value feature is enabled or disabled for each IE of the one or more IEs.
23.
The system [300] as claimed in claim 13, wherein, to generate the policy control function response, the output unit [310] is configured to: 15
return values for the one or more IEs when a rule is matched with the set of user-defined policy rules; and
update values for partial received IEs of the one or more IEs based on the returned values.
24.
The system of claim 23, wherein the policy control function response 20 comprises a combination of the reflective and updated values for the one or more IEs based on the determined set of user-defined policy rules, wherein the combination is determined by the one or more parameters defined in the set of user-defined policy rules.
25
Dated this the 9th Day of September, 2023