FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ONE OR MORE
SESSION POLICIES IN A 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 MANAGING ONE OR MORE SESSION
POLICIES IN A NETWORK
TECHNICAL FIELD
5
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to network
performance management systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to methods and systems for managing one or more session policies
in a 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
15 include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the
present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only
to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure,
and not as admissions of the prior art.
20 [0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past
few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and
advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was
based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the
advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data
25 services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. 3G technology
marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and
location-based services. The fourth-generation (4G) technology revolutionized
wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and
improved security. Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) technology is being
30 deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect
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] The 5G communication network deploys a Service-Based Architecture
5 (hereinafter called as SBA). The 5G Core Network consists of a multitude of
Network Functions (hereinafter called as NFs) such as Policy Control Function
(hereinafter called as PCF), Charging Function (hereinafter called as CHF), Binding
Support Function (hereinafter called as BSF), Network Repository Function
(hereinafter called as NRF), Access and Mobility Function (hereinafter called as
10 AMF) and Session management Function (hereinafter called as SMF). They
perform their roles in ensuring end-to-end transfer of data viz. User Plane Function
(hereinafter called as UPF) as well as controlling the access and availability of the
network resources to the user i.e., Control Plane Function (hereinafter called as
CPF). The SMF is responsible for enforcement of session management related
15 policy decisions from the PCF such as service flow detection, QoS and Charging
etc.
[0005] To fetch the policies provisioned at the PCF for a subscriber, the SMF
sends an SM_Policy_Control_Create request (hereinafter called as SMPc) to PCF.
20 PCF sends a Spending_Limit_Control_Subscribe request (hereinafter called as
SLRs) to the CHF for subscribing to report the SLR. This enables PCF to retrieve
Policy Counter Status information as notifications in future from CHF regarding
changes in them.
25 [0006] Each subscriber can have a session at SMF for multiple Data Network
Names (hereinafter called as DNN), in an example, for internet, Wi-Fi etc. For a
single subscriber, a separate SMPc is sent for each of the multiple DNNs. This
triggers PCF to send corresponding different SLRs to CHF for each of the multiple
SMF sessions for each of the DNN. If these multiple SMPc arrive simultaneously
30 at the PCF, it leads to a race condition. This further leads to the PCF attempting to
send different CHF requests for the multiple DNNs. Due to this race condition, the
4
older value might get populated, or any other erroneous update can happen due to
concurrent updates of shared resources.
[0007] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to overcome the above5 mentioned scenario. Therefore, the present invention proposes a system and method
for session management in a wireless communication network to mitigate the
limitations of a race condition.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
10
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method
15 for managing one or more session policies in a network.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for handling race conditions upon arrival of simultaneous SMPc at the PCF
in a communication network.
20
SUMMARY
[0011] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present
disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed
25 description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope
of the claimed subject matter.
[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for managing
one or more session policies in a network. The method comprises receiving, by a
30 transceiver unit, at a policy control function (PCF), from a session management
function (SMF), at least a first session management (SM) policy control create
5
request and a second SM policy control create request. Next, the method comprises
checking, by an analysis unit at the PCF, for a signal indicative of transmission of
a pending charging function (CHF) subscribe request associated with at least one
of the first SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy control
5 create request. Next, in response to presence of the signal, the method comprises
restricting, by a processing unit at the PCF, transmission to a charging function
(CHF), of a spending limit control subscribe request (SLR) associated with at least
the second SM policy control create request. Thereafter, the method comprises
transmitting, by the transceiver unit, from the PCF to the SMF, a notification
10 indicative of the restricted transmission.
[0013] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, in response to
presence of the signal, the method comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit,
from the PCF to the CHF, an SLR request associated with at least the first SM policy
15 control create request.
[0014] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit, at the PCF from the CHF, in response
to the transmitted SLR request associated with at least the first SM policy control
20 create request, a response. Further, transmitting, by the transceiver unit, from the
PCF to the SMF, a notification indicative of the received response.
[0015] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises updating, by an updating unit, at a database connected to the PCF, one
25 or more policy counter identifiers (PCIDs) associated with at least the second SM
policy control create request. Further, transmitting, by the transceiver unit, from the
PCF to the SMF, a notification indicative of the update.
[0016] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the step of checking
30 for the signal comprises checking, by the analysis unit, at the PCF, one or more
6
subscriber identities associated with the first SM policy control create request, and
the second SM policy control create request. Thereafter, checking, by the analysis
unit, at the PCF, corresponding flag statuses of the one or more subscriber identities,
where the flag status are indicative of a corresponding pending CHF subscribe
5 request associated with at least one of the first SM policy control create request,
and the second SM policy control create request. Thereafter, in response to the flag
status being true, the method comprises generating, by the analysis unit, at the PCF,
the signal.
10 [0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for
managing one or more session policies in a network. The system comprises a
transceiver unit configured to receive, at a policy control function (PCF), from a
session management function (SMF), at least a first session management (SM)
policy control create request and a second SM policy control create request. Further,
15 the system comprises an analysis unit connected at least to the transceiver unit, the
analysis unit configured to check at the PCF, for a signal indicative of transmission
of a pending charging function (CHF) subscribe request associated with at least one
of the first SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy control
create request. Further, the system comprises a processing unit connected at least to
20 the analysis unit. Further, in response to presence of the signal, the processing unit
is configured to restrict, at the PCF, transmission to a charging function (CHF), of
a spending limit control subscribe request (SLR) associated with at least the second
SM policy control create request. Further the transceiver unit is configured to
transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, a notification indicative of the restricted
25 transmission.
[0018] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a nontransitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for managing one
or more session policies in a network, the instructions include executable code
30 which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes: a transceiver unit
to receive, at a policy control function (PCF), from a session management function
7
(SMF), at least a first session management (SM) policy control create request and
a second SM policy control create request. The executable code which, when
executed by one or more units of a system, causes an analysis unit to check at the
PCF, for a signal indicative of transmission of a pending charging function (CHF)
5 subscribe request associated with at least one of the first SM policy control create
request, and the second SM policy control create request. Further, in response to
presence of the signal, a processing unit is to restrict, at the PCF, transmission to a
charging function (CHF), of a spending limit control subscribe request (SLR)
associated with at least the second SM policy control create request. Further, the
10 transceiver unit is to transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, a notification indicative of
the restricted transmission.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
15 [0019] 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
20 principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are
not to be construed as 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
25 circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0020] FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th
generation core (5GC) network architecture.
8
[0021] 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 implementations of the present disclosure.
5 [0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for managing
one or more session policies in a network, in accordance with exemplary
implementations of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for managing one or more
10 session policies in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the
present disclosure.
[0024] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed
description of the disclosure.
15
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
20 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
address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the
25 problems discussed above.
[0026] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is
not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure.
Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those
30 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
9
function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope
of the disclosure as set forth.
[0027] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a
5 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
may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the
embodiments in unnecessary detail.
10
[0028] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a
process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a
structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the
operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in
15 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.
[0029] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean
20 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
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques
25 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
similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding
any additional or other elements.
30
10
[0030] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating
processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic
circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose
processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal
5 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 integrated circuits, etc. The processor may
perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other
10 functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present
disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware
processor.
[0031] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user15 device”, “a smart-device”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld
device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a
communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and/or computing device
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
20 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 unit(s) which
are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
25
[0032] 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
medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”),
30 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
11
that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective
functions.
[0033] As used herein “interface” or “user interface” refers to a shared
5 boundary across which two or more separate components of a system exchange
information or data. The interface may also refer to a set of rules or protocols that
define communication or interaction of one or more modules or one or more units
with each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may
be called.
10
[0034] All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded
herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a
general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor,
a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
15 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.
[0035] As used herein the transceiver unit includes at least one receiver and at
20 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.
[0036] As discussed in the background section, when the two SMPc requests
25 arrive simultaneously at the PCF, it creates a race condition. Due to the said race
condition, technical problems such as erroneous updates can happen due to
concurrent updating of shared resources. The present disclosure aims to overcome
the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by
providing a method and a system of managing one or more session policies in a
30 network. The present disclosure overcome the above-mentioned race condition by
maintaining a map carrying the information of CHF in which the key is Subscriber
12
Permanent Identifier (hereinafter called as SUPI) of the user’s communication
device (or subscriber identity module (SIM)) and the value is but not limited to a
String Flag which is set or removed according to the reception of the response for
SMPc.
5
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th
generation core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary
implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in figure 1, the 5GC network
architecture [100] includes a user equipment (UE) [102], a radio access network
10 (RAN) [104], an access and mobility management function (AMF) [106], a Session
Management Function (SMF) [108], a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) [110],
an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) [112], a Network Slice Specific
Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) [114], a Network Slice
Selection Function (NSSF) [116], a Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118], a
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], and a Converged
Charging Function (CHF) [132], 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
20 implementing features of the present disclosure.
[0038] The 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
25 and the radio access technologies that enable wireless communication.
[0039] The AMF [106] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing
access and mobility aspects, such as UE registration, connection, and reachability.
It also handles mobility management procedures like handovers and paging.
30
13
[0040] The SMF [108] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing
session-related aspects, such as establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions. It
coordinates with the User Plane Function (UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP
address allocation and QoS enforcement.
5
[0041] The SCP [110] is a network function in the 5G core network that
facilitates communication between other network functions by providing a secure
and efficient messaging service. It acts as a mediator for service-based interfaces.
10 [0042] The 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.
[0043] The NSSAAF [114] is a network function that provides authentication
15 and authorization services specific to network slices. It ensures that UEs can access
only the slices for which they are authorized.
[0044] The NSSF [116] is a network function responsible for selecting the
appropriate network slice for a UE based on factors such as subscription, requested
20 services, and network policies.
[0045] The NEF [118] is a network function that exposes capabilities and
services of the 5G network to external applications, enabling integration with thirdparty services and applications.
25
[0046] The NRF [120] is a network function that acts as a central repository
for information about available network functions and services. It facilitates the
discovery and dynamic registration of network functions.
14
[0047] The 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.
5 [0048] The UDM [124] is a network function that centralizes the management
of subscriber data, including authentication, authorization, and subscription
information.
[0049] The AF [126] is a network function that represents external applications
10 interfacing with the 5G core network to access network capabilities and services.
[0050] The UPF [128] is a network function responsible for handling user data
traffic, including packet routing, forwarding, and QoS enforcement.
15 [0051] The DN [130] refers to a network that provides data services to user
equipment (UE) in a telecommunications system. The data services may include
but are not limited to Internet services, private data network related services.
[0052] The CHF [132] is a network function connected in the 5G network for
20 managing online charging for a plurality of services during the sessions.
[0053] The 5GC network architecture also comprises a plurality of interfaces
for connecting the network functions with a network entity for performing the
network functions. The NSSF [116] is connected with the network entity via the
25 interface denoted as (Nnssf) interface in the figure. The NEF [118] is connected with
the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nnef) interface in the figure. The
NRF [120] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nnrf)
interface in the figure. The PCF [122] is connected with the network entity via the
interface denoted as (Npcf) interface in the figure. The UDM [124] is connected with
30 the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nudm) interface in the figure. The
AF [126] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Naf)
15
interface in the figure. The NSSAAF [114] is connected with the network entity via
the interface denoted as (Nnssaaf) interface in the figure. The AUSF [112] is
connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nausf) interface in
the figure. The AMF [106] is connected with the network entity via the interface
5 denoted as (Namf) interface in the figure. The SMF [108] is connected with the
network entity via the interface denoted as (Nsmf) interface in the figure. The SMF
[108] is connected with the CHF [132] via the interface denoted as (N28). The SMF
[108] is connected with the UPF [128] via the interface denoted as (N4) interface
in the figure. The UPF [128] is connected with the RAN [104] via the interface
10 denoted as (N3) interface in the figure. The UPF [128] is connected with the DN
[130] via the interface denoted as (N6) interface in the figure. The RAN [104] is
connected with the AMF [106] via the interface denoted as (N2). The AMF [106]
is connected with the RAN [104] via the interface denoted as (N1). The UPF [128]
is connected with other UPF [128] via the interface denoted as (N9). The interfaces
15 such as Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Nnssaaf, Nausf, Namf, Nsmf, N9, N6, N4, N3, N2,
and N1 can be referred to as a communication channel between one or more
functions or modules for enabling exchange of data or information between such
functions or modules, and network entities.
20 [0054] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device
[200] (herein, also referred to as a computer system [200]) upon which one or more
features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with an
exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the
computing device [200] may also implement a method for managing one or more
25 session policies in a network, utilising a system, or one or more sub-systems,
provided in the network. In another implementation, the computing device [200]
itself implements the method for managing one or more session policies in a
network, using one or more units configured within the computing device [200],
wherein said one or more units are capable of implementing the features as
30 disclosed in the present disclosure.
16
[0055] The computing device [200] may include a bus [202] or other
communication mechanism(s) for communicating information, and a hardware
processor [204] coupled with bus [202] for processing said information. The
hardware processor [204] may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor.
5 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 main memory [206] also may be used for storing temporary variables or
other intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be executed
10 by the processor [204]. Such instructions, when stored in a non-transitory storage
media accessible to the processor [204], render the computing device [200] into a
special purpose device that is customized to perform operations according to the
instructions. The computing device [200] further includes a read only memory
(ROM) [208] or other static storage device coupled to the bus [202] for storing static
15 information and instructions for the processor [204].
[0056] A storage device [210], such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solidstate drive is provided and coupled to the bus [202] for storing information and
instructions. The computing device [200] may be coupled via the bus [202] to a
20 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 user of the computing device [200]. An input device
[214], including alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may
be coupled to the bus [202] for communicating information and command
25 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 cursor
controller [216] typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g.,
30 x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the cursor controller [216] to specify
positions in a plane.
17
[0057] The computing device [200] may implement the techniques described
herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware
and/or program logic which, in combination with the computing device [200],
5 causes or programs the computing device [200] to be a special-purpose device.
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]. The
one or more instructions may be read into the main memory [206] from another
10 storage medium, such as the storage device [210]. Execution of the one or more
sequences of the one or more 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.
15
[0058] The computing device [200] also may include a communication
interface [218] coupled to the bus [202]. The communication interface [218]
provides two-way data communication coupling to a network link [220] that is
connected to a local network [222]. For example, the communication interface
20 [218] may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem,
satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of telecommunication line. In 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
25 implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface [218]
sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital
data streams representing different types of information.
[0059] The computing device [200] can send and receive data, including
30 program code, messages, etc. through the network(s), the network link [220] and
18
the communication interface [218]. In an 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, and/or stored
5 in the storage device [210], or other non-volatile storage for later execution.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system [300] for
managing one or more session policies in a network, is shown, in accordance with
the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The system [300]
10 comprises at least one transceiver unit [302], at least one analysis unit [304], at least
one processing unit [306], and at least one updating unit [308]. Also, all of the
components/ units of the system [300] are assumed to be connected to each other
unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures all units shown within
the system [300] should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in
15 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 device/ user equipment
[102] to implement the features of the present disclosure. The system [300] may be
20 a part of the user device [102]/ or may be independent of but in communication
with the user device [102] (may also referred herein as a UE). In another
implementation, the system [300] may reside in a server or a network entity. In yet
another implementation, the system [300] may reside partly in the server/ network
entity and partly in the user device.
25
[0061] The system [300] is configured for managing one or more session
policies in a network, with the help of the interconnection between the
components/units of the system [300].
30 [0062] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be
acknowledged that the functionality described for the various components/units can
19
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
functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed
5 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.
10 [0063] The system comprises the transceiver unit [302] configured to
receive, at a policy control function (PCF) [122], from a session management
function (SMF) [108], at least a first session management (SM) policy control
create request, and a second SM policy control create request.
15 [0064] The SMF [108] as mentioned in FIG. 1, is responsible for managing
sessions, which may include establishing, modifying, and terminating sessions for
user devices [102]. The SMF [108] also handles IP address allocation and interacts
with the PCF [122] to obtain policies that control various aspects of user data flow
and quality of service (QoS).
20
[0065] Furthermore, the PCF [122] is responsible for policy control decisions
and manages the flow-based charging functionalities within the communication
network. The PCF [122] facilitates one or more services. In one example, the PCF
[122] is responsible for managing traffic associated with specific services and
25 applications. In another example, the PCF [122] may enforce QoS rules and
determine the flows that are allowed or restricted. In yet another example, the PCF
[122] may ensure that charging is applied based on specific data flows, for accurate
billing for users. In yet another example, the PCF [122] may direct network traffic
for ensuring fair resource usage.
30
20
[0066] Further, in an implementation of the present disclosure, the transceiver
unit [302] is configured to receive at least the first SM policy control create request
and second SM policy control create request. Herein, the first and second SM policy
control create request may contain information regarding one or more essential
5 parameters which may include but are not limited to a subscriber permanent
identifier (SUPI), a protocol data unit (PDU) Session ID, a PDU Session Type, a
data network name (DNN), a single network slice selection assistance information
(S-NSSAI), a serving network, a charging information and other parameters that
are not mentioned herein but would be known to a person skilled in the art.
10
[0067] In an implementation, said information may include other optional
parameters which may include but are not limited to a generic public subscription
identifier (GPSI), an internal group identifier(s), an access type (and additional
access type, in case of (multi-access) MA PDU session), an IPv4 Address / IPv6
15 network prefix, a MA PDU session indication, an access traffic steering, switching,
and splitting (ATSSS) capability, a permanent equipment identifier (PEI), an user
location information, a UE time zone, a radio access technology (RAT) type, a
session- aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR), a data network authentication,
authorization, and accounting (DN-AAA) authorization profile index, framed
20 routes, subscribed default QoS, and parameters that are not mentioned herein but
would be known to a person skilled in the art.
[0068] Further, the system comprises the analysis unit [304] connected at least
to the transceiver unit [302], the analysis unit [304] configured to check at the PCF
25 [122], for a signal indicative of transmission of a pending charging function (CHF)
subscribe request associated with at least one of the first SM policy control create
request, and the second SM policy control create request. In an event if a session is
initiated or is modified by the SMF [108], then in such event, the analysis unit [304]
at the PCF [122] may verify that any pending CHF subscribe requests are to be
30 processed.
21
[0069] Further, to check for the signal, the analysis unit [304] is configured to
check at the PCF [122], one or more subscriber identities associated with the first
SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy control create request.
In an embodiment, the subscriber identities comprise subscriber permanent
5 identities (SUPIs). The SUPI mentioned herein is a unique identifier that represents
a specific subscriber in the communication network. The SUPI is used for
identifying the user independently of their temporary or location-based identifiers.
In one example, the SUPI is an international mobile subscriber identity (ISMI). In
another example, the SUPI is a network-specific identifier associated with the user.
10
[0070] In an implementation, the analysis unit [304] utilizes the SUPI to
associate the first SM policy control create request and the second SM policy
control create request, respectively with a correct subscriber. The utilization of
SUPI may ensure that any policy control decisions or CHF subscribe requests are
15 associated with the appropriate subscriber identity.
[0071] Thereafter, the analysis unit [304] may check at the PCF [122],
corresponding flag statuses of the one or more subscriber identities. Further, the
flag status is indicative of a corresponding pending CHF subscribe request
20 associated with the first SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy
control create request. The flag status mentioned herein is a binary or logical
indicator within the PCF [122] that may represent a current status of a process. In
an implementation, the flag status may indicate that, if there is a pending action or
request related to the CHF subscription. Herein, the flag status may be true,
25 implying that there is an existing pending request. Conversely, the flag status may
be false, implying that there are no existing pending requests.
[0072] At last, the analysis unit [304], in response to the flag status being true,
is configured to generate, at the PCF [122], the signal. Herein, the signal may refer
30 to an indication to the PCF [122], that there is a pending CHF subscribe request
which requires to be processed.
22
[0073] The system [300] further comprises the processing unit [306] connected
at least to the analysis unit [304]. The processing unit [306] herein may receive the
indication of presence of any pending CHF subscribe requests, from the analysis
5 unit [304].
[0074] Further, in response to presence of the signal the processing unit [306]
is configured to restrict, at the PCF [122], transmission to a charging function
(CHF) [132], of a spending limit control subscribe request (SLR) associated with at
10 least the second SM policy control create request. Post detecting that the flag status
is True (i.e., a pending CHF subscribe request already exists), the processing unit
[306] may further restrict the transmission of the new SLR request associated with
the second SM policy control create request. In an implementation, the restriction
on the new SLR request may ensure that no redundant or conflicting requests are
15 sent to the CHF [132] for the same or closely related sessions. In another
implementation, the restriction on the new SLR request may help to prevent race
conditions, where a plurality of SLR requests may intervene with each other that
may further cause inconsistencies in a management of the spending limit or
charging policies associated with the user/ subscriber.
20
[0075] Further, in response to presence of the signal, the transceiver unit [302]
is configured to transmit, from the PCF [122] to the CHF [132], an SLR request
associated with at least the first SM policy control create request. Herein, the
transmission of the SLR indicates that the PCF [122] is requesting the CHF [132]
25 to manage spending limits for the session created via the first SM policy control
create request. In an implementation, the presence of signal may indicate that one
or more conditions associated with said pending CHF subscription have been met,
and the PCF [122] is now proceeding with the necessary request to subscribe to
spending limit control for this session.
30
23
[0076] Similarly, in response to absence of the signal, the transceiver unit [302]
is configured to transmit, from the PCF [122] to the CHF [132], an SLR request
associated with at least the second SM policy control create request. In this case,
the transceiver unit [302] transmits an SLR request to the CHF [132] when the
5 signal is absent. Here, the absence of the signal implies that there is no pending
CHF subscription request associated with the current session or user.
[0077] Since the signal is not present, the system proceeds by sending the SLR
request related to the second SM policy control create request. The second SM
10 policy control create request might represent a subsequent or parallel session policy
request created by the SMF [108]. This request may be for a different PDU session
or a different DNN, but the system still needs to manage spending limits for this
new session.
15 [0078] In this configuration, the PCF [122] sends an SLR request for the
second session to the CHF [132]. The system ensures that each new session with its
corresponding SM policy control request has an associated spending limit managed
by the CHF [132].
20 [0079] Further, the transceiver unit [302] is configured to receive, at the PCF
[122], from the CHF [132], in response to the transmitted SLR request associated
with at least the first SM policy control create request, a response. Herein, the
response from the CHF [132] typically includes the confirmation of successful
subscription to the spending limit control for the associated SM policy control
25 create request. The response might also contain additional information, such as the
remaining quota, current status of the spending limit, or details of any applied policy
counters.
[0080] In one example, the response may include a subscription confirmation
30 which may indicate that the SLR request is processed, and the user/session is further
subscribed to the spending limit control.
24
[0081] In another example, the response may include information about the
current status of any policy counters (data usage counters, thresholds) which are
being monitored for the session.
5
[0082] In yet another example, the response may include information on any
spending limits or thresholds that are active for the session.
[0083] In an implementation, the PCF [112] is configured to receive a plurality
10 of (for example, at least two) SM policy control create requests from the SMF. The
plurality of SM policy control create requests may be associated with corresponding
plurality of DNNs. However, the plurality of DNNs may be associated with a single
SUPI.
15 [0084] In an implementation, the PCF [112] may have access to a map, wherein
the map may have information relating to the plurality of DNNs associated with the
single SUPI. The map may be stored at a storage unit connected to the PCF [112].
The map may further be connected to the CHF [132]. In an implementation, in
response to the receipt of an SM policy control create request, if the PCF [112] has
20 transmitted a corresponding CHF subscribe request, the map may indicate said
transmission by marking a flag status as true.
[0085] In an implementation, the PCF [112] may be configured to determine
that the plurality of DNNs is associated with the single SUPI by checking the
25 identities of the SM policy control create requests with the map. Further, the PCF
[112] may determine if a CHF subscribe request for a received SM policy control
create request from the single SUPI (from any one of the plurality of DNNs) has
been transmitted, based on status of the flag in the map.
30 [0086] In an implementation, when an SM Policy Control Create request is
received by PCF [112], the PCF [112] is configured to delegate a thread (e.g., “SMF
25
Server Listener Thread”) for all the messages (such as the requests) received
therein. Any further messages or previous messages received are present in the
thread.
5 [0087] The PCF [112] is configured to transmit the CHF subscribe request only
after ensuring that there has been no previous transmission of CHF subscribe
requests in response to an SM policy control create request from the single SUPI.
In an embodiment, the PCF [112] is configured to determine the eligibility for
transmission of the CHF subscribe request based on:
10 ▪ List of DNNs for CHF session establishment: a list of DNNs from which
the SM policy control create request has been received is maintained at the
PCF [112];
▪ SUPI ranges for CHF session establishment: a list of SUPIs associated with
the DNNs from which the SM policy control create requests have been
15 received are maintained at the PCF [112]; and
▪ The values Custom Field 3 for which CHF Session will be established: it is
checked if for any of the SM policy control create requests received from
the plurality of DNNs, there is a corresponding single SUPI. If yes, then the
CHF subscriber request is not transmitted. However, if there is no single
20 SUPI, then a CHF Subscribe request is transmitted to the CHF [132].
[0088] Further, the transceiver unit [302] is configured to transmit, from the
PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a notification indicative of the restricted transmission.
In an event, if the PCF [122] may restrict the transmission of the SLR request (for
25 example, because a pending CHF subscribe request already exists), the transceiver
unit [302] sends a notification to the SMF [108]. This notification may inform the
SMF [108] that the SLR was not sent to avoid redundant or conflicting requests.
[0089] In one example, the notification may indicate that a subscription for the
30 same session or SM policy control create request already exists. In another example,
the notification may facilitate information about the session or policy request, such
26
as the SUPI, PDU Session ID, or S-NSSAI, ensuring the SMF [108] is aware of the
session for which the SLR was restricted.
[0090] Further, the transceiver unit [302] is configured to transmit, from the
5 PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a notification of the received response. Post receiving
the response from the CHF [132], the PCF [122] may further transmit a notification
back to the SMF [108]. The notification herein may inform the SMF [108] of the
outcome of the SLR request associated with the first SM policy control create
request.
10
[0091] In one example, the notification may include whether the SLR request
was successfully processed by the CHF [132] or if there were any issues. In another
example, the notification may include the current spending limits or policy counter
information provided by the CHF [132]. In yet another example, the notification
15 may include any necessary updates to the session management process, such as
changes to QoS or billing based on the spending limit information.
[0092] The notification herein may ensure that the SMF [108] is being
informed of the charging and policy management status for the session, allowing
20 the SMF [108] to perform further one or more actions (such as adjusting the session
parameters or QoS settings) as per requirement.
[0093] The system [300] further comprises the updating unit [308] connected
to at least the transceiver unit [302]. Herein, the updating unit [308] is configured
25 to update, at a database [310] connected to the PCF [122], one or more policy
counter identifiers (PCIDs) associated with at least the second SM policy control
create request. In an event such as the creation of the second SM policy control
create request, the updating unit [308] may modify or update the one or more PCIDs
in the database [310] to ensure that the database [310] may reflect the current
30 session and policy management status.
27
[0094] Herein, the one or more PCIDs are used to track and manage policy
control actions for every individual packet data unit (PDU)session. The one or more
PCIDs may help in enforcing one or more policies, such as spending limits, data
usage caps, or session duration limits.
5
[0095] In an implementation, the PCF [122] may utilize the one or more PCIDs
to monitor the current usage of a session and adjust the policies applied to that
session. When a session is created (such as with the second SM policy control create
request), the PCIDs associated with that session are updated in the database [310].
10 The modification or updating the database [310] may ensure that accurate policy
control for ongoing sessions are maintained and any incorrect policies are
inapplicable which may further prevent from billing errors or improper session
handling.
15 [0096] Further, the transceiver unit [302] is configured to transmit, from the
PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a notification indicative of the update. Post updating
the one or more PCIDs in the database [310], the transceiver unit [302] sends the
notification to the SMF [108]. Herein, the notification may inform the SMF [108]
that the one or more PCIDs are updated for the current session, allowing the SMF
20 [108] to adjust session parameters accordingly.
[0097] In one example, the notification may include information about the
session associated with the second SM policy control create request (e.g., PDU
session ID, SUPI, DNN, or S-NSSAI). In another example, the notification may
25 include information about the updated one or more PCIDs, such as new data limits,
spending thresholds, or session duration restrictions. In yet another example, the
notification may include information of any new policies or restrictions that are
applied due to the updated one or more PCIDs.
30 [0098] The primary purpose of sending the notification to the SMF [108] is to
ensure that the SMF [108] is aware of the updated policies and session management
28
rules. The SMF [108] may accordingly adjust the session parameters (e.g., apply
QoS updates or restrictions). Further, the SMF [108] may coordinate with the CHF
[132] and other network functions to enforce spending limits. Furthermore, the
SMF [108] may take appropriate actions such as session suspension, modification,
5 or termination of the session based on the updated policy status.
[0099] In an event, the SMF [108] may not receive the notification of the
updated one or more PCIDs, then in such events, the SMF [108] may continue to
manage the session based on an outdated policy information, which may further
10 lead to inconsistencies in session management and policy enforcement.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram [400] for
managing one or more session policies in a network, in accordance with exemplary
implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the
15 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.
[0101] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method [400] initially starts at step [402].
20
[0102] At step [404], the method [400] comprises receiving, by the transceiver
unit [302], at the policy control function (PCF) [122], from the session management
function (SMF) [108], at least a first session management (SM) policy control
create request, and a second SM policy control create request.
25
[0103] At step [406], the method [400] comprises checking, by the analysis
unit [304] at the PCF [122], for the signal indicative of transmission of the pending
charging function (CHF) subscribe request associated with at least one of the first
SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy control create request.
30
29
[0104] The method [400] further explains that in order to check for the signal,
the method [400] comprise steps of checking, by the analysis unit [304], at the PCF
[122], one or more subscriber identities associated with the first SM policy control
create request, and the second SM policy control create request. Thereafter,
5 checking, by the analysis unit [304], at the PCF [122], corresponding flag statuses
of the one or more subscriber identities. Herein, the flag status is indicative of the
corresponding pending CHF subscribe request associated with at least one of the
first SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy control create
request. Thereafter, in response to the flag status being true, generating, by the
10 analysis unit [304], at the PCF [122], the signal.
[0105] At step [408], in response to presence of the signal, the method [400]
comprises restricting, by the processing unit [306] at the PCF [122], transmission
to a charging function (CHF) [132], of the spending limit control subscribe request
15 (SLR) associated with at least the second SM policy control create request.
[0106] At step [410], the method [400] comprises transmitting, by the
transceiver unit [302], from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], the notification
indicative of the restricted transmission.
20
[0107] The method [400] further explains that in response to presence of the
signal, the method [400] comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], from
the PCF [122] to the CHF [132], the SLR request associated with at least the first
SM policy control create request.
25
[0108] The method [400] further comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit
[302], at the PCF [122] from the CHF [132], in response to the transmitted SLR
request associated with at least the first SM policy control create request, a
response. Thereafter, transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], from the PCF [122]
30 to the SMF [108], the notification indicative of the received response.
30
[0109] The method [400] further comprises updating, by an updating unit
[308], at a database [310] connected to the PCF [122], one or more policy counter
identifiers (PCIDs) associated with at least the second SM policy control create
request. Thereafter, transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], from the PCF [122]
5 to the SMF [108], a notification indicative of the update.
[0110] The method [400] herein terminates at step [412].
[0111] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary flow diagram [500] for managing
10 one or more session policies in a network, in accordance with exemplary
implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the
method [500] is performed by the system [300].
[0112] At step 502, the flow diagram [500] states ‘SM policy control create
15 request to PCF for DNN1’ implying that the SMF [108] is sending a session
management policy control create request for data network name 1 (DNN1) to the
PCF [122]. Herein, the request is triggered when a new session for DNN1 is being
set up or updated, prompting the PCF [122] to enforce or update policies for said
session.
20
[0113] At step 504, the flow diagram [500] states ‘SM Policy Control Create
Request to PCF for DNN2’ implying that simultaneously, the SMF [108] also sends
a second session management policy control create request for DNN2. Further, it is
to be noted that since both requests are sent concurrently, there is a potential for a
25 race condition, which occurs when two requests for the same Subscriber Identity
(SUPI) are being processed in parallel by the PCF [122].
[0114] At step 506, the flow diagram [500] states ‘Is a Pending CHF Subscribe
Request Already Sent for this SUPI?’ implying that the PCF [122] may verify
30 whether a CHF subscribe request is already pending for the SUPI associated with
31
the two requests (i.e., for DNN1 and DNN2), in order to avoid sending redundant
CHF requests for the same subscriber.
[0115] At step 508, the flow diagram [500] states ‘Send Spending Limit
5 Control Subscribe Request to CHF’ implying that in an event, there is no pending
CHF subscribe request, the PCF [122] may send a spending limit control subscribe
request (SLR) to the CHF [132]. The SLR may ensure that the charging control for
the subscriber is in place, allowing the CHF [132] to monitor spending limits and
other charging-related policies for the subscriber's session.
10
[0116] At step 510, the flow diagram [500] states ‘SM Policy Control Create
Response to SMF for DNN2’ implying that in an event, a CHF subscribe request
has already been sent, the PCF [122] may not send another subscribe request for the
same SUPI. Further, the PCF [122] may send a session management policy control
15 create response back to the SMF [108] for DNN2. Herein, the session management
policy control create response may contain the necessary policy and charging
control (PCC) rules for DNN2, allowing the session for DNN2 to proceed with the
correct policies.
20 [0117] At step 512, the flow diagram [500] states ‘Response for Spending
Limit Control Subscribe Request to PCF’ implying that the in the event there is no
pending CHF subscribe request, then the CHF [132] processes the SLR and sends
a response back to the PCF [122]. Herein, the response may contain information
regarding the charging controls that have been applied, such as spending limits or
25 usage thresholds for the subscriber's session.
[0118] At step 514, the flow diagram [500] states ‘SM Policy Control Create
Response to SMF for DNN1’ implying, that similar to the step [510], the PCF [122]
also sends a session management policy control create response back to the SMF
30 [108] for DNN1, ensuring that the session for DNN1 is set up or updated with the
appropriate policies and charging rules.
32
[0119] At step 516, the flow diagram [500] states ‘Update all PCIDs for all
SMF Sessions for that SUPI Except DNN1 (i.e., DNN2)’ implying that, the PCF
[122] then updates the policy counter identifiers (PCIDs) for all the SMF [108]
5 sessions related to the SUPI, except for DNN1. Herein, updating the PCIDs for all
SMF [108] sessions related to the SUPI may ensure that the policies are consistently
enforced across all SMF [108] sessions, and the PCF [122] may track all the current
sessions.
10 [0120] At step 518, the flow diagram [500] states ‘SM Update Notify for All
DNNs Except DNN1 (Here, DNN2) from PCF to SMF’ implying that, the PCF
[122] sends a notification to the SMF [108] indicating that the policy updates for
all DNNs (except DNN1) have been successfully processed. Herein, the notification
informs the SMF [108] that the policies for DNN2 have been updated, and the
15 session may proceed with the new policy controls.
[0121] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer
readable storage medium storing instructions for managing one or more session
policies in a network, the instructions include executable code which, when
20 executed by one or more units of a system, causes: a transceiver unit [302] to
receive, at a policy control function (PCF) [122], from a session management
function (SMF) [108], at least a first session management (SM) policy control
create request and a second SM policy control create request. The executable code
which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes an analysis unit
25 [304] to check at the PCF [122], for a signal indicative of transmission of a pending
charging function (CHF) subscribe request associated with at least one of the first
SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy control create request.
Further, in response to presence of the signal, a processing unit [306] is to restrict,
at the PCF [122], transmission to a charging function (CHF) [132], of a spending
30 limit control subscribe request (SLR) associated with at least the second SM policy
33
control create request. Further, the transceiver unit [302] to transmit, from the PCF
[122] to the SMF [108], a notification indicative of the restricted transmission.
[0122] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a
5 technically advanced solution for managing one or more session policies in a
network. The present solution provides a solution for the race condition happening
due to SM Policy Control Delete and subsequent SM Policy Control Create Request
and Spending Limit Subscribe and Unsubscribe requests triggered by them.
10 [0123] 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
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
15 be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative
and non-limiting.
34
We Claim:
1. A method [400] for managing one or more session policies in a network, the
method [400] comprising:
5 - receiving, by a transceiver unit [302], at a policy control function
(PCF) [122], from a session management function (SMF) [108], at
least a first session management (SM) policy control create request
and a second SM policy control create request;
- checking, by an analysis unit [304] at the PCF [122], for a signal
10 indicative of transmission of a pending charging function (CHF)
subscribe request associated with at least one of the first SM policy
control create request, and the second SM policy control create
request,
wherein, in response to presence of the signal, the method [400]
15 comprises:
- restricting, by a processing unit [306] at the PCF [122],
transmission to a charging function (CHF) [132], of a spending
limit control subscribe request (SLR) associated with at least the
second SM policy control create request; and
20 - transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], from the PCF [122]
to the SMF [108], a notification indicative of the restricted
transmission.
2. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in response to presence of
25 the signal, the method [400] comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit
[302], from the PCF [122] to the CHF [132], an SLR request associated with
at least the first SM policy control create request.
3. The method [400] as claimed in claim 2, wherein the method [400] comprises:
35
- receiving, by the transceiver unit [302], at the PCF [122] from the
CHF [132], in response to the transmitted SLR request associated with
at least the first SM policy control create request, a response; and
- transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], from the PCF [122] to the
5 SMF [108], a notification indicative of the received response.
4. The method [400] as claimed in claim 3, wherein the method [400] comprises:
- updating, by an updating unit [308], at a database [310] connected to
the PCF [122], one or more policy counter identifiers (PCIDs)
10 associated with at least the second SM policy control create request;
and
- transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], from the PCF [122] to the
SMF [108], a notification indicative of the update.
15 5. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of checking for the
signal comprises:
- checking, by the analysis unit [304], at the PCF [122], one or more
subscriber identities associated with the first SM policy control create
request, and the second SM policy control create request;
20 - checking, by the analysis unit [304], at the PCF [122], corresponding
flag statuses of the one or more subscriber identities, wherein the flag
status are indicative of a corresponding pending CHF subscribe
request associated with at least one of the first SM policy control
create request, and the second SM policy control create request; and
25 - in response to the flag status being true, generating, by the analysis
unit [304], at the PCF [122], the signal.
6. A system [300] for managing one or more session policies in a network, the
system [300] comprising:
36
- a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive, at a policy control
function (PCF) [122], from a session management function (SMF)
[108], at least a first session management (SM) policy control create
request and a second SM policy control create request;
5 - an analysis unit [304] connected at least to the transceiver unit [302],
the analysis unit [304] configured to check, at the PCF [122], for a
signal indicative of transmission of a pending charging function
(CHF) subscribe request associated with at least one of the first SM
policy control create request, and the second SM policy control create
10 request; and
- a processing unit [306] connected at least to the analysis unit [304],
wherein, in response to presence of the signal:
- the processing unit [306] is configured to restrict, at the PCF
[122], transmission to a charging function (CHF) [132], of a
15 spending limit control subscribe request (SLR) associated with
at least the second SM policy control create request; and
- the transceiver unit [302] is configured to transmit, from the
PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a notification indicative of the
restricted transmission.
20
7. The system [300] as claimed in claim 6, wherein, in response to presence of
the signal, the transceiver unit [302] is configured to transmit, from the PCF
[122] to the CHF [132], an SLR request associated with at least the first SM
policy control create request.
25
8. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transceiver unit [302] is
configured to:
- receive, at the PCF [122], from the CHF [132], in response to the
transmitted SLR request associated with at least the first SM policy
30 control create request, a response; and
37
- transmit, from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a notification
indicative of the received response.
9. The system [300] as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system comprises an
5 updating unit [308] connected to at least the transceiver unit [302], wherein:
- the updating unit [308] is configured to update, at a database [310]
connected to the PCF [122], one or more policy counter identifiers
(PCIDs) associated with at least the second SM policy control create
request; and
10 - the transceiver unit [302] is configured to transmit, from the PCF
[122] to the SMF [108], a notification indicative of the update.
10. The system [300] as claimed in claim 6, wherein, to check for the signal, the
analysis unit [304] is configured to:
15 - check, at the PCF [122], one or more subscriber identities associated
with the first SM policy control create request, and the second SM
policy control create request;
- check, at the PCF [122], corresponding flag statuses of the one or more
subscriber identities, wherein the flag status are indicative of a
20 corresponding pending CHF subscribe request associated with the
first SM policy control create request, and the second SM policy
control create request; and
- in response to the flag status being true, generate, at the PCF [122],
the signal.