Method and system for providing a network slice instance information

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for providing a network slice instance information The present disclosure encompasses: receiving, by a transceiver unit [302], at a h-NSSF module [502], a request for the network slice instance information from a v-NSSF module [504]; determining, by a determination unit [304], at the h-NSSF module [502], a route for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber; selecting, by a selection unit [306], at the h-NSSF module [502], a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route; and transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], at the h-NSSF module [502], information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v- NSSF module [504].

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A NETWORK SLICE INSTANCE INFORMATIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[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 providing a network slice instance information.BACKGROUND

[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.

[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. The third- generation (3G) technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth-generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users.

[0004] In the 5G communication system, there is provided a number of functional modules, for example an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), and a Network Repository Function (NRF), one or more of which interact with each other to implement multiple operations of the 5G communication system. NSSF is one of the key components of 5G communication system. The 5G communication system can deploymultiple Network Slice Instances delivering exactly the same features for different groups of user equipment (UE)s. The NSSF offers services to the AMF and the NSSF in a different Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) via the NSSF service-based interface. The key Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) functionalities include: authorization of the set of network slice instances for AMF Availability (Registration); determining the allowed NSSAI for selection of Slice information; and determining the AMF Set / Candidate list to be used to serve the UE based on the AMF Availability registration.

[0005] In other words, an AMF node and an NSSF node suitably interact with each other, for the slice selection and providing communication service to the UE. When the UE is accessing sliced network service and moves from a visited PLMN network to a home PLMN network, the UE is required to get access and / or service retrieval information for continuing service access in the home PLMN network, with a new slice information thereof. The NRF maintains an updated repository of the 5G elements available in the network along with the services provided by each of the elements in the 5G core that are expected to be instantiated, scaled and terminated without or minimal manual intervention. The NSSF provides the AMF with a suitable NRF endpoint / address, for providing service to the visited UE, however, this process is less efficient and time consuming and providing service to international roamer and national roamer users with single NRF module is less secure, thereby making this process undesirable.

[0006] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to provide a faster and efficient system and method for providing service to the UE in visited PLMN and / or in home network by two different NRF modules based on determining parameters from their PDU session request for secured and reduced signalling overhead, which the present disclosure aims to address.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for providing a network slice instance information. The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit, at a home network slice selection function (h-NSSF) module, a request for the network slice instance information from a visited network slice selection function (v-NSSF) module. The method further comprisesdetermining, by a determination unit, at the h-NSSF module, a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber. The method further comprises selecting, by a selection unit, at the h-NSSF module, a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information. The method further comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit, at the h-NSSF module, information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module.

[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the request for the network slice instance information is received in a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session request comprising of one or more request parameters.

[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises that the determining, by the determination unit, the route for the request for the network slice instance information, is performed based on the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request.

[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises maintaining, by a maintenance unit, at the h-NSSF module, a list of one or more national PUMNs. The method further comprises comparing, by a comparator unit, at the h-NSSF module, the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request with the list of one or more national Public Uand Mobile Networks (PUMNs), wherein the request is determined based on the national roaming subscriber upon a positive match, and the request is determined to be for the international roaming subscriber upon a negative match.

[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises segregating, by a segregation unit, at the h-NSSF module, the network slice information based on a dynamic configuration and one or more parameters associated with the request. The method further comprises storing, by a storage unit, at the h-NSSF module, the segregated network slice information.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for providing a network slice instance information. The system comprising a transceiver unit, a determination unit, and a selection unit connected to each other. The transceiver unit is configured to receive at a home Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) module, a request for the network slice instanceinformation from a v-NSSF module. The determination unit is configured to determine, at the h- NSSF module, a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber. The selection unit is configured to select, at the h-NSSF module, a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit, at the h-NSSF module, information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for providing a network slice instance information, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes: a transceiver unit of the system to receive at a home Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) module, a request for the network slice instance information from a v-NSSF module; a determination unit of the system to determine, at the h-NSSF module, a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber; a selection unit of the system to select, at the h-NSSF module, a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information; the transceiver unit of the system to transmit, at the h- NSSF module, information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module.OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for providing a network slice instance information.

[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a faster and efficient solution for effectively managing and distinguishing NSI (Network Slice Instance information) for international roamers and national roamers.

[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that minimizes service outage for international roamers traffic.

[0019] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that is easier to handle the specific requirements and considerations for each category of roamer and tailored services based on their roaming status.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. 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 circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5thgeneration core (5GC) network architecture.

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for providing a network slice instance information, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for providing a network slice instance information in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for providing a network slice instance information, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0026] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that 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 problems discussed above.

[0028] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0029] 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 may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.

[0030] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure.

[0031] 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 hereinis 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 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.

[0032] 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 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 functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.

[0033] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smartdevice”, “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 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 such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0034] 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”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The storage unit storesat least the data that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective functions.

[0035] 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 each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may be called.

[0036] 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 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.

[0037] As used herein the transceiver unit includes 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.

[0038] 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 providing a network slice instance information. The present disclosure provides receiving at a h-NSSF module, a request for the network slice instance information from a v-NSSF module. Then determining a route for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber. Then selecting a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route. Then transmitting the information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5thgeneration core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the 5GC network architecture

[0100] includes a user equipment (UE)

[0102] , a radio access network (RAN)

[0104] , an access and mobility management function (AMF)

[0106] , aSession Management Function (SMF)

[0108] , a Service Communication Proxy (SCP)

[0110] , an Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

[0112] , a Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF)

[0114] , a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

[0116] , a Network Exposure Function (NEF)

[0118] , a Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] , a Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] , a Unified Data Management (UDM)

[0124] , an application function (AF)

[0126] , a User Plane Function (UPF)

[0128] , a data network (DN)

[0130] , 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.

[0040] Radio Access Network (RAN)

[0104] is the part of a mobile telecommunications system that connects user equipment (UE)

[0102] to the core network (CN) and provides access to different types of networks (e.g., 5G network). It consists of radio base stations and the radio access technologies that enable wireless communication.

[0041] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

[0106] 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.

[0042] Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] 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.

[0043] Service Communication Proxy (SCP)

[0110] 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.

[0044] Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

[0112] 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.

[0045] Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF)

[0114] 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.

[0046] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

[0116] 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.

[0047] Network Exposure Function (NEF)

[0118] is a network function that exposes capabilities and services of the 5G network to external applications, enabling integration with third-party services and applications.

[0048] Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] 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.

[0049] Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] is a network function responsible for policy control decisions, such as QoS, charging, and access control, based on subscriber information and network policies.

[0050] Unified Data Management (UDM)

[0124] is a network function that centralizes the management of subscriber data, including authentication, authorization, and subscription information.

[0051] Application Function (AF)

[0126] is a network function that represents external applications interfacing with the 5G core network to access network capabilities and services.

[0052] User Plane Function (UPF)

[0128] is a network function responsible for handling user data traffic, including packet routing, forwarding, and QoS enforcement.

[0053] Data Network (DN)

[0130] 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.

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device

[0200] upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the computing device

[0200] may also implement a method for providing a network slice instance information utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device

[0200] itself implements the method for providinga network slice instance information using one or more units configured within the computing device

[0200] , wherein said one or more units are capable of implementing the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0055] The computing device

[0200] may include a bus

[0202] or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor

[0204] coupled with bus

[0202] for processing information. The hardware processor

[0204] may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor. The computing device

[0200] may also include a main memory

[0206] , such as a random-access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus

[0202] for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor

[0204] , The main memory

[0206] also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be executed by the processor

[0204] . Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor

[0204] , render the computing device

[0200] into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The computing device

[0200] further includes a read only memory (ROM)

[0208] or other static storage device coupled to the bus

[0202] for storing static information and instructions for the processor

[0204] ,

[0056] A storage device

[0210] , such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is provided and coupled to the bus

[0202] for storing information and instructions. The computing device

[0200] may be coupled via the bus

[0202] to a display

[0212] , 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

[0214] , including alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the bus

[0202] for communicating information and command selections to the processor

[0204] . Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller

[0216] , such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor

[0204] , and for controlling cursor movement on the display

[0212] , This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allow the device to specify positions in a plane.

[0057] The computing device

[0200] 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

[0200] causes or programs the computing device

[0200] to be a special-purpose machine. According to one implementation, the techniques herein areperformed by the computing device

[0200] in response to the processor

[0204] executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory

[0206] . Such instructions may be read into the main memory

[0206] from another storage medium, such as the storage device

[0210] , Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory

[0206] causes the processor

[0204] 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.

[0058] The computing device

[0200] also may include a communication interface

[0218] coupled to the bus

[0202] , The communication interface

[0218] provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link

[0220] that is connected to a local network

[0222] , For example, the communication interface

[0218] 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 telephone line. As another example, the communication interface

[0218] may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface

[0218] sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0059] The computing device

[0200] can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link

[0220] and the communication interface

[0218] , In the Internet example, a server

[0230] might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet

[0228] , the ISP

[0226] , the local network

[0222] , the host

[0224] and the communication interface

[0218] , The received code may be executed by the processor

[0204] as it is received, and / or stored in the storage device

[0210] , or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system

[0300] for providing a network slice instance information, is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The system

[0300] comprises at least one transceiver unit

[0302] , at least one determination unit

[0304] , at least one selection unit

[0306] , at least one maintenance unit

[0308] , at least one comparator unit

[0310] , at least one segregation unit

[0312] , and at least one storage unit

[0314] , Also, all of the components / units of the system

[0300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures all units shown within the system

[0300] should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in Fig. 3 only a few units are shown, however, the system

[0300] may comprise multiple such units or the system

[0300] maycomprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the system

[0300] may be present in a user device / user equipment

[0102] to implement the features of the present disclosure. The system

[0300] may be a part of the user device

[0102] / or may be independent of but in communication with the user device

[0102] (may also referred herein as a UE). In another implementation, the system

[0300] may reside in a server or a network entity. In yet another implementation, the system

[0300] may reside partly in the server / network entity and partly in the user device.

[0061] The system

[0300] is configured for providing a network slice instance information, with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the system

[0300] , The network slice instance information may be an information related to one or more network slice instances such as parameters related to NRF endpoint and slice instance identifier for discovering the required network functions that are part of the network slice instance.

[0062] The transceiver unit

[0302] is configured to receive at a home network slice selection function (h-NSSF) module

[0502] (shown in Fig.5), a request for the network slice instance information from a visited network slice selection function (v-NSSF) module

[0504] (shown in Fig.5). The (h-NSSF) module

[0502] is a module capable of performing the NSSF

[0116] at a home network of the user equipment at which the user equipment has been subscribed. The request for the network slice instance information may be a request seeking information from the v-NSSF module

[0504] about the network slice instances. The network slice instances are isolated end-to- end network node, tailored for diverse requirements requested by a particular application. The v- NSSF module

[0504] is a module capable of performing the NSSF

[0116] at a visited network of the user equipment

[0102] at when it is roaming outside the home network.

[0063] The request for the network slice instance information is received in a protocol data unit (PDU) session request comprising of one or more request parameters. The PDU session request is a request sent by the UE

[0102] which initiates a PDU Session Establishment process by sending a request to the 5G core network. The PDU session request also comprises one or more parameters that may contain information such as including but not limited to the type of service that the UE

[0102] wants to use, the type of traffic, the network slice instance information, roaming information, and may also contain other information.

[0064] The determination unit

[0304] is configured to determine at the h-NSSF module

[0502] a route for the request for the network slice instance information based on one or more request parameters of the PDU session request. The determination unit

[0304] analyses the one or morerequest parameters of the PDU session request of the request and then determines the route for the request for the network slice instance information.

[0065] The determination unit

[0304] is configured to determine, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , the route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber. The route for the request is used for differentiating between the national roaming subscriber and the international roaming subscriber. The international roaming subscriber may refer to subscriber that is using the UE

[0102] in a foreign country which is outside the coverage area of their home network. The national roaming subscriber may refer to the subscriber that is using the UE

[0102] in the same country but still outside the coverage area of their home network.

[0066] The selection unit

[0306] is configured to select, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information. The NRF module may be a device performing the function of the NRF

[0120] , The selection of the network slice instance information and the NRF module is done by the selection unit

[0306] based on the determination of the route of the request of the network slice instance information.

[0067] The transceiver unit

[0302] is further configured to transmit, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module

[0504] , The information associated with the NRF module which is selected from the one or more NRF modules is transmitted to the v-NSSF modules

[0504] along with the network slice instance information.

[0068] The present disclosure further discloses that the maintenance unit

[0308] is configured to maintain, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , a list of one or more national Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs). The list of one or more national PLMNs may be a list containing details of the one or more national PLMNs. The PLMNs may refer to the unique code that identifies a specific mobile network operator or service provider, and the national PLMNs may refer to the network operator or service provider having the country of the home network of the UE.

[0069] The present disclosure further discloses that the comparator unit

[0310] is configured to compare, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , the one or more request parameters of the PDU sessionrequest with the list of one or more national PLMNs, wherein the request is determined to be for the national roaming subscriber upon a positive match, and the request is determined to be for the international roaming subscriber upon a negative match. The comparison between the one or more request parameters and the list of one or more national PLMNs is done by the comparator unit

[0310] which matches the data associated with the PLMNs and generates a response which is the positive match and the negative match. The positive match refers to the event when the one or more request parameters and the list of one or more national PLMNs are successfully matched, indicating the national roaming subscriber. Then based on the positive matching, the request is determined to be for the national roaming subscriber. The negative match refers to the event when the one or more request parameters and the list of one or more national PLMNs are not matched, indicating the international roaming subscriber. Then based on the negative matching, the request is determined to be for the international roaming subscriber.

[0070] The present disclosure further discloses that the segregation unit

[0312] is configured to segregate, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , the network slice instance information based on a dynamic configuration and one or more parameters associated with the request. The dynamic configuration is the network slice instance information that can be updated dynamically in real time that can be used during PDU selection request and creation of PDU session for allowed network slices or NSSAI.

[0071] The present disclosure further discloses that the storage unit

[0314] is configured to store the segregated network slice instance information. The network slice instance information is stored in the storage unit

[0314] after it has been segregated.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram

[0400] for providing a network slice instance information, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the method

[0400] is performed by the system

[0300] , Further, in an implementation, the system

[0300] may be present in a server device to implement the features of the present disclosure. The network slice instance information may be an information related to one or more network slice instances such as parameters related to NRF endpoint and slice instance identifier for discovering the required network functions that are part of the network slice instance.

[0073] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method

[0400] starts at step

[0402] ,

[0074] At step

[0404] , the method

[0400] comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit

[0302] , at a home network slice selection function (h-NSSF) module

[0502] , a request for the network slice instance information from a visited network slice selection function (v-NSSF) module

[0504] , The h-NSSF module

[0502] is a module capable of performing the NSSF

[0116] at a home network of the user equipment at which the user equipment has been subscribed. The request for the network slice instance information may be a request seeking information from the v-NSSF module

[0504] about the network slice instances. The network slice instances are isolated end-to-end network node, tailored for diverse requirements requested by a particular application. The v-NSSF module

[0504] is a module capable of performing the NS SF

[0116] at a visited network of the user equipment

[0102] at when it is roaming outside the home network.

[0075] The request for the network slice instance information is received in a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session request comprising of one or more request parameters. The PDU session request is a request sent by the UE

[0102] which initiates a PDU Session Establishment process by sending a request to the 5G core network. The PDU session request also comprises one or more parameters that may contain information such as including but not limited to the type of service that the UE

[0102] wants to use, the type of traffic, the network slice instance information, roaming information, and may also contain other information.

[0076] The present disclosure further discloses that the method

[0400] further comprises determining, by the determination unit

[0304] , the route for the request for the network slice instance information is performed based on the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request. The determination unit

[0304] analyses the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request of the request and then determines the route for the request for the network slice instance information.

[0077] At step

[0406] , the method

[0400] comprises determining, by a determination unit

[0304] , at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber. The route for the request is used for differentiating between the national roaming subscriber and the international roaming subscriber. The international roaming subscriber may refer to subscriber that is using the UE

[0102] in a foreign country which is outside the coverage area of their home network. The national roaming subscriber may refer to the subscriber that is using the UE

[0102] in the same country but still outside the coverage area of their home network.

[0078] At step

[0408] , the method

[0400] comprises selecting, by a selection unit

[0306] , at the h- NSSF module

[0502] , a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information. The NRF module may be a device performing the function of the NRF

[0120] , The selection of the network slice instance information and the NRF module is done by the selection unit

[0306] based on the determination of the route of the request of the network slice instance information.

[0079] At step

[0410] , the method

[0400] comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit

[0302] , at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module

[0504] , The information associated with the NRF module which is selected from the one or more NRF modules are transmitted to the v-NSSF modules

[0504] along with the network slice instance information.

[0080] The present disclosure further discloses that the method

[0400] comprises maintaining, by a maintenance unit

[0308] , at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , a list of one or more national public land mobile networks (PLMNs). The list of one or more national PLMNs may be a list containing details of the one or more national PLMNs. The PLMNs may refer to the unique code that identifies a specific mobile network operator or service provider, and the national PLMNs may refer to the network operator or service provider having the country of the home network of the UE.

[0081] The present disclosure further discloses that the method

[0400] comprises comparing, by a comparator unit

[0310] , at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request with the list of one or more national PLMNs, wherein the request is determined based on the national roaming subscriber upon a positive match, and the request is determined to be for the international roaming subscriber upon a negative match. The comparison between the one or more request parameters and the list of one or more national PLMNs is done by the comparator unit

[0310] which matches the data associated with the PLMNs and generates a response which is the positive match and the negative match. The positive match refers to the event when the one or more request parameters and the list of one or more national PLMNs are successfully matched, indicating the national roaming subscriber. Then based on the positive matching, the request is determined to be for the national roaming subscriber. The negative match refers to the event when the one or more request parameters and the list of one or more national PLMNs are not matched, indicating the international roaming subscriber. Then based on the negative matching, the request is determined to be for the international roaming subscriber.

[0082] The present disclosure further discloses that the method

[0400] comprises segregating, by a segregation unit

[0312] , at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , the network slice instance information based on a dynamic configuration and one or more parameters associated with the request. The dynamic configuration is the network slice instance information that can be updated dynamically in real time that can be used during PDU selection request and creation of PDU session for allowed network slices orNSSAI.

[0083] The present disclosure further discloses that the method

[0400] comprises storing, by a storage unit

[0314] , at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , the segregated network slice instance information. The network slice instance information is stored in the storage unit

[0314] after it has been segregated.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary flow diagram for providing a network slice instance information is provided, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The v-NSSF module

[0504] is connected to the AMF

[0106] in the roaming PLMN, and the h-NSSF module

[0502] is connected with the AMF

[0106] in the home PLMN. The h-NSSF module

[0502] collects the information of the selected NRF module from the one or more NRF modules, and transmits to the v-NSSF module

[0504] , after determining the route of the request for the network slice instance information, in case of the international roaming subscriber and also in case of the national roaming subscriber.

[0085] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for providing a network slice instance information, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system

[0300] , causes: a transceiver unit

[0302] of the system

[0300] to receive at a h-NSSF module

[0502] , a request for the network slice instance information from a v-NSSF module

[0504] ; a determination unit

[0304] of the system

[0300] to determine, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber; a selection unit

[0506] of the system

[0300] to select, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information; the transceiver unit

[0302] of the system

[0300] to transmit, at the h-NSSF module

[0502] , information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module

[0504] ,

[0086] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for providing a network slice instance information. The present solution further provides a solution for managing and distinguishing the NSI (Network Slice Instance information) for international roamers and national roamers within the context of the same network slice. By provisioning this information in a segregated manner of the international roaming subscriber (IR) or the national roaming subscriber (NR), it becomes easier to handle the specific requirements and considerations for each category of roamer and tailored services based on their roaming status. This also helps to reduce signalling overhead. The proposed disclosure provides a secure way for providing service to the UE in visited PLMN and / or in home network by two different NRF modules based on determining parameters from their PDU session request within same network slice instance.

[0087] 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 be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

[0088] 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 functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for providing a network slice instance information, the method comprising: receiving, by a transceiver unit [302], at a home network slice selection function (h- NSSF) module [502], a request for the network slice instance information from a visited network slice selection function (v-NSSF) module [504]; determining, by a determination unit [304], at the h-NSSF module [502], a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber; selecting, by a selection unit [306], at the h-NSSF module [502], a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information; and- transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], at the h-NSSF module [502], information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module [504],2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the request for the network slice instance information is received in a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session request comprising of one or more request parameters.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the determining, by the determination unit [304], the route for the request for the network slice instance information is performed based on the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, the method further comprising:- maintaining, by a maintenance unit [308], at the h-NSSF module [502], a list of one or more national Public hand Mobile Networks (PUMNs); and comparing, by a comparator unit [310], at the h-NSSF module [502], the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request with the list of one or more national PUMNs, wherein the request is determined based on the national roaming subscriber upon a positive match, and the request is determined to be for the international roaming subscriber upon a negative match.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprises:segregating, by a segregation unit [312], at the h-NSSF module [502], the network slice instance information based on a dynamic configuration and one or more parameters associated with the request; and storing, by a storage unit [314], at the h-NSSF module [502], the segregated network slice instance information.

6. A system [300] for providing a network slice instance information, the system [300] comprising: a transceiver unit [302]; a determination unit [304] connected at least to the transceiver unit [302]; a selection unit [306] connected at least to the determination unit [304]; wherein:- the transceiver unit [302] is configured to receive at a home network slice selection function (h-NSSF) module [502], a request for the network slice instance information from a visited network slice selection function (v-NSSF) module [504],- the determination unit [304] is configured to determine, at the h-NSSF module [502], a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber,- the selection unit [306] is configured to select, at the h-NSSF module [502], a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information, and- the transceiver unit [302] is configured to transmit, at the h-NSSF module [502], information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module [504],7. The system [300] as claimed in claim 6, wherein the request for the network slice instance information is received in a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session request comprising of one or more request parameters.

8. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the determination unit [304] is configured to determine at the h-NSSF module [502] the route for the request for the network slice instance information based on one or more request parameters of the PDU session request.

9. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the system [300] further comprises:a maintenance unit [308] connected at least to the selection unit [306], the maintenance unit [308] is configured to maintain, at the h-NSSF module [502], a list of one or more national public land mobile networks (PLMNs); and a comparator unit [310] connected at least to the maintenance unit [308], the comparator unit [310] is configured to compare, at the h-NSSF module [502], the one or more request parameters of the PDU session request with the list of one or more national PLMNs, wherein the request is determined to be for the national roaming subscriber upon a positive match, and the request is determined to be for the international roaming subscriber upon a negative match.

10. The system [300] as claimed in claim 9, wherein the system [300] further comprises: a segregation unit [312] connected at least to the comparator unit [310], the segregation unit [312] is configured to segregate, at the h-NSSF module [502], the network slice instance information based on a dynamic configuration and one or more parameters associated with the request; and a storage unit [314] connected at least to the segregation unit [312], the storage unit [314] is configured to store the segregated network slice instance information.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for providing a network slice instance information, the storage medium comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system [300], causes: a transceiver unit [302], at a home network slice selection function (h-NSSF) module [502], to receive a request for the network slice instance information from a visited network slice selection function (v-NSSF) module [504]; a determination unit [304], at the h-NSSF module [502], to determine a route for the request for the network slice instance information for one of an international roaming subscriber and a national roaming subscriber; a selection unit [306], at the h-NSSF module [502], to select a Network Repository Function (NRF) module from one or more Network Repository Function (NRF) modules and the network slice instance information based on determining the route for the request of the network slice instance information; and- the transceiver unit [302], at the h-NSSF module [502], to transmit information of the selected one or more NRF modules and the network slice instance information to the v-NSSF module [504],

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