Method and system for managing data sessions in wireless communication network

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method [400] and a system [300] for managing data sessions in a wireless communication network. The present disclosure comprises: a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive, at a gateway control plane function [310], a first request for deletion of a first data session. Further, a deferring unit [304] is configured to defer, at the gateway control plane function [310], an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration. Further, a determination unit [306] is configured to determine, at the gateway control plane function [310], if a second request for establishment of a second data session is received. In case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration, an implementation unit [308] is configured to re- utilize, at the gateway control plane function [310], one or more network resources allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING DATA SESSIONS IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to network performance management systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and systems for managing data sessions in a wireless communication 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 a network link or packet data protocol (PDP), flips are a common scenario which causes a wireless user equipment (UE) to behave randomly. Sometimes, the UE overwrites its existing Packet Data Unit (PDU) session in a core network and sends a new data session creation request. This behavior may arise due to various wireless network conditions or malicious behavior of the UE itself. If the dynamic IP allocation is enabled in the network, IP address ofthat UE is updated for every data session creation request and the old session is cleared. In addition, applications or services running on the UE recognize this IP address change, and the end server needs to be updated with this new IP address to ensure that downlink (DL) packets are sent to the correct destination. Existing solutions have not defined any procedure to retain data session in the network in case of device misbehavior, leading to a negative impact on the services or applications running on the UE and the network.

[0005] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to provide a solution that can overcome the limitations of the existing technologies.OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for managing sessions in a wireless communication network.

[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that can delay UE initiated data sessions deletion in a network for a configurable time.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that can provide a configurable timer to delay UE initiated data sessions deletion in the network.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to retain existingIP address in the wireless communication network.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to reduce network transactions per seconds (TPS).SUMMARY

[0012] 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.

[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for managing data sessions in a wireless communication network. The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit, at a gateway control plane function, a first request from a user equipment (UE) via a network function (NF) for deletion of a first data session. In addition, one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session. The method further comprises deferring, by a deferring unit at the gateway control plane function, an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration. Furthermore, the method comprises determining, by a determination unit at the gateway control plane function, whether a second request for establishment of a second data session is received during the pre-defined time duration. In case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration, the method comprises re-utilizing, by an implementation unit at the gateway control plane function, the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session.

[0014] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an internet protocol (IP) address path of the second data session is same as that of an IP address path of the first data session.

[0015] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprises mapping, by the implementation unit at the gateway control plane function, a user identifier (user ID) in the second request received from the UE with a user identifier (user ID) in the first data session available locally at the gateway control plane function.

[0016] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, in case the wireless communication network is a fifth generation (5G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the network function (NF) is Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the gateway control plane function is a Session Management Function (SMF).

[0017] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, in case the wireless communication network is a fourth generation (4G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Packet Data Network (PDN) session, the network function (NF) is Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the gateway control plane function is a Packet Gateway Control Plane (PGW-C).

[0018] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, in an absence of receipt of the second request within the pre-defined time duration, the method comprises: deleting, by the implementation unit, at the gateway control plane function, the first data session after expiration of the pre-defined time duration.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for managing data sessions in a wireless communication network. The system comprises a transceiver unit configured to receive, at a gateway control plane function, a first request from a user equipment (UE) for deletion of a first data session. Further, one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session. The system further comprises a deferring unit connected at least to the transceiver unit. The deferring unit is configured to defer, at the gateway control plane function, an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration. Furthermore, the system comprises a determination unit connected at least to the deferring unit. The determination unit is configured to determine, at the gateway control plane function, whether a second request for establishment of a second data session is received within the pre-defined time duration. Moreover, the system comprises an implementation unit connected at least to the determination unit. In case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration, the implementation unit is configured to re-utilize, at the gateway control plane function, the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session.

[0020] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium, storing instructions for managing data sessions in a wireless communication network, the storage medium comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes: a transceiver unit to receive, at a gateway control plane function, a first request from a user equipment (UE) via a network function (NF) for deletion of a first data session, wherein one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session; a deferring unit to defer, at the gateway control plane function, an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration; a determination unit to determine, at the gateway control plane function, whether a second request for establishment of a second data session is received during the pre-defined time duration; and an implementation unit to re-utilize, at the gateway control plane function, the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session, in case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] 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.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5thgeneration core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0023] 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.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for managing sessions in a wireless communication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for managing sessions in the wireless communication 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 detaileddescription or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive — in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word — without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0032] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.

[0033] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smartdevice”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and / or computing device or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment / device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from 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. The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing a method and system of managing data sessions in a wireless communication network. The present disclosure discloses deferring deletion of data sessions in the network for a configurable time. In case another data session is created within the configurable time, same session can be reused, and the previously assigned IP address can be reallocated. Moreover, the configurable time can be set by an operator as per the requirement.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of a fifth (5th) generation core (5GC) network architecture

[0100] , in accordance with an 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 DataManagement (UDM)

[0124] , an Application Function (AF)

[0126] , a User Plane Function (UPF)

[0128] , and a Data Network (DN)

[0130] , In one implementation, the SMF

[0108] may handle a control function, namely a gateway control plane function

[0132] , 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 the user equipment (UE)

[0102] to a core network 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, without limitations, UE registration, connection, and reachability. It also handles mobility management procedures, such as, without limitations, 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)

[0128] for data forwarding and further 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 the UE

[0102] (or a plurality of such 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 the UE

[0102] 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 the UE

[0102] 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 the UE

[0102] in a telecommunications system. The data services may include, without limitations, Internet services, private data network related services.

[0054] The 5GC network architecture also comprises a plurality of interfaces for connecting the network functions with a network entity for performing the network functions. The NSSF

[0116] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nbsf) interface in thefigure. The NEF

[0118] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nnef) interface in the figure. The NRF

[0120] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nnrf) interface in the figure. The PCF

[0122] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Npcf) interface in the figure. The UDM

[0124] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nudm) interface in the figure. The AF

[0126] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Naf) interface in the figure. The NSSAAF

[0114] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nnssaaf) interface in the figure. The AUSF

[0112] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nausf) interface in the figure. The AMF

[0106] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Namf) interface in the figure. The SMF

[0108] is connected with the network entity via the interface denoted as (Nsmf) interface in the figure. The SMF

[0108] is connected with the UPF

[0128] via the interface denoted as (N4) interface in the figure. The UPF

[0128] is connected with the RAN

[0104] via the interface denoted as (N3) interface in the figure. The UPF

[0128] is connected with the DN

[0130] via the interface denoted as (N6) interface in the figure. The RAN

[0104] is connected with the AMF

[0106] via the interface denoted as (N2). The AMF

[0106] is connected with the RAN

[0104] via the interface denoted as (Nl). The UPF

[0128] is connected with other UPF

[0128] via the interface denoted as (N9). The interfaces such as Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Nnssaaf, Nausf, Namf, Nsmf, N9, N6, N4, N3, N2, and Nl can be referred to as a communication channel between one or more functions or modules for enabling exchange of data or information between such functions or modules, and network entities.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device

[0200] (herein, also referred to as a computer system

[0200] ) upon which one or more features of the present disclosure may be implemented, in accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The computing device

[0200] may also implement a method for managing sessions in a wireless communication network, utilising a system, or one or more sub-systems, provided in the network. In another implementation, the computing device

[0200] itself implements the method for managing sessions in the wireless communication 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(s) for communicating information, and a hardware processor

[0204] coupled with bus

[0202] for processing said information. The hardware processor

[0204] may be, for example, ageneral-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 a non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor

[0204] , render the computing device

[0200] into a special purpose device that is customized to perform operations according to 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 user of the computing device

[0200] , 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] , The cursor controller

[0216] typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the cursor controller

[0216] 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 device. 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] , The one or more instructions may be read into the main memory

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

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

[0206] causes the processor

[0204] to perform theprocess steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the present disclosure, hardwired 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 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 telecommunication line. In 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 different types of information.

[0060] The computing device

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

[0220] , and the communication interface

[0218] , In an 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] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system

[0300] for managing data sessions in the wireless communication network is shown, in accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. The system

[0300] comprises at least one transceiver unit

[0302] , at least one deferring unit

[0304] , at least one determination unit

[0306] , and at least one implementation unit

[0308] , Also, all of the components / units of the system

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

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

[0300] may comprise multiple such units or the system

[0300] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0062] In an implementation, the system

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

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

[0300] may be a part of the user device

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

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

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

[0300] may reside partly in the server / network entity and partly in the user device. In an implementation, the system

[0300] is connected with a gateway control plane function

[0310] , In another implementation, the system

[0300] resides in the gateway control plane function

[0310] , The gateway control plane function

[0310] is configured to manage control plane operations for providing connectivity to the data network. The gateway control plane function

[0310] connects with a Mobility Management Function (MMF), the Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] , and a Charging Function.

[0063] The system

[0300] is configured to manage data sessions in the wireless communication network, with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the system

[0300] ,

[0064] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged that the functionality described for the various the 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.

[0065] The system

[0300] comprises the transceiver unit

[0302] , The transceiver unit

[0302] is configured to receive, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , a first request from a user equipment (UE)

[0102] via a network function (NF) for deletion of a first data session. In particular, one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session. For example, the UE

[0102] transmits the first request to the network function (NF). The NF further transmits the first request to the transceiver unit

[0302] , From the transceiver unit

[0302] , the first request is transmitted to the gateway control plane function

[0310] ,

[0066] In an implementation, the data session may refer to a connection between the UE

[0102] and the network. In particular, the data session is an end-to-end communication path which mayinclude an IP address, one or more Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, and other session-related attributes. Further, each data session is uniquely identified and may carry different types of data traffic (such as internet browsing, voice, video, etc.). Herein, the first data session is referred to an ongoing data session at the UE

[0102] ,

[0067] Further, the gateway control plane function

[0310] may manage signalling and control operations that are necessary for establishing and maintaining connections between different network entities. The gateway control plane function

[0310] mentioned herein is utilized to facilitate establishment, maintenance, and termination of data sessions between the UE

[0102] and the network. The gateway control plane function

[0310] may handle signalling procedures, mobility management, policy enforcement, and quality of service (QoS) control.

[0068] In one implementation, the transceiver unit

[0302] , at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , is configured to receive the first request for deletion of the first data session. The first request herein may include at least one of: a session identifier (ID) (i.e., a unique identifier for the first data session that is requested to be deleted), a cause value (may refer to a code or value indicating the reason for the request (e.g., user-triggered termination, network-initiated release, handover, etc.), and an information associated with the UE

[0102] (e.g., IP address, QoS parameters, etc.). The first request may also include a time parameter indicating a time stamp of creation of the first data session and a time stamp at which the deletion of the first data session is requested.

[0069] Further, the system

[0300] comprises the deferring unit

[0304] connected at least to the transceiver unit

[0302] , Further, the deferring unit

[0304] herein is configured to defer, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration.

[0070] The deferring unit

[0304] is configured to defer, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the execution of the first request for the pre-defined time duration. In an implementation, the pre-defined time duration may correspond to a predefined period for which the gateway control plane function

[0310] postpones the deletion of the first data session after receiving the first request. In some examples, the pre-defined time duration is a fix time interval such as 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 2 minutes, and the like. In another implementation, the pre-defined time duration may be determined based on current load of network, type of data session, or any other operational conditions of the network.

[0071] The system

[0300] also comprises the determination unit

[0306] , The determination unit

[0306] is connected at least to the deferring unit

[0304] , The determination unit

[0306] is configured to determine, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , during the pre-defined time duration, whether a second request for establishment of a second data session is received.

[0072] Herein, the second data session may refer to a data session that the user may wish to access on the UE

[0102] , It is to be noted that the second data session may or may not be associated with the first data session.

[0073] In particular, during the pre-defined time duration, the determination unit

[0306] is configured to monitor whether any new request for establishment of the second data session is received at the transceiver unit

[0302] , The second data session is similar to the first data session. When the second request for the second data session is received, the determination unit

[0306] is configured to perform one or more security checks. The one or more security checks include verifying the IP address, verifying one or more Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, and checking other session-related attributes of the second data session. The one or more security checks may assist the determination unit

[0306] to verify that the second data session is associated with the first data session.

[0074] The system

[0300] also comprises the implementation unit

[0308] , The implementation unit

[0308] is connected at least to the determination unit

[0306] , In case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration, the implementation unit

[0308] is configured to reutilize, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session.

[0075] In particular, the implementation unit

[0308] is configured to re-utilize the one or more network resources allocated to the first data session to establish the second data session. In some examples, the one or more network resources include, but may not be limited to, the IP address, QoS Parameters, and other data session related information.

[0076] In one implementation, an internet protocol (IP) address path of the second data session is same as that of an IP address path of the first data session. The IP address path herein may refer to the routing path established through the network for the transmission of IP packets between the UE

[0102] and the network. The IP address path may include one or more networkelements, such as gateways, routers, and switches, that may forward packets based on the IP address of the UE

[0102] ,

[0077] In case the network uses a static IP allocation, the IP address for the UE

[0102] remains the same. In case the network uses a dynamic IP allocation, the IP address for the UE

[0102] is updated when the second data session is created. In an implementation, the implementation unit

[0308] is configured to ensure that the IP address path is maintained to ensure continuity of service between the first data session and the second data session.

[0078] In an implementation, the implementation unit

[0308] is configured to defer, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the execution of the first request (i.e., data session deletion request). Simultaneously, post establishment of the second data session with the one or more resources, the implementation unit

[0308] is configured to defer the deletion of the first data session request, to prevent the one or more network resources from being cleared while the second request for the second data session is being processed.

[0079] In one implementation, the implementation unit

[0308] is configured to map, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , a user identifier (user ID) in the second data session request received from the UE

[0102] with a user ID in the first data session available locally at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , Herein, in an event the second request is received within the predefined time interval, the implementation unit

[0308] matches the user ID in the second request to the user ID that was already available with the first data session. In case, the user ID in the second request matched with the user ID available in the first data session, then instead of recognizing the second data session as a different session, the implementation unit

[0308] may understand that the second data session and the first data session are same. Therefore, in such event, the implementation unit

[0308] may re-utilize the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session to establish the second data session, allowing the data session to continue without requiring allocating new one or more resources to the second data session.

[0080] In case the wireless communication network is a fifth generation (5G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the network function (NF) is Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

[0106] , and the gateway control plane function

[0310] is the Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] , The PDU session mentioned herein is a data session preferably used in 5G communication networks and may facilitate an exchange of internet protocol (IP) packets between the UE

[0102] and thenetwork. Further, the SMF

[0108] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing session- related aspects, such as establishing, modifying, and releasing data sessions. The SMF

[0108] coordinates with User Plane Function (UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP address allocation and QoS enforcement.

[0081] In case the wireless communication network is a fourth generation (4G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Packet Data Network (PDN) session, the network function (NF) is Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the gateway control plane function

[0310] is a Packet Gateway Control Plane (PGW-C). The PDN session mentioned herein is a data session preferably used in 4G LTE core network for facilitating the exchange of IP packets between the UE

[0102] and the network. The PGW-C herein represents a 4G LTE core network function that is responsible for managing the establishment, modification, and release of data sessions between the UE

[0102] and the network. It is to be noted that the PGW-C is primarily associated with the 4G LTE core network but may also be applied to the 5G network architectures in a non-standalone (NSA) deployment (a deployment of 4G LTE with 5G RAN).

[0082] The PGW-C may further handle IP address allocation and may also interact with other network functions, such as policy and charging rules function (PCRF) and online charging system (OCS). In an implementation, the PGW-C may further interact with the serving gateway control function (SGW-C) and mobility management entity (MME) to manage data traffic and mobility across the network.

[0083] In one implementation, the SMF

[0108] may support default bearer deletion procedures for the UE

[0102] attached through evolved-UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), involving the MME and S-GW. Herein, the bearer refers to a specific data path or channel established in the network for transmitting user data packets between the UE

[0102] and the PGW.

[0084] When the UE

[0102] is attached to the E-UTRAN, the SMF

[0108] may support one or more detach procedures. The one or more detach procedures may include SMF-initiated detach procedure, UPF-initiated detach procedure, PCRF-initiated detach procedure, UE-initiated detach procedure, RADIUS-initiated detach procedure, and the like.

[0085] In one example, to defer the execution of the deletion / disconnect request for a data session, an exemplary configuration may be used in the SMF

[0108] to postpone the deletion / disconnect of the data session after receiving a session report with error indication (ERR). The exemplary configuration can be represented as: config profile access access err delay delay -interval exit

[0086] Herein, the term ‘config’ indicates the start of a configuration mode in a network function, where specific parameters are to be set. Further, ‘profile access access’ indicates configuring of a profile related to access management. Furthermore, in ‘err delay delay_interval’ the err stands for error indication report, which is a notification sent to indicate that an error has occurred in the context of the data session. Moreover, the delay interval may represent a time interval for which the deletion or disconnect request will be postponed.

[0087] It is noted that the configuration presented herein is just exemplary and any similar configuration known to a person skilled in the art, can be utilized in the SMF

[0108] for deletion / disconnect of the data session.

[0088] Herein, the pre-defined time duration is preferably mentioned in milliseconds and may have a range in between 0-3000 (such as 100 milliseconds).

[0089] In an absence of receipt of the second request within the pre-defined time duration, the implementation unit

[0308] is configured to delete, at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the first data session after expiration of the pre-defined time duration. In particular, if no second request is received at the transceiver unit

[0302] within the pre-defined time duration, the gateway control plane function

[0310] is then configured to delete the first data session in order to free up the one or more network resources that were allocated to the first data session.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram

[0400] for managing data sessions in the wireless communication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation, the method

[0400] is performed by the system

[0300] , In an implementation, the system

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

[0091] The method

[0400] initiates at step

[0402] ,

[0092] At step

[0404] , the method

[0400] comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit

[0302] , at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the first request from the user equipment (UE)

[0102] via the network function (NF) for deletion of the first data session. In addition, one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session.

[0093] At step

[0406] , the method

[0400] comprises deferring, by the deferring unit

[0304] , at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the execution of the first request for the pre-defined time duration.

[0094] At step

[0408] , the method

[0400] comprises determining, by the determination unit

[0306] , at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , whether the second request for establishment of the second data session is received during the pre-defined time duration.

[0095] In case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration, at step

[0410] , the method

[0400] comprises re-utilizing, by the implementation unit

[0308] at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session. In addition, an internet protocol (IP) address path of the second data session is same as that of an IP address path of the first data session.

[0096] At step

[0412] , the method

[0400] comprises mapping, by the implementation unit

[0308] at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , a user identifier (user ID) in the second request received from the UE

[0102] with a user identifier (user ID) in the first data session available locally at the gateway control plane function

[0310] ,

[0097] In an implementation, in case the wireless communication network is a fifth generation (5G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the network function (NF) is Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

[0106] , and the gateway control plane function

[0310] is a Session Management Function (SMF).

[0098] In another implementation, in case the wireless communication network is a fourth generation (4G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Packet Data Network (PDN) session, the network function (NF) is Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the gateway control plane function

[0310] is a Packet Gateway Control Plane (PGW-C).

[0099] In an absence of receipt of the second request within the pre-defined time duration, the method

[0400] comprises deleting, by the implementation unit

[0308] at the gateway control plane function

[0310] , the first data session after expiration of the pre-defined time duration.

[0100] The method

[0400] terminates at step

[0414] ,

[0101] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for managing data sessions in a wireless communication network. The present disclosure provides a solution to prevent any unnecessary session termination so that application(s) in UE works smoothly. In addition, the present disclosure provides the solution to reduce the network TPS. Also, the present disclosure provides the solution to reduce an impact of malicious UE in core network, which may further avoid any delays or disruptions while running the application(s) in UE.

[0102] 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

I / We Claim:

1. A method [400] for managing data sessions in a wireless communication network, the method [400] comprising:- receiving, by a transceiver unit [302] at a gateway control plane function [310], a first request from a user equipment (UE) [102] via a network function (NF) for deletion of a first data session, wherein one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session;- deferring, by a deferring unit [304] at the gateway control plane function [310], an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration;- determining, by a determination unit [306] at the gateway control plane function [310], whether a second request for establishment of a second data session is received during the pre-defined time duration; and- in case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration, re-utilizing, by an implementation unit [308] at the gateway control plane function [310], the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session.

2. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein an internet protocol (IP) address path of the second data session is same as that of an IP address path of the first data session.

3. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, comprising mapping, by the implementation unit [308] at the gateway control plane function [310], a user identifier (user ID) in the second request received from the UE [102] with a user identifier (user ID) in the first data session available locally at the gateway control plane function [310],4. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case the wireless communication network is a fifth generation (5G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the network function (NF) is Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106], and the gateway control plane function [310] is a Session Management Function (SMF).

5. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case the wireless communication network is a fourth generation (4G) communication network, then, the first and second datasession is a Packet Data Network (PDN) session, the network function (NF) is Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the gateway control plane function [310] is a Packet Gateway Control Plane (PGW-C).

6. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in an absence of receipt of the second request within the pre-defined time duration, the method [400] comprises deleting, by the implementation unit [308] at the gateway control plane function [310], the first data session after expiration of the pre-defined time duration.

7. A system [300] for managing sessions in a wireless communication network, the system [300] comprising:- a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive, at a gateway control plane function [310], a first request from a user equipment (UE) [102] via a network function (NF) for deletion of a first data session, wherein one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session;- a deferring unit [304] connected at least to the transceiver unit [302], the deferring unit [304] configured to defer, at the gateway control plane function [310], an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration;- a determination unit [306] connected at least to the deferring unit [304], the determination unit [306] configured to determine, at the gateway control plane function [310], whether a second request for establishment of a second data session is received during the pre-defined time duration; and- an implementation unit [308] connected at least to the determination unit [306], wherein in case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration, the implementation unit [308] is configured to re-utilize, at the gateway control plane function [310], the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session for establishing the second data session.

8. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein an internet protocol (IP) address path of the second data session is same as that of an IP address path of the first data session.

9. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the implementation unit [308] is configured to map, at the gateway control plane function [310], a user identifier (user ID) in the secondrequest received from the UE [102] with a user ID in the first data session available locally at the gateway control plane function [310],10. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein in case the wireless communication network is a fifth generation (5G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the network function (NF) is Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106], and the gateway control plane function [310] is a Session Management Function (SMF).

11. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein in case the wireless communication network is a fourth generation (4G) communication network, then, the first and second data session is a Packet Data Network (PDN) session, the network function (NF) is Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the gateway control plane function [310] is a Packet Gateway Control Plane (PGW-C).

12. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein, in an absence of receipt of the second request within the pre-defined time duration, the implementation unit [308] is configured to delete, at the gateway control plane function [310], the first data session after expiration of the pre-defined time duration.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, storing instructions for managing data sessions in a wireless communication network, the storage medium comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes:- a transceiver unit [302] to receive, at a gateway control plane function [310], a first request from a user equipment (UE) [102] via a network function (NF) for deletion of a first data session, wherein one or more network resources are allocated to the first data session;- a deferring unit [304] to defer, at the gateway control plane function [310], an execution of the first request for a pre-defined time duration;- a determination unit [306] to determine, at the gateway control plane function [310], whether a second request for establishment of a second data session is received during the pre-defined time duration; and- an implementation unit [308] to re-utilize, at the gateway control plane function [310], the one or more network resources already allocated to the first data session forestablishing the second data session, in case the second request is received within the pre-defined time duration.

Images