Method and system for facilitating routing in a network

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for facilitating routing in a network The method comprises receiving, at a controller node [300], a first user input. The method comprises identifying, at the controller node [300], a network function (NF) from plurality of NFs based on the first user input and establishing, at the controller node [300], a connection between the controller node [300] and the NF. The method further comprises selecting, at the controller node [300], an interface based on the established connection and triggering, at the controller node [300], an automation task remotely via the interface on one or more network nodes. Furthermore, the method comprises facilitating, at the controller node [300], a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING ROUTING IN A NETWORKFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to facilitate routing in a network.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. 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 current existing solution, routing is a complex task, especially to enable efficient communication between network nodes and multiple third-party Network Functions (NFs). The problem that routing in 5G solves is how to establish efficient communication pathways between nodes and these diverse NFs. Without a proper routing mechanism, data exchange between nodes and NFs could be inefficient, slow, or even fail altogether. Routing ensures that data packets are directed along optimal paths, taking into consideration factors such as network congestion, latency, and bandwidth availability. To achieve this, routing is essential to facilitate communicationbetween them. Further, 5G networks are complex as they involve multiple frequency bands, network types and network slicing. Further, large routing tables can add to the complexity, thereby leading to network latency due to the delay in taking routing decisions. There is a need in the existing solutions to collectively transform routing from a conventional process into a sophisticated mechanism that optimizes data transmission and supports the diverse requirements of the 5G landscape.

[0005] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to overcome the above-stated disadvantages. The present disclosure provides a solution that addresses the complexities of enabling efficient communication between nodes and multiple third-party NFs. The solution involves dynamic adaptability, intelligent decision-making, NF integration, QoS optimization, security measures, support for heterogeneous networks, and redundancy mechanisms.SUMMARY

[0006] 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.

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for facilitating routing in a network. The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit at a controller node, a first user input. The method further comprises identifying, by a processing unit at the controller node, a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input. Furthermore, the method comprises establishing, by the transceiver unit at the controller node, a connection between the controller node and the NF. The method further comprises selecting, by the processing unit at the controller node, an interface based on the established connection. The method further comprises triggering, by an execution unit at the controller node, an automation task via the interface on one or more network nodes. Furthe, the method comprises facilitating, by the execution unit at the controller node, a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.

[0008] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises performing, by the processing unit at the controller node, a sanity check to validate completion of routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF.

[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the automation task is triggered remotely on the one or more network nodes via the interface.

[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method facilitates at least a data transmission, a data processing and a data exchange between the one or more network nodes and the NF based on routing.

[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the interface is selected based on a second user input at the user interface of the controller node.

[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the triggering the automation task remotely on the one or more network nodes is based on a second user input at the user interface of the controller node.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for facilitating routing in a network. The system comprises a controller node, which further comprises a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first user input. Furthermore, the controller node comprises a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to identify a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input. The transceiver unit is further configured to establish a connection between the controller node and the NF. The processing unit is further configured to select, an interface based on the established connection. The controller node further comprises an execution unit. The execution unit is configured to trigger an automation task via the interface on one or more network nodes. The execution unit is further configured to facilitate, a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instruction for facilitating routing in a network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, cause a transceiver unit of the system to receive a first user input. The instructions when executed by the system further cause a processing unit of the system to identify a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the transceiver unit to establish, a connection between the controller node and the NF. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the processing unit to select, an interface based on the established connection. The instructions when executed by thesystem further cause an execution unit to trigger, the automation task remotely via the interface on one or more network nodes. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the execution unit to facilitate a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[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 facilitating routing in a network.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution for dynamic adaptability, intelligent decision-making, NF integration, QoS optimization, security measures, support for heterogeneous networks, and redundancy mechanisms.

[0018] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to address the complexities of enabling efficient communication between nodes and multiple third-party Network Functions (NFs).DESCRIPTION OF THE 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. 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.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 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 implementation of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for facilitating routing in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for facilitating routing in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system diagram for facilitating routing in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method flow for facilitating routing in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations 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 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 wirelesscommunication 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 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] 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 include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data, signals, information or a combination thereof between units / components within the system and / or connected with the system.

[0038] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions have several shortcomings. In the existing solution, routing is a complex task, especially to enable efficient communication between network nodes and multiple third-party NFs. 5G networks are complex as they involve multiple frequency bands, network types and network slicing. Further, large routing tables can add to the complexity, thereby leading to network latency due to the delay in taking routing decisions. There is a need in the existing solutions to collectively transform routing from a conventional process into a sophisticated mechanism that optimizes data transmission and supports the diverse requirements of the 5G landscape. The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing method and system of facilitating routing in a network.

[0039] 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] , 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The 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] The Unified Data Management (UDM)

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

[0051] The 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] The User Plane Function (UPF)

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

[0053] The 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] Further, the 5G core architecture relies on a "Service-Based Architecture" (SB A) framework, where the architecture elements defined in terms of "Network Functions" (NFs) offer their services to all the other NFs and / or to any "consumers" that are permitted to make use of these provided services via interfaces of a common framework.

[0055] 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 facilitating routing in a network, utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device

[0200] itself implements the method for facilitating routing in a network 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.

[0056] 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 storedin 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] ,

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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, cablemodem, 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The present disclosure is implemented by a system

[0300] (as shown in FIG. 3). In an implementation, the system

[0300] may include the computing device

[0200] (as shown in FIG. 2). It is further noted that the computing device

[0200] is able to perform the steps of a method

[0400] (as shown in FIG. 4).

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system comprising a controller node

[0300] for facilitating routing in a network, is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The controller node

[0300] comprises at least one transceiver unit

[0302] , at least one processing unit

[0304] , at least one execution unit

[0306] and at least one user interface

[0308] , Also, all of the components / units of the controller node

[0300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the FIG. 3 all units shown within the controller node

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

[0300] may comprise multiple such units or the controller node

[0300] may comprise any such number of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the controller node

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

[0063] The system comprising controller node

[0300] is configured for facilitating routing in a network, with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the system

[0300] , Furthermore, the controller node

[0300] may be implemented at any of the network functions of the 5G Network Architecture

[0100] as shown in FIG.l. The controller node

[0300] may be configuredto perform the functionalities at the AMF

[0106] , the SMF

[0108] , the SCP

[0110] , the AUSF

[0112] , the NSSAAF

[0114] , theNSSF

[0116] , the NEF

[0118] , the NRF

[0120] , the UDM

[0124] , the AF

[0126] or the UPF

[0128] ,

[0064] The system as shown in FIG. 3 comprises a controller node

[0300] , The controller node

[0300] refers to a node that may control and perform a third-party routing between one or more network nodes and a network function (NF). The third-party routing refers to selection of an intermediary path for data traffic in a network, instead of data packets traveling directly from the one or more network nodes to the NF. The intermediary path may be a router, a switch, and the like. In an exemplary implementation, the application function (AF)

[0126] as shown in FIG. 1, resembles an application server that can interact with the other control-plane NFs. AFs

[0126] can exist for different application services and can be owned by the network operator or by trusted third parties. For example, the AF

[0126] of an application provider can influence routing, steering its traffic towards its external edge servers. For services considered to be trusted by the network operator, the AF

[0126] can access Network Functions directly whereas untrusted or third-party AFs would access the Network Functions through the NEF

[0118] , The one or more network nodes refer to network nodes or network functions of the network. In an implementation, the network is the 5thgeneration core network. The network may be a 4thgeneration network, 6thgeneration network, or any other future generations of network. In an implementation, the network functions may be one of the AMF

[0106] , the SMF

[0108] , the SCP

[0110] , the AUSF

[0112] , the NSSAAF

[0114] , the NSSF

[0116] , the NEF

[0118] , the NRF

[0120] , the UDM

[0124] , the AF

[0126] or the UPF

[0128] ,

[0065] The controller node

[0300] comprises the transceiver unit

[0302] , The transceiver unit

[0302] is configured to receive a first user input. The first user input is received at a user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , The first user input comprises but may not be limited to providing a network function (NF) from the one or more network functions for which the routing is to be performed.

[0066] The controller node

[0300] further comprises the processing unit

[0304] , The processing unit

[0304] is configured to identify the NF from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input. To identify, the processing unit

[0304] may select an appropriate NF from the plurality of network functions based on the first user input. The plurality of network functions (NFs) are third party network functions (NFs). The third-party NFs refers to intermediary functions of a network provided by a third party rather than the network operator. To identify the NF fromthe plurality of NFs, the processing unit

[0304] may analyse the first user input provided at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , Based on the analysis of the first user input, the processing unit

[0304] may identify the NF that may be appropriate and for which routing needs to be established.

[0067] The transceiver unit

[0302] is further configured to establish a connection between the controller node

[0300] and the NF. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the connection may be established between the controller node

[0300] and the NF, based on the identification of the NF from the first user input. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the connection may be established based on network addresses, hostnames, or other unique identifiers associated with the NF. Once identified, the controller node

[0300] initiates a connection using a suitable communication protocol. This may involve protocols like SSH, HTTPS, or others, depending on the network environment and the specific requirements of the NFs. The controller node

[0300] must authenticate itself to the NF using credentials, such as passwords, keys, or certificates. This confirms that the controller node

[0300] has the necessary permissions to interact with the NF. Finally, after successful authentication, a secure and stable communication channel is established between the controller node

[0300] and the NF. The processing unit

[0304] is further configured to select an interface based on the established connection. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the processing unit

[0304] may evaluate the established connection parameters. The parameters may include Quality of Service (QoS), current network conditions, and the like. On the basis of the evaluation, the processing unit

[0304] may provide the interfaces that may be appropriate to route the data traffic on the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , Further, the interface is selected based on a second user input at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , Based on the provided interfaces at the user interface

[0308] , the appropriate interface is selected by the second user input. The functional architecture of 5G core is flexibly designed to adopt implementation changes. The network nodes in the 5G core network within the control plane enable cross-domain interactions allowing other authorized network functions (third-party) to access their services. The 5G core network is designed as an interconnected system of Network Functions (NFs) that communicate through service-based interfaces or reference point interfaces. The network Functions within the 5G control plane will use service-based interfaces for their interactions. The user plane functions, and radio interactions shall use the reference point interfaces. Each NF exposes specific functionality and provides services to other NFs. Therefore, any communication or routing between NFs or between nodes and NFs takes place through these interfaces. The interfaces are self-contained software modules that are reusable independently ofeach other and can be thought of as micro services. In an example, a N5 interface is used to connect the PCF (Policy Control Function)

[0122] and an AF (Application Function)

[0126] ,

[0068] The controller node

[0300] further comprises an execution unit

[0306] , The execution unit

[0306] is configured to trigger an automation task remotely via the selected interface on one or more network nodes. The interface is selected based on a second user input at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node. The configuration of the execution unit

[0306] allows the execution unit to identify when the automation task needs to be initiated based on user input, and subsequently carry out the necessary operations to execute the automation task on one or more network nodes. In an implementation, the automation task is the third-party routing task. The automation task may be stored at the controller node

[0300] , The triggering of the automation task remotely on the one or more network nodes is based on a third user input at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , The automation task is triggered remotely on the one or more network nodes via the interface. The third user input includes but may not be limited to a command to trigger the automation task. The triggering of the automation task allows execution of the command and necessary operations to execute the automation task. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the user interface

[0308] may be a graphical user interface

[0308] (GUI) or a command line interface (CLI). The GUI refers to an interface for the user to interact with the system

[0300] by visual or graphical representation of icons, menu, etc. The GUI may be used in a smartphone, laptop, computer, etc. The CLI refers to a text-based interface to interact with the system

[0300] for the user. The user may input text lines called as command lines in the CLI to access the data in the system

[0300] ,

[0069] The execution unit

[0306] is further configured to facilitate a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task. The automation task establishes a network path for routing from the one or more network nodes to the third-party NF, and hence facilitates routing. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the routing refers to selection of an intermediary path for the network nodes to the third-party NF. To facilitate the routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF, the execution unit

[0306] may configure a set of policies for routing. Furthermore, the execution unit

[0306] may initiate a data transmission, a data processing and a data exchange between the one or more network nodes and the NF.

[0070] The processing unit

[0304] is further configured to perform, a sanity check to validate completion of routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF. The sanity check refers to a process for checking and validating if the automation task has completed without any error.In an implementation of the present disclosure, if a response to the sanity check is a positive response, it signifies that the automation task has completed successfully, and the controller node

[0300] may terminate the automation task. To perform the sanity check, the execution unit

[0306] may monitor the routing for checking the completion of routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF. In another implementation of the present disclosure, if the response to the sanity check is a negative response, the controller node

[0300] may wait for a pre-defined time period before performing another sanity check. The pre-defined time period may be defined by the user.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram

[0400] for facilitating routing in a network, 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. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method

[0400] starts at step

[0402] ,

[0072] At step

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

[0302] at a controller node

[0300] , a first user input. The first user input is received at a user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , The first user input comprises but may not be limited to a providing a network function (NF) from the one or more network functions (NFs) for which the routing is to be performed. The controller node

[0300] refers to a node that may control and perform a third- party routing between one or more network nodes and a network function (NF). The third-party routing refers to selection of an intermediary path for data traffic in a network, instead of data packets traveling directly from the one or more network nodes to the NF. The intermediary path may be a router, a switch, and the like. In an exemplary implementation, the application function (AF)

[0126] as shown in FIG. 1, resembles an application server that can interact with the other control-plane NFs. AFs can exist for different application services and can be owned by the network operator or by trusted third parties. For instance, the AF

[0126] of an application provider can influence routing, steering its traffic towards its external edge servers. For services considered to be trusted by the operator, the AF

[0126] can access Network Functions directly whereas untrusted or third-party AFs would access the Network Functions through the NEF

[0118] , The one or more network nodes refer to core network nodes or network functions of the network. In an implementation, the network is the 5thgeneration core network. The network may be a 4thgeneration network, 6thgeneration network, or any other future generations of network. In an implementation, the network functions may be one of the AMF

[0106] , the SMF

[0108] , the SCP

[0110] , the AUSF

[0112] , the NSSAAF

[0114] , the NSSF

[0116] , the NEF

[0118] , the NRF

[0120] , the UDM

[0124] , the AF

[0126] or the UPF

[0128] ,

[0073] Next, at step

[0406] , the method comprises identifying, by a processing unit

[0304] at the controller node

[0300] , a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input. To identify, the processing unit

[0304] may select an appropriate NF from the plurality of network functions based on the first user input. The plurality of network functions (NFs) are third party network functions (NFs). The third-party NFs refers to intermediary functions of a network provided by a third party rather than the network operator. To identify the NF from the plurality of NFs, the processing unit

[0304] may analyse the first user input. Based on the analysis of the first user input, the processing unit

[0304] may identify the NF that may be appropriate and for which routing needs to be established.

[0074] Next, at step

[0408] , the method comprises establishing, by the transceiver unit

[0302] at the controller node

[0300] , a connection between the controller node

[0300] and the NF. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the connection may be established between the controller node

[0300] and the NF, based on the identification of the NF from the first user input. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the connection may be established based on network addresses, hostnames, or other unique identifiers associated with the NF. Once identified, the controller node

[0300] initiates a connection using a suitable communication protocol. This may involve protocols like SSH, HTTPS, or others, depending on the network environment and the specific requirements of the NFs. The controller node

[0300] must authenticate itself to the NF using credentials, such as passwords, keys, or certificates. This confirms that the controller node

[0300] has the necessary permissions to interact with the NF. Finally, after successful authentication, a secure and stable communication channel is established between the controller node

[0300] and the NF.

[0075] Further, at step

[0410] , the method comprises selecting, by the processing unit

[0304] at the controller node

[0300] , an interface based on the established connection. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the processing unit

[0304] may evaluate the established connection parameters to select the interface. The parameters may include Quality of Service (QoS), current network conditions, and the like. On the basis of the evaluation, the processing unit

[0304] may select the interface that may be appropriate to route the data traffic on the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , Further, the interface is selected based on a second user input at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , Based on the provided interfaces at the user interface

[0308] , the appropriate interface is selected by the second user input. The functional architecture of 5G core is flexibly designed to adopt implementation changes. The network nodes in the 5G corenetwork within the control plane enable cross-domain interactions allowing other authorized network functions (third-party) to access their services. The 5G core network is designed as an interconnected system of Network Functions (NFs) that communicate through service-based interfaces or reference point interfaces. The network functions within the 5G control plane will use service-based interfaces for their interactions. The user plane functions, and radio interactions shall use the reference point interfaces. Each NF exposes specific functionality and provides services to other NFs. Therefore, any communication or routing between NFs or between nodes and NFs takes place through these interfaces. Interfaces are self-contained software modules that are reusable independently of each other and can be thought of as micro services. In an example, a N5 interface is used to connect the PCF (Policy Control Function)

[0122] and an AF (Application Function)

[0126] , In an example, a N5 interface is used to connect the PCF

[0122] and the AF

[0126] ,

[0076] Further, at step

[0412] , the method encompasses triggering, by an execution unit

[0306] at the controller node

[0300] , an automation task remotely via the selected interface on one or more network nodes. The interface is selected based on a second user input at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node. The configuration of the execution unit

[0306] allows the execution unit to identify when the automation task needs to be initiated based on user input, and subsequently carry out the necessary operations to execute the automation task on one or more network nodes. In an implementation, the automation task is a third-party routing task. The automation task may be stored at the controller node

[0300] , The triggering the automation task remotely on the one or more network nodes is based on a third user input at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , The triggering of the automation task allows execution of the command and necessary operations to execute the automation task. The third user input includes but may not be limited to a command to trigger the automation task. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the user interface

[0308] may be a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command line interface (CLI). The GUI refers to an interface for the user to interact with the system

[0300] by visual or graphical representation of icons, menu, etc. The GUI may be used in a smartphone, laptop, computer, etc. The CLI refers to a text-based interface to interact with the system

[0300] for the user. The user may input text lines called as command lines in the CLI to access the data in the system

[0300] ,

[0077] Next, at step

[0414] , the method comprises facilitating, by the execution unit

[0306] at the controller node

[0300] , a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the routing refers to selection of an intermediary path for the third-party network nodes to the third-party NF. To facilitate the routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF, the execution unit

[0306] may configure aset of policies for routing. The automation task establishes a network path for routing from the one or more network nodes to the third-party NF, and hence facilitates routing. Furthermore, the execution unit

[0306] may initiate a data transmission, a data processing and a data exchange between the one or more network nodes and the NF. The method further comprises performing, by the processing unit

[0304] at the controller node

[0300] , a sanity check to validate completion of routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF. To validate the completion of routing, the processing unit

[0304] may perform check on the network, where the processing unit

[0304] may check if data packets are being transferred, network parameters, and the like. The sanity check refers to a process for checking and validating if the automation task has completed without any error. To perform the sanity check, the execution unit

[0306] may monitor the routing for checking the completion of routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF. In an implementation of the present disclosure, if a response to the sanity check is a positive response, it signifies that the automation task has completed successfully, and the controller node

[0300] may terminate the automation task. In another implementation of the present disclosure, if the response to the sanity check is a negative response, the controller node

[0300] may wait for a pre-defined time period before performing another sanity check. The pre-defined time period may be defined by the user.

[0078] Thereafter, the method terminates at step

[0416] ,

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary system diagram

[0500] for facilitating routing in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown.

[0080] The exemplary system diagram

[0500] comprises a router

[0502] , a switchl

[0504] , a serverl

[0506] , a switch2

[0508] and a server2

[0510] ,

[0081] In an implementation of the present disclosure, the router

[0502] may be the controller node

[0300] as shown in FIG. 3.

[0082] The switchl

[0504] enables connection and communication between the serverl

[0506] and the router

[0502] , Further, the switch2

[0508] enables the connection and communication between the server2

[0510] and the router

[0502] ,

[0083] The router

[0502] may perform the third-party routing between the one or more network nodes and the network function (NF). The third-party routing refers to selection of an intermediarypath for data traffic in a network. The one or more network nodes refers to the core network nodes or network functions that form the core of the network. In an implementation, the network is the 5thgeneration core network. The network may be a 4thgeneration network, 6thgeneration network, or any other future generations of network. In an implementation, the network functions may be one of the AMF

[0106] , the SMF

[0108] , the SCP

[0110] , the AUSF

[0112] , the NSSAAF

[0114] , the NSSF

[0116] , the NEF

[0118] , the NRF

[0120] , the UDM

[0124] , the AF

[0126] or the UPF

[0128] ,

[0084] In an implementation of the present disclosure, the router

[0502] may receive the first user input. The first user input is received at a user interface

[0308] of the router

[0502] ,

[0085] The router

[0502] may further identify the NF from the plurality of NFs based on the first user input. The plurality of network functions (NFs) are third party network functions (NFs).

[0086] The router

[0502] may further establish a connection with the NF. Further, the router

[0502] may select an interface based on the established connection. The router

[0502] may evaluate the established connection parameters. The parameters may include Quality of Service (QoS), current network conditions, and the like. Based on the evaluation, the router

[0502] may select the interface that may be appropriate to route the data traffic.

[0087] Furthermore, the router

[0502] may be configured to trigger the automation task for the one or more network nodes routing the serverl

[0506] with the server2

[0510] , The automation task may be for the third-party routing. The automation task may be stored at the router

[0502] , The triggering of the automation task may be based on the second user input at the user interface

[0308] of the router

[0502] , The user interface

[0308] of the router may be one of the GUI and the CLI.

[0088] The router

[0502] may further perform the sanity check. The sanity check is to validate the completion of routing between the serverl

[0506] and the server2

[0510] , If the response to the sanity check is a positive response, the automation task is complete, and the router

[0502] may terminate the automation task. In another embodiment, if the response to the sanity check is a negative response, the router

[0502] may wait for a pre-defined time period before performing another sanity check. The pre-defined time period may be defined by the user.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary method flow

[0600] for facilitating routing in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown.

[0090] The exemplary method flow

[0600] may be implemented in any of the network functions of the 5G Network Architecture

[0100] as shown in FIG.l. The functionalities of the exemplary method flow

[0600] may be performed at the AMF

[0106] , the SMF

[0108] , the SCP

[0110] , the AUSF

[0112] , the NSSAAF

[0114] , the NSSF

[0116] , the NEF

[0118] , the NRF

[0120] , the UDM

[0124] , the AF

[0126] or the UPF

[0128] ,

[0091] At

[0602] , the connectivity of the controller node

[0300] with the plurality of network nodes may be checked by the user or the system

[0500] as shown in FIG. 5. The checking of the connectivity ensures that there is a communication path established between the controller node

[0300] and the plurality of network nodes. Further, this step implies that the connection has already been pre-established. Further, in an implementation of the present disclosure, the connection may be established based on network addresses, hostnames, or other unique identifiers associated with the NF. Once identified, the controller node

[0300] initiates a connection using a suitable communication protocol. This may involve protocols like SSH, HTTPS, or others, depending on the network environment and the specific requirements of the NFs. The controller node

[0300] must authenticate itself to the NF using credentials, such as passwords, keys, or certificates. This confirms that the controller node

[0300] has the necessary permissions to interact with the NF. Finally, after successful authentication, a secure and stable communication channel is established between the controller node

[0300] and the NF.

[0092] Further, at

[0604] , a network function (NF) from the plurality of NFs may be identified by the controller node

[0300] where the third-party routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF is to be performed, based on the first user input. The first user input may be received at the user interface

[0308] of the controller node

[0300] , The first user input selects a network function from the plurality of network functions where third-party routing is to be performed.

[0093] Further, at

[0606] , based on the identification of the NF from the plurality of NFs, a connection between the controller node

[0300] and the NF may be established. The connection is established through an interface Furthermore, an automation task of third-party routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF may be triggered by the controller node

[0300] remotely.

[0094] Next, at

[0608] , the controller node

[0300] may monitor the automation task and perform the sanity check to validate if the third-party routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF is complete or not.

[0095] Next, at

[0610] , if the response to the sanity check is a positive response, the automation task is complete, and the method flow

[0600] may terminate. If the response to the sanity check is a negative response, the controller node

[0300] may wait for a pre-defined time period before performing another sanity check.

[0096] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instruction for facilitating routing in a network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system cause a transceiver unit

[0302] of the system

[0300] to receive a first user input. The instructions when executed by the system further cause a processing unit

[0304] of the system to identify a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the transceiver unit

[0302] to establish, a connection between the controller node and the NF. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the processing unit

[0304] to select, an interface based on the established connection. The instructions when executed by the system further cause an execution unit

[0306] to trigger, the automation task remotely via the interface on one or more network nodes. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the execution unit

[0306] to facilitate a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.

[0097] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for facilitating routing in a network. The present solution provides a system and a method for facilitating routing in a network. The present solution further provides a solution for dynamic adaptability, intelligent decision-making, NF integration, QoS optimization, security measures, support for heterogeneous networks, and redundancy mechanisms. The present solution further addresses the complexities of enabling efficient communication between nodes and multiple third- party NFs.

[0098] 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.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for facilitating routing in a network, the method comprising: receiving, by a transceiver unit [302] at a controller node [300], a first user input; identifying, by a processing unit [304] at the controller node [300], a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input; establishing, by the transceiver unit [302] at the controller node [300], a connection between the controller node [300] and the NF; selecting, by the processing unit [304] at the controller node [300], an interface based on the established connection; triggering, by an execution unit [306] at the controller node [300], an automation task via the interface on one or more network nodes; and facilitating, by the execution unit [306] at the controller node [300], a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: performing, by the processing unit [304] at the controller node [300], a sanity check to validate completion of routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automation task is triggered remotely on the one or more network nodes via the interface.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method facilitates at least a data transmission, a data processing and a data exchange between the one or more network nodes and the NF based on routing.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first user input is received at a user interface [308] of the controller node [300],6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface is selected based on a second user input at the user interface [308] of the controller node [300],7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the triggering the automation task remotely on the one or more network nodes is based on a third user input at the user interface [308] of the controller node [300],8. A system [300] for facilitating routing in a network, wherein the system [300] comprises: a controller node [300], wherein the controller node [300] comprises: a transceiver unit [302], configured to receive a first user input; a processing unit [304], configured to identify, a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input; the transceiver unit [302] further configured to establish, a connection between the controller node [300] and the NF; the processing unit [304] further configured to select, an interface based on the established connection; and an execution unit [306], configured to trigger, an automation task via the interface on one or more network nodes; and facilitate, a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.

9. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the processing unit [304] is further configured to perform, a sanity check to validate completion of routing between the one or more network nodes and the NF.

10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the automation task is triggered remotely on the one or more network nodes via the interface.

11. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system facilitates at least a data transmission, a data processing and a data exchange between the one or more network nodes and the NF based on routing.

12. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first user input is received at a user interface [308] of the controller node [300],13. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the interface is selected based on a second user input at the user interface [308] of the controller node [300],14. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein, the triggering the automation task remotely on the one or more network nodes is based on a third user input at the user interface [308] of the controller node [300],15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for facilitating routing in a network, the storage medium comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system comprising a controller node [300], causes: - a transceiver unit [302] to receive a first user input; a processing unit [304] to identify a network function (NF) from a plurality of network functions (NFs) based on the first user input; the transceiver unit [302] to establish a connection between the controller node [300] and the NF; - the processing unit [304] to select an interface based on the established connection; an execution unit [306] to trigger an automation task via the interface on one or more network nodes; and the execution unit [306] to facilitate, a routing from the one or more network nodes to the NF based on the automation task.

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