Method and system for an activation of one or more communication services

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to method and system for an activation of one or more communication services The method comprises receiving, at a transceiver unit [302] of a network node [300], a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node [306]; obtaining, by a collection unit [304] via a first repository [308], a second information corresponding to the first information; transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], the second information to the target node [306]; receiving, at the transceiver unit [302], a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services; obtaining, by the collection unit via a second repository [310], the provisioned data; and transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302], the provisioned data to the target node [306] for the activation of the one or more communication services.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ACTIVATION OF ONE OR MORE COMMUNICATION SERVICESFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for an activation of one or more communication services in a communication network to allow the initiation of designated services by a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) and / or a Network Exposure Function (NEF).BACKGROUND

[0002] The following description of 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 may be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of 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] Internet of Things (loT) devices, such as wearable technologies, smart locks, smoke detectors, home automation devices, motion detectors etc., are connected to communication servers in order to send alerts, notifications, and / or information about various events such as atrespass, accidental falls, a burglary event etc. In order to achieve this, a communication has to be done by sharing data via a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) / Network Exposure Function (NEF) from a Service Capability Server (SCS) / Application Server (AS) / Application Function (AF). Various services such as Non-IP Data Delivery (NIDD), Monitoring Enhancement (MONTE), Device Triggering (DT) etc., are required to be performed by a service provider using the Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF) / Network Exposure Function (NEF) upon receiving the information from the SCS / AS / AF. The aforementioned services (for example, NIDD, MONTE, DT, etc.) in a communication network are activated based on a configuration request, including configuration Identity (ID) / subscription Identity (ID) that is generated in the communication network and sent from the SCS / AS to SCEF. This configuration ID / subscription ID is used to invoke standard Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) of the SCEF / NEF to fetch or modify the configuration information in the loT. However, a network error can lead to the configuration ID / Subscription ID to be lost in the communication network. This tends to make the communication suffer and stops the activation of services due to the unavailability of the configuration ID / Sub scription ID.

[0005] Further, over the period of time various solutions have been developed to improve the performance of communication devices for a service activation in the communication network to allow initiation of designated services by the SCEF / NEF associated with the communication network. However, there are certain challenges with existing solutions such as loss of configuration ID / Subscription ID, which occurs due to one or more network errors during the communication, and this tends to make the communication suffer. Hence the existing solutions are unable to continue the activation of services as they fail to get service activation related data from the SCEF in absence of the configuration ID / Subscription ID. Further, the existing 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard fails to provide an optimal solution for the same.

[0006] Thus, there exists an imperative need of a method and system that can perform service activation in a communication network, even in the absence of configuration ID / Subscription ID, and ensure the activation of designated services by the SCEF / NEF, which the present disclosure aims to address.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for Service Activation in a Communication Network to allow initiation of designated services by Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF) / Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method that ensures seamless activation of services for a target node by getting a provisioned data from the SCEF / NEF using a unique identifier of user equipment.SUMMARY

[0010] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form, which 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.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for an activation of one or more communication services. The method comprises receiving, at a transceiver unit of a network node, a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node. Further, the method comprises obtaining, by a collection unit of the network node via a first repository, a second information corresponding to the first information. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit of the network node, the second information to the target node. Further, the method comprises receiving, at the transceiver unit of the network node, a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services. Further, the method comprises obtaining by the collection unit of the network node, via a second repository, the provisioned data. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit of the network node, the provisioned data to the target node for the activation of the one or more communication services.

[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the network node is a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF).

[0013] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the target node is one of a Service Capability Server (SCS) and an Application Server (AS).

[0014] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the first information comprises at least one from among a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number Identifier (MSISDN ID) and an External Identifier of a user equipment.

[0015] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the second information comprises at least one from among a configuration identity (ID) and a subscription identity (ID).

[0016] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the second information is obtained via the first repository, in an event the second information is pre-stored in the first repository, wherein the provisioned data is obtained via the second repository in an event the provisioned data is prestored in the second repository.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a network node for an activation of one or more communication services. The network node comprises a transceiver unit configured to receive, a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node. The network node comprises a collection unit configured to obtain, via a first repository, a second information corresponding to the first information, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit the second information to the target node, and receive a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services, wherein the collection unit is further configured to obtain, via a second repository, the provisioned data and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the provisioned data to the target node for the activation of the one or more communication services.

[0018] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for an activation of one or more communication services, the instructions including an executable code; the executable code when executed by one or more units of a network node, causes a transceiver unit of the network node to receive, a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node. Further, the executable code when executed by one or more units of a network node, causes a collection unit of the network node to obtain via a first repository, a second information corresponding to the first information. Further, the executable code when executed by one or more units of a network node, causes the transceiver unit to transmit, the second information to the target node; and to receive, a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services. Further, the executable code whenexecuted by one or more units of a network node, causes the collection unit to obtain via a second repository, the provisioned data; and the transceiver unit to transmit, the provisioned data to the target node for the activation of the one or more communication services.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[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 principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of the 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture.

[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.

[0022] FIG.3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a network node for an activation of one or more communication services, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG.4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram indicating the process for an activation of one or more communication services, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG.5 illustrates an exemplary implementation method flowchart indicating a process for an activation of one or more communication services, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0025] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[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 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 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 oneinput means configured to receive an input from 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 stores at 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] As used herein “network node” refers to a network function such as a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF) that manages the flow of information (data) between different devices such a user equipment, computers etc within a network. The network node ensures smooth communication between devices by directing data to an end point, based on the data. The Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) is a component within 3GPP networks that securely exposes the services and capabilities available through network interfaces. The SCEF facilitates the discovery of these exposed service capabilities by providing access through standardized network application programming interfaces (e.g., Network API) defined by organizations such as Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Association (GSMA), and potentially other standardization bodies. The SCEF abstracts the underlying 3GPP network interfaces and protocols, allowing seamless access to network capabilities.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Over the period of time various solutions have been developed to improve the performance of communication devices for a service activation in a communication network to allow initiation of designated services (for example, Non-IP data delivery (NIDD), Monitoring enhancement (monte), Device triggering (DT), etc.) by a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF) / Network Exposure Function (NEF) associated with the communication network. However, there are certain challenges with existing solutions such as, a loss of configuration ID / Subscription ID occurs due to network error in the communication, and this tends to make the communication suffer, and hence the existing solutions are unable to continue the activation of services as they fail to get service activation related data from the SCEF in absence of the configuration ID / Subscription ID. The NEF is a vital component of 3GPP networks responsible for securely exposing network function capabilities and events to external entities such as, third-party application functions and edge computing systems. Additionally, NEF enables secure provision of information from external applications to the 3 GPP network, ensuring authentication, authorization, and controlled data flow, including the management of service-specific information and other network-related data.

[0040] As discussed in the above paragraph, the current known solutions for service activation in a communication network to allow initiation of designated services by a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF) / Network Exposure Function (NEF) have several shortcomings. The existing solutions to the aforementioned problems fail to solve the aforementioned issues. Further, the present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing a method and system for an activation of one or more communication services. The present invention ensures continuous activation of one or more communication services even during the unavailability of configuration identity (ID) / subscription identity (ID) in case of network failure. The present method enables the fetching of provisioned data from the SCEF by using a unique identifier (such as a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number Identifier (MSISDN ID) and an External Identifier of a user equipment (UE) in the absence of the configuration identity (ID) / subscription identity (ID), hence able to provide seamless service activation.

[0041] 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 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] , a Session 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] , a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] , a Service Capability Server (SCS)

[0134] , an application server (AS)

[0136] , 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Unified Data Management (UDM)

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

[0053] Application Function (AF)

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

[0054] User Plane Function (UPF)

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

[0055] 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.

[0056] Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] is a network function that securely exposes the services and capabilities available through network interfaces.

[0057] Service Capability Server (SCS)

[0134] refers to a server within the network that hosts and manages specific service capabilities.

[0058] Application Server (AS)

[0136] refers to a functional entity that provides specific services and applications such as voice over IP (VoIP), multimedia streaming, messaging, and other realtime applications to users and other network elements within the network.

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device

[0200] (also referred herein as computing system

[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 an activation of one or more communication services utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device

[0200] itself implements the method for the activation of the one or more communication services 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.

[0060] The computing device

[0200] may include a bus

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

[0204] coupled with the 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] ,

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 are performed 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a network node

[0300] for an activation of one or more communication services, is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The network node

[0300] comprises at least one transceiver unit

[0302] and at least one collection unit

[0304] , At least one target node

[0306] is connected with the network node

[0300] and a first repository

[0308] , and a second repository

[0310] connected with the network node

[0300] , Also, all of the components / units of the network node

[0300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures all units shown within the system should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in FIG. 3 only a few units are shown, however, the network node

[0300] may comprise multiple such units, or the network node

[0300] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the network node

[0300] may be present in a user device to implement the features of the present disclosure. The network node

[0300] may reside in a server or a network entity.

[0066] The network node

[0300] is configured for the activation of the one or more communication services, with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the network node

[0300] ,

[0067] As used herein “network node” refers to a network function such as a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] that manages the flow of information (data) between different devices such a user equipment, computers etc within a network. The network node

[0300] comprises the transceiver unit

[0302] and the network node

[0300] is communicatively coupled to the target node

[0306] , The transceiver unit

[0302] is configured to receive, a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node

[0306] , The target node

[0306] is one of a Service Capability Server (SCS)

[0134] and an Application Server (AS)

[0136] , Further, as disclosed by the present disclosure, the network node

[0300] may be a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] ,

[0068] The target node

[0306] is an entity in a network architecture that communicates with a network node

[0300] to request or provide information, services, or functionality. For example, SCS

[0134] could be a server within the network that hosts and manages specific service capabilities. For instance, in a telecommunications network, an SCS might manage services like voice over IP (VoIP) or multimedia messaging. An AS

[0136] is responsible for hosting and executing applications that provide specific services within the network. Examples of AS

[0136] include servers handling location-based services, mobile gaming platforms, or unified messaging applications. If the target node

[0306] is an SCS

[0134] , it might request information related to available network services or capabilities exposed by the network node

[0300] which acts as a SCEF

[0132] ,

[0069] As used herein the Service Capability Server (SCS)

[0134] and the Application Server (AS)

[0136] are associated with an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture. Further, the SCS

[0134] may provide a broad range of service capabilities and manage service interactions within the IMS network, while the AS

[0136] is a server associated with the IMS that is configured to host specific application logic to deliver individual or grouped services to a user in a telecommunications network.

[0070] The first information comprises at least one from among a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number Identifier (MSISDN ID) and an External Identifier of a user equipment.

[0071] The Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] is a network function that facilitates the exposure of service capabilities provided by one or more network functions in a telecommunication network. The SCEF

[0132] may act as an interface or intermediary between network elements and external entities such as user devices, enabling the seamless sharing of service capabilities across different domains or networks.

[0072] Further, the SCEF

[0132] serves as a gateway for service capability exposure, allowing third-party applications or services to discover, access, and utilize the functionalities such as a voice functionality, a messaging functionality, a data functionality, and other value-added services offered by the network elements within the telecommunications networks.

[0073] The term “mobile station international subscriber directory number identifier” (MSISDN ID) herein may correspond to a unique numerical sequence assigned to a mobile device within thetelecommunications network. The MSISDN ID may comprise a country code, a network code, and a mobile subscriber number, in order to allow identification of the mobile device associated with the mobile subscriber. The MSISDN ID is utilised for routing calls, messages, and data to a correct mobile device across various telecommunications network.

[0074] The term “external identifier” herein may correspond to a unique identifier associated with UE

[0102] that exists outside the UE

[0102] itself and is utilized for network management, authentication, billing, or other operational purposes. Examples of such external identifiers include, but are not limited to, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers, or other similar identifiers used within telecommunications or mobile network environments.

[0075] For example, the transceiver unit

[0302] receives the first request from the target node

[0306] to achieve activation of one or more services offered by a network i.e., the telecommunication network to the user equipment.

[0076] The network node

[0300] further comprises the collection unit

[0304] that is communicatively coupled to the transceiver unit

[0302] , The collection unit

[0304] is configured to the transceiver unit

[0302] to obtain, via a first repository

[0308] , a second information corresponding to the first information.

[0077] The second information comprises at least one from among a configuration identity (ID) and a subscription identity (ID). Further, the transceiver unit

[0302] transmits the second information to the target node

[0306] , The second information is obtained via the first repository

[0308] in an event the second information is pre-stored in the first repository

[0308] , The first repository

[0308] may be an external storage module. For example, in a telecommunications network context, the first repository

[0308] may be a centralized database managed by the network operator. Such a database stores subscriber profiles, service configurations, network settings, and other operational data.

[0078] As used herein a “configuration identity (ID)” refers to a unique identifier assigned to a specific configuration within the telecommunications network, for example, a configuration ID A may represent a particular set of network parameters associated with a specific service and / or a device in the telecommunication networks. The configuration ID distinguishes and managesvarious configurations such as a network setting configuration, a network parameter configuration, or a network profile configuration.

[0079] As used herein “subscription identity (ID)” refers to a unique identifier associated with a subscriber within the telecommunications network. The subscription ID differentiates network services subscription for the user in the telecommunication network for: management of the user, an authentication of the user, and a billing the user for the subscribed network services. The subscription ID may be linked to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or any other subscriber identity modules, allowing the network to recognize and provide personalized network services to each subscriber i.e., the user.

[0080] Further, the transceiver unit

[0302] receives a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services.

[0081] The term “provisioned data” herein may correspond to a data received from the SCEF

[0132] which includes information related to subscriber services, network slices, and policy configurations. The provisioned data is crucial for enabling and managing services in telecommunications networks, particularly in the context of network slicing and service activation.

[0082] Further, the collection unit

[0304] is further configured to obtain, via a second repository

[0310] , the provisioned data. The provisioned data is obtained via the second repository

[0310] in an event the provisioned data is pre- stored in the second repository

[0310] , The second repository

[0310] may be an external storage module.

[0083] For example, in a telecommunications network, the second repository

[0310] could be a cache or a dedicated database that stores real-time or frequently accessed data related to network events, operational logs, or temporary data needed for efficient network operation.

[0084] Thereafter, the transceiver unit

[0302] is further configured to transmit the provisioned data to the target node

[0306] for the activation of the one or more communication services. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure as disclosed herein, the provisioned data is found and returned from the SCEF

[0132] to the target node

[0306] i.e., the SCS

[0134] or the AS

[0136] , successfully for the activation of the one or more communication services. Therefore, the solutionas disclosed in the present disclosure ensures the seamless activation of services during network failure.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram

[0400] for an activation of one or more communication services, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the method

[0400] is performed by the network node

[0300] , Further, in an implementation, the network node

[0300] may be present in a server device to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0086] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method

[0400] starts at step

[0402] when the network node

[0300] is started and at step

[0404] the method comprises receiving, at a transceiver unit

[0302] of a network node

[0300] , a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node

[0306] , Further, in a preferred implementation of the present disclosure, the network node

[0300] is a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] , Furthermore, in another preferred implementation of the present solution the target node

[0306] is one of Service Capability Server (SCS)

[0134] and Application Server (AS)

[0136] ,

[0087] As used herein the Service Capability Server (SCS)

[0134] and the Application Server (AS)

[0136] are associated with an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture. Further, the SCS

[0134] may provide a broad range of service capabilities and manages service interactions within the IMS network, while the AS

[0136] is a server associated with the IMS that is configured to host specific application logic to deliver individual or grouped services to a user in a telecommunications network.

[0088] Furthermore, in accordance with the present disclosure, the first information comprises at least one from among a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number Identifier (MSISDN ID) and an External Identifier of a user equipment.

[0089] The Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] is a network function that facilitates the exposure of service capabilities provided by one or more network functions in a telecommunication network. The SCEF

[0132] may act as an interface or intermediary between network elements and external entities such as user devices, enabling the seamless sharing of service capabilities across different domains or networks.

[0090] Further, the SCEF

[0132] serves as a gateway for service capability exposure, allowing third-party applications or services to discover, access, and utilize the functionalities such as a voice functionality, a messaging functionality, a data functionality, and other value-added services offered by the network elements within the telecommunications network.

[0091] The term “mobile station international subscriber directory number identifier” herein may correspond to a unique numerical sequence assigned to a mobile device within the telecommunications network. The MSISDN ID may comprise a country code, a network code, and a mobile subscriber number, in order to allow identification of the mobile device associated with the mobile subscriber. The MSISDN ID is utilised for routing calls, messages, and data to a correct mobile device across various telecommunications network.

[0092] The term “external identifier” herein may correspond to a unique identifier associated with UE

[0102] that exists outside the UE

[0102] itself and is utilized for network management, authentication, billing, or other operational purposes. Examples of such external identifiers include, but are not limited to, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers, or other similar identifiers used within telecommunications or mobile network environments.

[0093] For example, the transceiver unit

[0302] receives the first request from the target node

[0306] to achieve activation of one or more services offered by a network i.e., the telecommunication network to the user equipment

[0102] ,

[0094] At step

[0406] , the method

[0400] , as disclosed by the present disclosure, comprises obtaining, by a collection unit

[0304] of the network node

[0300] via a first repository

[0308] , a second information corresponding to the first information.

[0095] The second information comprises at least one from among a configuration identity (ID) and a subscription identity (ID). The second information is obtained via the first repository

[0308] in an event the second information is pre-stored in the first repository

[0308] , The first repository

[0308] may be an external storage module.

[0096] As used herein “configuration identity (ID)” refers to a unique identifier assigned to a specific configuration within the telecommunications network, for example, a configuration ID A may represent a particular set of network parameters associated with a specific service and / or adevice in the telecommunication networks. The configuration ID distinguishes and manages various configurations such as a network setting configuration, a network parameter configuration, or a network profile configuration.

[0097] As used herein “subscription identity (ID)” refers to a unique identifier associated with a subscriber within the telecommunications network. The subscription ID differentiates network services subscription for the user in the telecommunication network for management of the user, an authentication of the user, and a billing of the user for the subscribed network services. The subscription ID may be linked to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or any other subscriber identity modules, allowing the network to recognize and provide personalized network services to each subscriber i.e., the user.

[0098] At step

[0408] , the method

[0400] , as disclosed by the present disclosure, comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit

[0302] of the network node

[0300] , the second information to the target node

[0306] ,

[0099] At step

[0410] , the method

[0400] , as disclosed by the present disclosure, comprises receiving, at the transceiver unit

[0302] of the network node

[0300] , a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services.

[0100] The term “provisioned data” herein may correspond to a data received from the SCEF which includes information related to subscriber services, network slices, and policy configurations. The provisioned data is crucial for enabling and managing services in telecommunications networks, particularly in the context of network slicing and service activation.

[0101] At step

[0412] , the method

[0400] , as disclosed by the present disclosure, comprises obtaining, by the collection unit

[0304] of the network node

[0300] , via a second repository

[0310] , the provisioned data. The provisioned data is obtained via the second repository

[0310] in an event the provisioned data is pre-stored in the second repository

[0310] , The second repository

[0310] may be an external storage module.

[0102] At step

[0414] , the method

[0400] , as disclosed by the present disclosure, comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit

[0302] of the network node

[0300] , the provisioned data to the target node

[0306] for the activation of the one or more communication services. Thus, inaccordance with the present disclosure as disclosed herein, the provisioned data is found and returned from the SCEF

[0132] to the target node

[0306] i.e., the SCS

[0134] or the AS

[0136] successfully for the activation of the one or more communication services. Therefore, the solution as disclosed in the present disclosure ensures the seamless activation of services during network failure.

[0103] Thereafter, the method terminates at step

[0016] ,

[0104] FIG.5 illustrates an exemplary implementation method

[0500] flowchart indicating a process for an activation of one or more communication services, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0105] In an implementation, the method

[0500] is performed by the network node

[0300] , As shown in FIG.5, the method

[0500] starts at step

[0502] , and includes the following steps:

[0106] At step

[0504] , the method

[0500] comprises initiating a request from a target node

[0306] i.e., one of Service Capability Server (SCS)

[0134] and Application Server (AS)

[0136] with a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number Identifier (MSISDN ID) i.e., an external Identifier (external ID), to a network node

[0300] (a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] ), to identify associated configuration Identity (ID) / subscription Identity (ID) i.e., a first information at step

[0506] ,

[0107] At step

[0510] , the method

[0500] returns the obtained configuration ID / subscription ID from the SCEF

[0132] to the SCS

[0134] / the AS

[0136] if the same is found, or else stopping the flow at step

[0508] when no data is provisioned against the configuration ID / subscription ID.

[0108] At step

[0512] , the method

[0500] comprises sharing a request i.e., a second request from the SCEF

[0132] to the target node

[0306] to get a provisioned data associated with the obtained configuration ID / subscription ID.

[0109] At step

[0514] , the method

[0500] comprises checking the provisioned data returned or not from the SCEF

[0132] to the SCS

[0134] / AS

[0136] / AF

[0126] ,

[0110] At step

[0516] , the method

[0500] comprises activating a designated service if the provisioned data is found and shared from the SCEF

[0132] / NEF

[0118] to the SCS

[0134] / AS

[0136] / AF

[0126] successfully, or else stopping the flow.[OHl] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for an activation of one or more communication services, the instructions including an executable code. The executable code, when executed by one or more units of a network node

[0300] , causes a transceiver unit

[0302] to receive, a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node

[0306] , Further, the executable code when executed by one or more units of a network node, causes a collection unit

[0304] to obtain via a first repository

[0308] , a second information corresponding to the first information. Further, the executable code when executed by one or more units of a network node, causes the transceiver unit

[0302] to transmit, the second information to the target node

[0306] ; and to receive, a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services. Further, the executable code when executed by one or more units of a network node, causes the collection unit

[0304] to obtain via a second repository

[0310] , the provisioned data; and the transceiver unit

[0302] to transmit, the provisioned data to the target node

[0306] for the activation of the one or more communication services.

[0112] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for an activation of one or more communication services by achieving a provisioned data related to service activation from a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF)

[0132] by using a unique identifier of a user equipment (UE)

[0102] , hence able to provide a seamless communication experience during a network failure in case of unavailability of configuration Identity (ID) / subscription Identity (ID). Further, the technical effect of the present solution lies in ensuring continuous activation of one or more communication services even during the unavailability of configuration identity (ID) / sub scription identity (ID). Thus, the present solution avoids service stoppage caused due to network failure by ensuring continuous activation of services.

[0113] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the embodiments 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.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for an activation of one or more communication services, the method comprising: receiving, at a transceiver unit [302] of a network node [300], a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node [306]; obtaining, by a collection unit [304] of the network node [300] via a first repository [308], a second information corresponding to the first information; transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302] of the network node [300], the second information to the target node [306]; receiving, at the transceiver unit [302] of the network node [300], a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services; obtaining, by the collection unit [304] of the network node [300] via a second repository [310], the provisioned data; and transmitting, by the transceiver unit [302] of the network node [300], the provisioned data to the target node [306] for the activation of the one or more communication services.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network node [300] is a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF) [132],3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the target node [306] is one of a Service Capability Server (SCS) [1364] and an Application Server (AS) [136],4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first information comprises at least one from among a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number Identifier (MSISDN ID) and an External Identifier of a user equipment.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second information comprises at least one from among a configuration identity (ID) and a subscription identity (ID).

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second information is obtained via the first repository [308] in an event the second information is pre-stored in the first repository [308], wherein the provisioned data is obtained via the second repository [310] in an event the provisioned data is pre-stored in the second repository [310],7. A network node [300] for an activation of one or more communication services, the network node [300] comprises: a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive, a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node [306]; anda collection unit [304] configured to obtain, via a first repository [308], a second information corresponding to the first information, wherein the transceiver unit [302] is further configured to: transmit the second information to the target node [306], and receive a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services, wherein: the collection unit [304] is further configured to obtain, via a second repository [310], the provisioned data, and the transceiver unit [302] is further configured to transmit the provisioned data to the target node [306] for the activation of the one or more communication services.

8. The network node [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the network node [300] is a Service Capabilities Exposure Function (SCEF) [132],9. The network node [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the target node [306] is one of a Service Capability Server (SCS) [134] and an Application Server (AS) [136],10. The network node [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first information comprises at least one from among a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number Identifier (MSISDN ID) and an External Identifier of a user equipment.

11. The network node [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second information comprises at least one from among a configuration identity (ID) and a subscription identity (ID).

12. The network node [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second information is obtained via the first repository [308] in an event the second information is pre-stored in the first repository [308], wherein the provisioned data is obtained via the second repository [310] in an event the provisioned data is pre-stored in the second repository [310],13. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instruction for an activation of one or more communication services, the instructions including an executable code, the executable code when executed by one or more units of a network node [300], causes: a transceiver unit [302] to receive, a first request to obtain a first information, from a target node [306], a collection unit [304] to obtain via a first repository [308], a second information corresponding to the first information, the transceiver unit [302] to transmit, the second information to the target node [306],the transceiver unit [302] to receive, a second request along with the second information to obtain a provisioned data, wherein the provisioned data is requested for the activation of the one or more communication services, the collection unit [304] to obtain via a second repository [310], the provisioned data, and the transceiver unit [302] to transmit, the provisioned data to the target node [306] for the activation of the one or more communication services.

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