System and Method for Enhanced Change Processing of a Public Land Mobile Network

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for enhanced change handling of a public land mobile network (PLMN). The system receives a request from a user, the request being based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session initiated by the user. The system establishes a session management (SM) policy based on the request and transmits the SM policy to a control plane function to dynamically control one or more network resources based on one or more predefined business rules. Further, the system initiates communication between the user and an application function (AF) based on the one or more network resources. The system verifies predefined business rules based on the communication between the user and the AF.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Reservation of Rights Part of the disclosure of this patent document includes materials that are the subject of intellectual property rights owned by Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) or its related companies (hereinafter collectively referred to as the patentee), such as, but not limited to, copyrights, designs, trademarks, integrated circuit (IC) layout designs, and / or trade dress protection. The patentee does not object to a third party copying the patent document or patent disclosure described in the patent file or records of the Patent and Trademark Office, but reserves all other rights. All rights to such intellectual property are fully reserved by the patentee.

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for wireless communication systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for enhanced change processing in a public land mobile network (PLMN).

Background Art

[0003] The following description of related art is intended to provide background information related to the field of the present disclosure. This section may include specific aspects of the technology that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, this section is only intended to deepen the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and does not admit prior art.

[0004] In general, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) can be a network established and operated by an administrative authority or a network operator for the specific purpose of providing terrestrial mobile communication services to the general public. A PLMN can provide communication capabilities to mobile users. A PLMN can provide services in one frequency band or a combination of multiple frequency bands when there is a relationship between each subscriber and that subscriber's Home PLMN (HPLMN). When communication is processed via another PLMN, that PLMN is called a Visited PLMN (VPLMN). A PLMN area is a geographical area in which a PLMN provides communication services according to specifications corresponding to mobile users. In a PLMN area, a mobile user can set up a call to another user of the terminal network. The terminal network can be a fixed network, the same PLMN, another PLMN, or another type of PLMN. A terminal network user can also set up a call to a PLMN. A PLMN area is assigned to a PLMN determined by a service provider. Furthermore, in the Fifth Generation (5G) / 5G Core New Radio (NR), access-mobility policy control by the Access-Mobility Management Function (AMF) can include management of service area restrictions and management of the Radio Access Technology (RAT) Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) function. Through the management of service area restrictions, the Policy Control Function (PCF) can change the service area restrictions used by the AMF. A user equipment (UE) subscription can include service area restrictions, which can be changed at any time by the PCF based on policies defined by the network operator. The change can be implemented by expanding the list of permitted Tracking Area Identifiers (TAIs), reducing non-permitted TAIs, or increasing the maximum number of permitted TAIs. Furthermore, the network operator-defined policies within the PCF can depend on input data such as the UE's location, time, and information provided by other Network Functions (NFs).Furthermore, the session management subscription data of the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) can be queried by the Session Management Function (SMF) during session setup using query parameters representing the selected network slice and the Data Network Name (DNN). The SMF may be responsible for applying the user session management subscription data.

[0005] However, releasing multiple sessions of the same SUPI based on a single update received from the SMF may cause problems. There may be a need to release all session management sessions of the SUPI simultaneously. Furthermore, in the case of the Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) DNN, the PCF may not wait for the call to end before sending an end notification. Additionally, the PCF may be required to enhance actions for controlling the operation of multiple sessions of the same SUPI or releasing only a specific session. Moreover, there may be a need to release the Access-Mobility (AM) session.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a system and method that can mitigate problems associated with the prior art.

[0007] Objectives of the Invention Some of the objectives of the present disclosure satisfied by at least one embodiment herein are listed below.

[0008] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for enhanced change processing of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).

[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to enhance the policy of the Policy Control Function (PCF) by providing flexibility to identify international roaming and domestic roaming, whether a call is in progress during PLMN change, legal requirements, etc.

[0010] The objective of this disclosure is to enable the PCF to identify the call continuity of a single or multiple sessions with the same Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI).

[0011] The objective of this disclosure is to enable the PCF to perform specific actions such as releasing sessions for all sessions related to the SUPI and a single session of an update received from the Session Management Function (SMF).

[0012] The objective of this disclosure is to enable the PCF to perform an action to release the access-mobility (AM) session of the SUPI based on the presence of the SUPI in the PCF.

[0013] The objective of this disclosure is to enable the PCF to hold until the call ends before sending an action such as an "end notification" to the SMF for a specific session.

Summary of the Invention

[0014] In this section, specific objectives and aspects of this disclosure, which will be detailed in subsequent sections, are briefly described. This summary is not intended to identify the main features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0015] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to enhanced change handling in a public land mobile network (PLMN). The system includes a processor and a processor memory operably coupled to the processor for storing instructions executed by the processor. The processor receives requests from computing devices associated with one or more users. The requests are based on protocol data unit (PDU) sessions initiated by one or more users. The processor establishes a session management (SM) policy based on the requests. The processor sends the SM policy to a control plane function to dynamically control one or more network resources based on one or more predefined rules. The processor initiates communication between a computing device associated with one or more users and an application function (AF) based on the one or more network resources. The processor receives an update regarding the SM policy from the control plane function based on the roaming status of the computing device associated with one or more users. The processor determines whether communication exists between the computing device and the AF based on verification of one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the computing device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor may have a simultaneous transmit receive (STR) notification from the AF to determine whether communication exists between the computing device and the AF.

[0017] In one embodiment, in response to a positive determination, the processor may maintain communication between a computing device associated with one or more users and the AF.

[0018] In one embodiment, in response to a negative determination, the processor may terminate sending the SM policy to the control plane function.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control plane function may be a session management function (SMF).

[0020] In one embodiment, the AF can be a Call Session Control Function (CSCF).

[0021] In one embodiment, the processor may receive an update from the control plane function via the PLMN channel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the processor receives a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) from the control plane function and, based on the SUPI, may establish communication between a computing device associated with one or more users and the AF.

[0023] In one embodiment, the processor may terminate sending a confirmation mode (AM) policy association to the Access - Mobility Management Function (AMF) based on a negative determination.

[0024] In one embodiment, the processor may send an SM policy termination notification to the control plane function and an AM policy termination notification to the AF based on a negative determination.

[0025] In one embodiment, one or more pre - defined rules may include at least one of a received session check, an ongoing call in the PLMN, and an SMF action.

[0026] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for enhanced change handling of a PLMN. The method includes receiving, by a processor associated with the system, a request from a computing device associated with one or more users. The request is based on a PDU session initiated by one or more users. The method includes establishing, by the processor, an SM policy based on the request. The method includes transmitting, by the processor, the SM policy to a control plane function and dynamically controlling one or more network resources based on one or more predefined rules. The method includes initiating, by the processor, communication between a computing device associated with one or more users and an AF based on one or more network resources. The method includes receiving, by the processor, an update from a control plane function regarding the SM policy based on a roaming status of a computing device associated with one or more users. The method includes determining, by the processor, whether communication exists between the computing device and the AF based on verification of one or more predefined rules and a roaming status of the computing device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method may include the processor having an STR notification from the AF to determine whether communication exists between the computing device and the AF.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method may include, in response to an affirmative determination, maintaining, by the processor, communication between a computing device associated with one or more users and the AF.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method may include, in response to a negative determination, ending, by the processor, transmitting the SM policy to the control plane function.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, by a processor, an update from a control plane function via a PLMN channel.

[0031] In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, by a processor, a SUPI from a control plane function and establishing communication between a computing device associated with one or more users based on the SUPI and an AF.

[0032] In one embodiment, the method may include ending, by a processor, the transmission of an AM policy to an AMF based on a negative determination.

[0033] In one embodiment, the method may include transmitting, by a processor, an SM policy termination notification to a control plane function and transmitting an AM policy termination notification to an AF based on a negative determination.

[0034] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) for sending a request includes one or more processors communicatively coupled to a processor within a system. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory that stores instructions to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or more processors send a request to the processor via a network. The request is based on a PDU session initiated by a UE associated with one or more users. The processor is configured to receive the request from the UE. The processor is configured to establish an SM policy based on the request from the UE. The processor is configured to send the SM policy to a control plane function and dynamically control one or more network resources based on one or more predefined rules. The processor is configured to initiate communication between the UE and an application function based on the one or more network resources. The processor is configured to receive an update from the control plane function regarding the SM policy based on the roaming status of one or more users. The processor is configured to determine whether communication exists between the UE and the AF based on verification of one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the UE.

[0035] In one aspect, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes a processor having executable instructions that cause the processor to receive signals from the NR PHY with OFDM. The request is based on a PDU session initiated by one or more users. The processor establishes an SM policy based on the request. The processor transmits the SM policy to a control plane function and dynamically controls one or more network resources based on one or more predefined rules. The processor initiates communication between one or more users and the AF based on the one or more network resources. The processor receives an update regarding the SM policy from the control plane function based on the roaming status of the computing device associated with one or more users. The processor determines whether there is communication between the computing device and the AF based on verification of one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the computing device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems, and like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the different drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In some of the drawings, block diagrams are used to show components, and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such a disclosure of the drawings includes the disclosure of the electrical, electronic, or circuit components commonly used to implement such components.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0037] For the purposes of the following description, 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. Some of the functions described below may be used independently or in combination with other functions. By themselves, the individual functions may not solve all of the problems described above or may only solve some of the problems described above. Some of the problems described above may not be completely solved by any of the functions described below.

[0038] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, the purpose is to provide an effective description for those skilled in the art of implementing exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the described disclosure.

[0039] To fully understand the embodiments, specific details are set forth in the following description. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may sometimes be presented in block diagram form so as not to obscure the embodiments with unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail so as not to obscure the embodiments.

[0040] Note also that individual embodiments may sometimes be described as processes presented as flowcharts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structure diagrams, or block diagrams. In a flowchart, operations are described as sequential processes, but many of the operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Also, the order of the operations can be changed. The process ends when the operations are completed, but there may be additional steps not included in the figure. A process can refer to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc. When the process refers to a function, its end refers to the function returning to the calling function or the main function.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "exemplary" and / or "illustrative" mean an example, instance, or illustration. To avoid doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. Further, any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" and / or "illustrative" should not necessarily be construed as preferred (or advantageous) over other aspects or designs, nor is it intended to exclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those skilled in the art. Further, as long as the expressions "comprising," "having," "including," and other similar expressions are used in any of the detailed descriptions or claims, such expressions are used in an inclusive sense without excluding additional elements or other elements.

[0042] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "example" or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0043] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The terminology and expressions used herein are to be construed as including the plural as well as the singular, unless otherwise indicated by the context. Further, the expressions "comprises" and / or "comprising" used herein mean the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The expression "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary network architecture (100) for implementing a system (108) proposed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the network architecture (100) may include a system (108). The system (108) may be connected to one or more computing devices (104-1, 104-2... 104-N) via a network (106). One or more computing devices (104-1, 104-2... 104-N) may be equivalently designated as user equipment (UE) (104) and may be operated by one or more users (102-1, 102-2... 102-N). Further, one or more users (102-1, 102-2... 102-N) may be referred to as the user (102) or equivalently to the user (102). In one embodiment, the system (108) may also be referred to as a policy control function (PCF).

[0047] In one embodiment, the computing device (104) may include, but is not limited to, mobile devices, laptops, etc. Further, the computing device (104) may include smartphones, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, general-purpose computers, desktops, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, and mainframe computers. Further, input devices for receiving input from the user (102) such as touchpads, touch-responsive screens, and electronic pens may be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the computing device (104) is not limited to the aforementioned devices and that various other devices may be used.

[0048] In one embodiment, the network (106) may include at least a portion of one or more networks, by way of example and not limitation, the network having one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or combine one or more messages, packets, signals, waves, voltage or current levels, or combinations thereof. The network (106) may include, but is not limited to, one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, the Internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, an optical fiber network, or combinations thereof.

[0049] In one embodiment, the system (108) may receive a request from a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102). The request may be based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session initiated by one or more users (102). The system (108) may establish a session management (SM) policy based on the request. The system (108) may send the SM policy to a control plane function to dynamically control one or more network resources based on one or more predefined business rules. The control plane function may be a session management function (SMF). The one or more predefined business rules may include, but are not limited to, received session checks, ongoing calls in a PLMN, and SMF actions.

[0050] In one embodiment, the system (108) may initiate communication between a computing device (104) and an application function (AF) based on one or more network resources. The AF may be a call session control function (CSCF).

[0051] In one embodiment, the system (108) may receive an update to the SM policy from the control plane function based on the roaming status of a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102). The system (108) may receive the update from the control plane function via a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) channel. The system (108) may receive a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) from the control plane function and may establish communication between a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102) and the AF.

[0052] In one embodiment, the system (108) may determine whether communication exists between a computing device (104) and the AF based on verification of one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the computing device (104). The system (108) may wait for a Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STR) notification from the AF to determine whether communication exists between the computing device (104) and the AF.

[0053] In one embodiment, in response to a positive determination, the system (108) may maintain communication between a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102) and the AF.

[0054] In one embodiment, based on a negative determination, the system (108) may terminate the transmission of the Access-Mobility (AM) policy to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). In response to a negative determination, the system (108) may terminate the transmission of the SM policy to the control plane function. Further, based on a negative determination, the system (108) may send an SM policy termination notification to the control plane function and an Access-Mobility (AM) policy termination notification to the AF.

[0055] FIG. 1 shows exemplary components of a network architecture (100), but in the network architecture (100) in other embodiments, the number, type, and arrangement of components may be different from FIG. 1, or may include additional functions not shown in FIG. 1, but are not limited thereto. Further, or alternatively, functions described herein as being performed by one or more components of the network architecture (100) may be performed by one or more other components of the network architecture (100).

[0056] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary block diagram (200) of a system (108) proposed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] According to FIG. 2, the system (108) may include one or more processors (202) that can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuits, and / or any device that processes data based on operation instructions. Among other functions, one or more processors (202) may be configured to obtain and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory (204) of the system (108). The memory (204) may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and these instructions or routines may be obtained and executed to create or share data packets via a network service. The memory (204) may include any non-transitory storage device, including, for example, volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, etc.

[0058] In one embodiment, the system (108) may include, but is not limited to, an interface(s) (206). The interface(s) (206) may include various interfaces, such as, for example, data input / output (I / O) devices and interfaces for storage devices. The interface(s) (206) may also provide a communication path to one or more components of the system (108). Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, a processing engine(s) (208) and a database (210). The processing engine(s) (208) may include, but is not limited to, a data ingestion engine (212), a policy engine (214), and other engine(s) (216). In one embodiment, the other engine(s) (216) may include, but is not limited to, a data management engine, an input / output engine, a notification engine, etc.

[0059] In one embodiment, the processing engine(s) (208) may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (e.g., programmable instructions) to implement one or more functions of the processing engine(s) (208). In the examples described herein, such a combination of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming of the processing engine(s) (208) may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, and the hardware of the processing engine(s) (208) may include processing resources (e.g., one or more processors) for executing such instructions. In this example, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resources, implement the processing engine(s) (208). In such an example, the system (108) may include a machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and processing resources for executing the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system (108) and the processing resources. In other examples, the processing engine(s) (208) may be implemented by electronic circuits.

[0060] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may receive a request via a data capture engine (212). The request may be received from a computing device associated with one or more users (102). The processor (202) may store the request in a database (210). The request may be based on a PDU session initiated by one or more users (102). The processor (202) may establish an SM policy based on the request. The processor (202) may send the SM policy to a control plane function based on one or more predefined rules and dynamically control one or more network resources. The one or more predefined business rules may include at least one of a received session check, an ongoing call in a PLMN, and an SMF action.

[0061] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may initiate communication between a computing device (104) and an application function (AF) based on one or more network resources. The AF may be a call session control function (CSCF).

[0062] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may receive an update to the SM policy from a control plane function via a policy engine (214) based on the roaming status of a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102). The processor (202) may receive the update from the control plane function via a public land mobile network (PLMN) channel. Further, the processor (202) may receive a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) from the control plane function and establish communication between a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102) and the AF.

[0063] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may determine whether there is communication between the computing device (104) and the AF based on verification of one or more pre - defined rules and the roaming status of the computing device (104). The processor (202) may wait for a simultaneous transmit - receive (STR) notification from the AF to determine whether there is communication between the computing device (104) and the AF.

[0064] In one embodiment, in response to a positive determination, the processor (202) may maintain communication between the computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102) and the AF.

[0065] In one embodiment, based on a negative determination, the processor (202) may terminate sending the confirmation mode (AM) policy to the access - mobility management function (AMF). In response to the negative determination, the processor (202) may terminate sending the SM policy to the control plane function. Further, based on the negative determination, the processor (202) may send an SM policy termination notification to the control plane function and send a confirmation mode (AM) policy termination notification to the AF.

[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates the components of the system (108). However, in other embodiments, the system (108) may include a different number, type, and arrangement of components than those in FIG. 2, or additional functions not shown in FIG. 2, but are not limited thereto. Further, or alternatively, the functions described herein as being performed by one or more components of the system (100) may be performed by one or more other components of the system (100).

[0067] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary flowchart (300) of enhanced change processing of a PLMN according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, in the ASM, the following steps may be performed.

[0069] Step 310: An SM policy can be created across the SMF (304) and the PCF (306).

[0070] Step 312: An SM policy can be established across the SMF (304) and the PCF (306). Further, Rx authorization authentication request / authentication approval, and accounting (AAR / AAA) can be established across the PCF (306) and the AF / CSCF (308).

[0071] Step 314: The SMF (304) can initiate a PLMN change.

[0072] Step 316: An SM policy can be updated across the SMF (304) and the PCF (306).

[0073] Step 318: The PCF (306) extracts the SUPI, checks ongoing calls and other business conditions, and terminates the session when the call ends.

[0074] Step 320: An Rx session termination request / session termination response (STR / STA) can be established via the PCF (306) and the AF / CSCF (308).

[0075] Step 322: The PCF (306) can detect that the Rx session has ended and decide to terminate the SM / AM session.

[0076] Step 324: An SM policy termination notification can be established across the SMF (304) and the PCF (306).

[0077] Step 326: An AM policy termination notification can be established across the AMF (302), the SMF (304), and the PCF (306).

[0078] Step 328: An SM policy deletion can be established across the SMF (304) and the PCF (306).

[0079] Step 330: AM policy deletion can be established across the AMF (302), SMF (304), and PCF (306).

[0080] In one embodiment, the AM session may already be established with the same PCF (306). Based on the PDU session establishment procedure initiated by the UE (104) / network (106), the result of the SM policy association can be established at the PCF (306). Further, during session establishment or the notification procedure, a PLMN_CH trigger can be installed.

[0081] In one embodiment, an Rx session can be created at the PCF (306) based on a call set by the user (102). The PCF (306) can send an SM policy notification message to the SMF (304) to install policy and charging control (PCC) rules based on media components according to the business rules defined at the PCF (306).

[0082] In one embodiment, the UE (104) may change the PLMN during movement, and as a result, the SMF (304) can send an SM policy update message including a PLMN_CH trigger. Further, the PCF (306) can verify a business rule condition including a condition to check whether the call is still in progress through the Rx session. Other business conditions can also be verified according to the definition of the PCF (306). The PCF (306) can decide to terminate the SM and AM policy association when the ongoing call ends. Further, when the ongoing call ends, an STR is sent from the AF / CSCF (308) and the Rx session can be closed.

[0083] In one embodiment, the PCF (306) may identify that an ongoing call has ended and determine to terminate the AM / SM policy association of the SUPI. Further, the PCF (306) may send an SM policy termination notification message to the SMF (304) and an AM policy termination notification message to the AMF (302). The AMF (302) and the SMF (304) may each send an AM policy deletion message and an SM policy deletion message and close the PDU session.

[0084] In one embodiment, the system (108) may introduce new parameters such as "Received Session Check" with terms that support a "Present" or "Absent" dropdown for the operator and a "All Sessions" or "Single Session" dropdown. This condition may provide enhanced functionality to the user (102), such as being able to check whether the Rx of the current SM session or all SM sessions exists for an incoming SM update message.

[0085] In one embodiment, the system (108) may provide an "OnGoingCallOnPLMN" rule type for the PLMN to identify whether an Rx session corresponding to the received SM session exists. Further, the system (108) may determine whether the Rx session can be continued if an Rx session corresponding to the received SM session exists. If the continuation of the Rx session is "not permitted", an additional action such as an "End Notification" may be immediately sent to the PLMN if "permitted". Further, the system (108) may wait until the call ends before sending the "End Notification" action. In one embodiment, the "End Notification" action may be used to send an end notification message to the SMF (304) of the session in question. The SMF (304) action rule type may provide an action "Trigger" and a rule "End Notification".

[0086] In the case of the rule type "Ongoing call in PLMN", support for the rules "Permit" and "Not permitted" can be provided. The rule may be extended to provide support for "All permitted" (the drop-down may include Permit / Not permitted / All permitted). This action enables checking of the Rx session not only for the SM session in which the message may be received, but also for other sessions with the same SUPI. The rule type "SMF action", action "Trigger", and rule "End notification" can be supported. In addition to the rule "End notification", it may be necessary to support "All end notifications" (the drop-down may include End notification / All end notifications). The new rule (All end notifications) can be used to send end notification messages for all existing sessions of the SUPI for which the rule is being analyzed. In the case of an SM session, if two SM update requests are received by the system (108) for the same SUPI for which a rule (same or different) has been triggered with the All end notification action, the system (108) may need to consider the first rule for sending the end notification to avoid a conflict situation.

[0087] In some cases, the system (108) may identify the call continuity of a single or all sessions with the same SUPI. Further, based on the identification, the system (108) may perform specific actions such as releasing all sessions associated with the SUPI or releasing a single session that can receive updates from the SMF (304). Also, when there is an AM session on the system (108), the system (108) may take an action to release the AM session of the SUPI. In the case of PCC rules, the system (108) may introduce a new parameter called "Received Session Check" on the left side, where the network operator supports a "Present" or "Absent" dropdown, and the right side supports a dropdown of "All Sessions" or "Single Session". With this condition, the PLMN change process is enhanced, and for an incoming SM update message, the system (108) can check whether there is an existing Rx for the current SM session (single session) or all SM sessions (all sessions) associated with the SUPI.

[0088] For example, assume that there may be an AM session of the SUPI in the same system (108) / PCF (306) that is currently processing the SM session. In a scenario where the call is permitted, the PCF (306) may check only the ongoing calls when evaluating the above rules. If an end action is selected during the evaluation and / or during the post-evaluation during the ongoing call, a new AF / Rx session may be established. The AF / Rx may not be considered part of the ongoing call. Further, as part of the action, the PCF (306) may support sending an end of the AM session for user-configurable reasons. When this action is selected in the rule, the PCF (306) may search for the corresponding AM session of the SUPI within the same PCF (306). If an AM session is found within the PCF (306), the PCF (306) may send an end notification action to the AMF (302). Further, if the AM session does not exist, the PCF (306) may not send an end notification. The PCF (306) may bypass the AM end notification action and continue with the rule processing. To send the AM end notification action, the system (108) may consider the following scenarios. ● If Permit / All Permit is included in the rule as an ongoing call in the PLMN, an AM session end may be sent when the call associated with the SUPI ends. ● If the rule includes an SM end notification / All End notification action, an AM session end may be sent after the SM session end notification action is sent. ● Otherwise, an AM end notification may be sent immediately. ● In the case of an AM session, if an ongoing call is permitted or if an SM termination notification is included in the rules, the action ends, and if the call is ongoing, a scenario may occur where another update is sent from the SMF (304). As a result, another rule or the same rule that requires an AM session termination action may be triggered. In this case, the PCF (306) may not trigger AM termination for both rule triggers. The PCF (306) may trigger AM termination based on the first rule match.

[0089] For the session, for various combinations of SM actions and ongoing calls, the operation can be defined as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1

[0090] Figure 4 shows an exemplary computer system (400) in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented or may be implemented.

[0091] As shown in Figure 4, the computer system (400) may include an external storage device (410), a bus (420), a main memory (430), a read-only memory (440), a mass storage device (450), communication port(s) (460), and a processor (470). Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system (400) may include multiple processors and communication ports. The processor (470) may include various modules related to embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication port(s) (460) may be an RS-232 port for use in a modem-based dial-up connection, a 10 / 100 Ethernet port, a gigabit or 10 gigabit port using copper wire or optical fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or any other existing or future port. The communication port(s) (460) may be selected according to a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or any network to which the computer system (400) is connected.

[0092] In one embodiment, the main memory(ies) (430) can be a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. The read-only memory (440) can be any static storage device, such as a programmable read-only memory (PROM) chip for storing static information such as startup of the processor (470) or basic input / output system (BIOS) instructions, but is not limited thereto. The mass storage device (450) can be any current or future mass storage device solution that can be used to store information and / or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) hard disk drives, or solid state drives (internal or external, e.g., having a universal serial bus (USB) and / or Firewire interface).

[0093] In one embodiment, the bus (420) can communicatively couple the processor(s) (470) with other memory, storage, and communication blocks. The bus (420) can be, for example, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) / PCI extended (PCI-X) bus, a small computer system interface (SCSI), a (USB), etc. for connecting expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems, or other buses such as a front side bus (FSB) that connects the processor (470) to the computer system (400).

[0094] In another embodiment, an operator and management interface, such as a display, keyboard, cursor control device, may also be coupled to the bus (420) to support direct interaction between the operator and the computer system (400). Other operator and management interfaces may be provided through a network connection connected via communication port(s) (460). The above components are only intended to illustrate various possibilities. The foregoing exemplary computer system (400) is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] Although the present disclosure places considerable emphasis on preferred embodiments, the invention can take many embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. It will be understood that many changes may be made to the preferred embodiments. These and other changes to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein. It is clearly understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of the present disclosure and not limiting.

[0096] Advantages of the Invention The present disclosure provides a system and method for enhanced change processing of a public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0097] The present disclosure provides a system and method for enhancing the policy of a policy control function (PCF) by providing flexibility to identify international roaming and domestic roaming, whether a call is in progress during a PLMN change, legal requirements, and the like.

[0098] The present invention provides a system and method that enables a PCF to identify call continuity for a single or multiple sessions of the same subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0099] The present invention provides a system and method that enable a Policy and Charging Function (PCF) to perform specific actions, such as releasing sessions related to all sessions associated with a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and a single session of updates received from a Session Management Function (SMF).

[0100] The present invention provides a system and method that enable a PCF to perform an action for releasing an access-mobility (AM) session of the SUPI based on the presence of the SUPI in the PCF.

[0101] The present invention provides a system and method that enable a PCF to wait until a call ends and then send an action, such as an "end notification," to an SMF for a specific session.

Claims

1. A system (108) for enhanced change processing of a public land mobile network (PLMN), the system (108) comprising: a processor (202); a memory (204) operably coupled to the processor (202); wherein instructions are stored in the memory (204), and when executed by the processor (202), the instructions: receive a request from a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102), the request being based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session initiated by one or more users (102); establish a session management (SM) policy based on the request; send the SM policy to a control plane function and dynamically control one or more network resources based on one or more predefined rules; initiate communication between a computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) and an application function (AF) based on the one or more network resources; receive an update of the SM policy from the control plane function based on the roaming status of the computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102); determine whether communication exists between the computing device (104) and the AF based on verification of the one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the computing device (104).

2. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) waits for a simultaneous transmit receive (STR) notification from the AF to determine whether communication exists between the computing device (104) and the AF.

3. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein in response to an affirmative determination, the processor (202) maintains communication between the computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) and the AF.

4. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein in response to a negative determination, the processor (202) terminates sending the SM policy to the control plane function.

5. The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the control plane function is a session management function (SMF). **Claim 6** The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the AF is a call session control function (CSCF). **Claim 7** The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) receives an update from the control plane function via a PLMN channel. **Claim 8** The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) receives a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) from the control plane function and, based on the SUPI, establishes communication between a computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) and the AF. **Claim 9** The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) terminates sending a confirmation mode (AM) policy to an access-mobility management function (AMF) based on a negative determination. **Claim 10** The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) sends an SM policy termination notification to the control plane function and an AM policy termination notification to the AF based on a negative determination. **Claim 11** The system (108) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined rules include at least one of a received session check, an ongoing call in a PLMN, and an SMF action. **Claim 12** A method for enhancing the handling of a change in a public land mobile network (PLMN), the method comprising: receiving, by a processor (202) associated with a system (108), a request from a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102), the request being based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session initiated by the one or more users (102); the step; establishing, by the processor (202), a session management (SM) policy based on the request; sending, by the processor (202), the SM policy to a control plane function to dynamically control one or more network resources based on one or more predefined rules; The step of starting communication between the computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) and the application function (AF) based on the one or more network resources by the processor (202); The step of receiving an update of the SM policy from the control plane function based on the roaming status of the computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) by the processor (202); The method includes: the step of determining whether there is communication between the computing device (104) and the AF based on verification of the one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the computing device (104) by the processor (202).

13. The method according to claim 12, including the step of waiting for a simultaneous transmit-receive (STR) notification from the AF to determine whether there is communication between the computing device (104) and the AF by the processor (202).

14. The method according to claim 12, including the step of maintaining communication between the computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) and the AF in response to a positive determination by the processor (202).

15. The method according to claim 12, including the step of ending transmitting the SM policy to the control plane function in response to a negative determination by the processor (202).

16. The method according to claim 12, including the step of receiving an update from the control plane function via a channel of the public land mobile network (PLMN) by the processor (202).

17. The method according to claim 12, including the step of receiving a SUPI from the control plane function and establishing communication between the computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) and the AF based on the SUPI by the processor (202).

18. The method according to claim 12, including the step of ending transmitting a confirmation mode (AM) policy to the access-mobility management function (AMF) based on a negative determination by the processor (202).

19. The method according to claim 12, comprising the step of, based on a negative determination, the processor (202) transmits an SM policy termination notification to the control plane function and transmits a confirmation mode (AM) policy termination notification to the AF.

20. A user equipment (UE) (104) for transmitting a request, wherein the UE (104) is one or more processors communicatively connected to a processor (202) associated with a system (108), the one or more processors being coupled to a memory, the memory storing instructions, the instructions being, when executed by the one or more processors, the step of transmitting a request to the processor (202) via a network (106), the request being based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session initiated by a UE (104) associated with one or more users (102), causing the one or more processors to execute the step, the processor (202) receives a request from the UE (104), establishes a session management (SM) policy based on the request from the UE (104), transmits the SM policy to a control plane function and dynamically controls the one or more network resources based on the one or more predefined rules, initiates communication between a UE (104) associated with one or more users (102) and an application function (AF) based on the one or more network resources, receives an SM policy update from the control plane function based on the roaming status of the UE (104) associated with the one or more users (102), and a user equipment (UE) (104) configured to determine whether there is communication between the UE (104) and the AF based on verification of the one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the UE (104).

21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a processor having executable instructions, the instructions, when executed, Receiving a request from a computing device (104) associated with one or more users (102), wherein the request is based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session initiated by the one or more users (102), the step and, Establishing a session management (SM) policy based on the request; Sending the SM policy to a control plane function to dynamically control one or more network resources based on one or more predefined rules; Based on the one or more network resources, starting communication between a computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102) and an application function (AF); Receiving an update of the SM policy from the control plane function based on the roaming status of the computing device (104) associated with the one or more users (102); Determining whether there is communication between the computing device (104) and the AF based on verification of the one or more predefined rules and the roaming status of the computing device (104), a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Images