Method and system for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network The disclosure encompasses receiving a first session Management (SM) policy control create request; transmitting a first spending limit control subscribe request; receiving a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code; transmitting a first SM policy control create response; receiving a First SM policy control update request; determining an event trigger match based on the received event trigger; transmitting a second spending limit control subscribe request; identifying a positive response based on the second spending limit control subscribe request; transmitting an updated SM policy control update response; and updating the preconfigured SM policy based on the updated SM policy control update response.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING A PRECONFIGURED SESSION MANAGEMENT (SM) POLICY ASSOCIATED WITH A NETWORKFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of wireless communication. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network.BACKGROUND

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

[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on antilog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. The third generation (3G) technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users. As the wireless communication technology has evolved to a great extent, the number of users / subscribers of the wireless networks has also increased to a great extent and it is important for the wireless networks to provide better and smooth services to its subscribers. Session management plays a critical role in providing better services to the customers / subscribers of a telecom network. Improved session management may lead to improved customer experience. Also, an increased number of sessions for the subscribers may create various problems at a network end and hence impact the user experience and networkperformance. Therefore, it is required to provide a session management solution that can efficiently handle the sessions created for the subscribers.

[0004] In the current scenario, a problem of updating arises when the network function Session Management Function (SMF) sends an SM Policy Control Create message to network function Policy Control Function (PCF). The PCF then initiates a Spending Limit Control (SLC) Subscribe Request (SLR) message which is directed towards the Charging Function (CHF) / Online Charging System (OCS). As may be known, the spending limit control (SLC) is a feature that is responsible for monitoring and managing data usage of a user(s) to prevent exceeding the predefined limits on the data usage (set by the telecom operator) which may be set manually on the user devices. The SLR message may be a request message for initiating the spending limit control (SLC) or as a part of the Initial or Intermediate Spending Limit Report Request procedure.

[0005] The Charging Function (CHF) is a part of the converged charging system (CCS) which may be an aggregation of online and off-line charging systems that may be used to address new and emerging monetization use cases. The Converged Charging System (CCS) consists of four distinct modules, the CHF, an Account Balance Management Function (ABMF), a Charging Gateway Function (CGF) and a Rating Function (RF). The CHF consists of Online Charging Function (OCF) and Charging Data Function (CDF). The Online Charging Function (OCF) provides quota management functionality under Credit-Control terminology. The Charging Data Function (CDF) provides Charging Data Records (CDRs) generation functionality for charging events received from the Charging Trigger Function (CTF) or Charging Exposure Function (CEF) via an Nchf interface.

[0006] The existing technology is lacking handling scenarios where the CHF responds with error codes to the SLR message. If the CHF cannot successfully fulfil the received SLR message, which may comprise a HTTP POST request, due to an internal CHF error or due to the error in the HTTP POST request, the CHF shall send error codes such as HTTP error responses. However, it is pertinent to note that the current solutions do not provide a mechanism for managing such scenarios and provide a solution for solving such problems. This deficiency prompts the need for a novel solution that ensures uninterrupted service delivery by signaling a need for corrective action to the PCF.

[0007] To tackle this challenge, a refined approach is needed that informs the SMF of the encountered issue i.e., in the event of error codes from the CHF in response to the SLR message.

[0008] Hence, in view of these and other existing limitations, there arises an imperative need to update the session management (SM) policy associated with the network to overcome the above- mentioned limitations by providing a method and system for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with the network, which the present disclosure aims to address.OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for ensuring service continuity in case of network reachability error between PCF and CHF / OCS.

[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide policy rules to customers without any service interruption.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a customer experience that remains stable even in case of network outage of CHF / OCS or connectivity between PCF and CHF / OCS.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that defines specific triggers to match unique requirements of network and services.SUMMARY

[0014] 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.

[0015] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network. The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit at a Policy Control function (PCF) from a Session Management Function (SMF), a first session Management (SM) policy control create request. The method further comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit from the Policy Control function (PCF) to a Charging Function(CHF), a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request. The method further comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit at the PCF from the CHF, a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request. The method further comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit from the PCF to the SMF, a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response. The at least one error code is associated with an event trigger. The method further comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit at the PCF from the SMF, a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger. The method further comprises determining, by a processing unit at the PCF, an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger. The method further comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit from the PCF to the CHF, a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match. The method further comprises identifying, by the processing unit at the PCF from the CHF, a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs) based on the second spending limit control subscribe request. The method further comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit from the PCF to the SMF, an updated SM policy control update response based on at least the positive response. And the method further comprises updating, by the processing unit, the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.

[0016] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the positive response received at the PCF from the SMF is a predefined response identified by the PCF from the CHF.

[0017] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the updated SM policy control update response initiates an update action associated with a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules based on at least the one or more PCIDs.

[0018] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises fetching, by the transceiver unit at the PCF, a preconfigured event trigger list based on receiving, at the PCF, the first spending limit control subscribe response.

[0019] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the first SM policy control create response comprises a system (SY) error code.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network. The system comprisesa transceiver unit configured to receive, at a Policy Control function (PCF) from a Session Management Function (SMF), a first session Management (SM) policy control create request. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit, from the Policy Control function (PCF) to a Charging Function (CHF), a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive, at the PCF from the CHF, a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response. The at least one error code is associated with an event trigger. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive, at the PCF from the SMF, a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger. The system further comprises a processing unit connected to at least the transceiver unit. The processing unit is configured to determine, at the PCF, an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit, from the PCF to the CHF, a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match. The processing unit is further configured to identify, at the PCF from the CHF, a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs) based on the second spending limit control subscribe request. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, an updated SM policy control update response based on at least the positive response. And the processing unit is further configured to update the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, storing instructions for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes a transceiver unit to receive, at a Policy Control function (PCF) from a Session Management Function (SMF), a first session Management (SM) policy control create request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the Policy Control function (PCF) to a Charging Function (CHF), a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to receive, at the PCF from the CHF, a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response. The atleast one error code is associated with an event trigger. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to receive, at the PCF from the SMF, a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes a processing unit to determine, at the PCF, an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the PCF to the CHF, a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the processing unit to identify, at the PCF from the CHF, a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs) based on the second spending limit control subscribe request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, an updated SM policy control update response based on at least the positive response. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the processing unit to update the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0023] FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of a 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture.

[0024] 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.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with the network, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow chart depicting interaction between the network function(s) for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with the network, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] 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 can 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. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

[0030] 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.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "mobile device", "user equipment", "user device", “communication device”, “device” and similar terms are used interchangeably for the purpose of describing the disclosure. These terms are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or imply any specific functionality or limitations on the described embodiments. The use of these terms is solely for convenience and clarity of description. The disclosure is not limited to any particular type of device or equipment, and it should be understood that other equivalent terms or variations thereof may be used interchangeably without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined herein.

[0032] 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, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0033] 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 can 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 FIG.

[0034] The word “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0035] As used herein, an “electronic device”, or “portable electronic device”, or “user device” or “communication device” or “user equipment” or “device” refers to any electrical, electronic, electromechanical and computing device. The user device is capable of receiving and / or transmitting one or parameters, performing function / s, communicating with other user devices and transmitting data to the other user devices. The user equipment may have a processor, a display, a memory, a battery and an input-means such as a hard keypad and / or a soft keypad. The user equipment may be capable of operating on any radio access technology including but not limited to IP-enabled communication, Zig Bee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, etc. For instance, the user equipment may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other device as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art for implementation of the features of the present disclosure.

[0036] Further, the user device and / or a system as described herein to implement technical features as disclosed in the present disclosure may also comprise a “processor” or “processing unit”, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. The 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 Processor (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 is a hardware processor.

[0037] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smartdevice”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and / or computing device or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment / device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from at least one of a transceiver unit, a processingunit, a storage unit, a detection unit and any other such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] As used herein the transceiver unit includes at least one receiver and at least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data, signals, information or a combination thereof between units / components within the system and / or connected with the system.

[0042] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions have several shortcomings. The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing method and system of updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network.

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 1, the 5GC network architecture

[0100] includes a user equipment (UE)

[0102] , a radio access network (RAN)

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

[0106] , a Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] , a Service Communication Proxy (SCP)

[0110] , an Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

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

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

[0116] , a Network Exposure Function (NEF)

[0118] , a Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] , a Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] , a Unified Data Management (UDM)

[0124] , an application function (AF)

[0126] , a User Plane Function (UPF)

[0128] , a data network (DN)

[0130] , wherein all the components are assumed to be connected to each other in a manner as obvious to the person skilled in the art for implementing features of the present disclosure.

[0044] The Radio Access Network (RAN)

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

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

[0045] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

[0106] is the 5G core network function responsible for managing access and mobility aspects, such as UE registration, connection, and reachability. It also handles mobility management procedures like handovers and paging.

[0046] The Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] is the 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 handles IP address allocation and Quality of Service (QoS) enforcement. Further, the SMF

[0108] facilitates enforcement of session management related policy decisions from the PCF [122

[0047] 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.

[0048] The Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

[0112] is the network function in the 5G core responsible for authenticating UEs during registration and providing security services. It generates and verifies authentication vectors and tokens.

[0049] The Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF)

[0114] is the network function that provides authentication and authorization services specific to network slices. It ensures that UEs can access only the slices for which they are authorized.

[0050] The Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

[0116] is the network function responsible for selecting the appropriate network slice for the UE based on factors such as subscription, requested services, and network policies.

[0051] The Network Exposure Function (NEF)

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

[0052] The Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] is the 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.

[0053] The Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] enables efficient policy control and management, facilitating network behaviour control, network slicing, user equipment (UE) activities, and communication with other 5G core network functions. PCF is responsible for policy control decisions, such as QoS, charging, and access control, based on subscriber information and network policies. The PCF is responsible for policy control decisions and flow-based charging control functionalities.

[0054] The Unified Data Management (UDM)

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

[0055] The Application Function (AF)

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

[0056] The User Plane Function (UPF)

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

[0057] The Data Network (DN)

[0130] refers to a network that provides data services to user equipment (UE)

[0102] in a telecommunications system. The data services may include but are not limited to Internet services, private data network related services.

[0058] Generally, the Charging Function (CHF)

[0132] is a part of the converged charging system (CCS) which may be an aggregation of online and off-line charging systems that may be used to address new and emerging monetization use cases. The Converged Charging System (CCS) generally consists of four distinct modules, the CHF, an Account Balance Management Function (AB MF), a Charging Gateway Function (CGF) and a Rating Function (RF). The CHF consists of Online Charging Function (OCF) and Charging Data Function (CDF). The Online Charging Function (OCF) provides quota management functionality under Credit-Control terminology. The Charging Data Function (CDF) provides Charging Data Records (CDRs) generation functionality for charging events received from the Charging Trigger Function (CTF) or Charging Exposure Function (CEF) via an Nchf interface.

[0059] The present disclosure can be implemented on a computing device

[0200] as shown in FIG. 2. The computing device

[0200] implements the present disclosure in accordance with the 5G communication network architecture (as shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the computing device

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

[0200] may also implement a method

[0400] for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with the network utilising the system

[0300] , In another implementation, the computing device

[0200] itself implements the method for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network using one or more units configured within the computing device

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

[0060] The computing device

[0200] may include a bus

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

[0204] coupled with bus

[0202] for processing information. The hardware processor

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

[0200] may also include a main memory

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

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

[0204] , The main memory

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

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

[0204] , render the computing device

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

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

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

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

[0204] ,

[0061] A storage device

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

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

[0200] may be coupled via the bus

[0202] to a display

[0212] , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for displaying information to a computer user. An input device

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0062] The computing device

[0200] may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic which in combination with the computing device

[0200] causes or programs the computing device

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

[0200] in response to the processor

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

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

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

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

[0206] causes the processor

[0204] to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the present disclosure, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0063] The computing device

[0200] also may include a communication interface

[0218] coupled to the bus

[0202] , The communication interface

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

[0220] that is connected to a local network

[0222] , For example, the communication interface

[0218] may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cablemodem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface

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

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

[0064] The computing device

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

[0220] and the communication interface

[0218] , In the Internet example, a server

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

[0228] , the ISP

[0226] , the local network

[0222] , the host

[0224] and the communication interface

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

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

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

[0065] The present disclosure is implemented by the system

[0300] (as shown in FIG. 3). The system

[0300] may be implemented using the computing device

[0200] (as shown in FIG. 2). In an implementation, the computing device

[0200] may be connected to the system

[0300] to perform the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of the system

[0300] for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The preconfigured session management (SM) policy here refers to a set of predefined rules and governing rules that are responsible for managing sessions (primarily data sessions) in the communication network (or simply the network). These rules help in determining how the sessions are established, modified or terminated keeping in mind the quality of services (QoS), resource allocation, traffic management and users etc. in the network. The system

[0300] comprises at least one transceiver unit

[0301] , at least one policy control function (PCF)

[0122] , at least one session management function (SMF)

[0108] , at least one charging function (CHF)

[0302] , at least one processing unit

[0303] and at least one or more policy counter identifiers (PCIDs)

[0304] , The CHF

[0302] may be same as the CHF

[0132] and may be used interchangeably in the present disclosure. The PCIDs

[0304] may refer to an identifier used for reference to a policy counter in the OCS for a subscriber. Also, all of the components / units of the system

[0300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the 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 number of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. Inanother 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.

[0066] The system

[0300] is configured for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the system

[0300] ,

[0067] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the transceiver unit

[0301] is configured to receive, at the Policy Control function (PCF)

[0122] from a Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] , a first session Management (SM) policy control create request. The SM policy control create request here refers to a request to create a new session management policy association for establishing a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session related to a UE. PDU session establishment is the process of establishing a data path between the UE and the communication network. A PDU session is a logical connection between the UE and a data network, such as internet or a private network. The PCF uses this request to convey a new policy decision to the SMF. The transceiver unit

[0301] is further configured to transmit, from the Policy Control function (PCF)

[0122] to the Charging Function (CHF)

[0302] , a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request. The spending limit control is a feature that is responsible for monitoring and managing data usage of a user(s) to prevent exceeding the predefined limits on the data usage (set by the telecom operator). In another embodiment, the spending limit control of the data can be set manually on the user devices (or equipment). The data consumption is thus monitored in real time. Upon reaching the spending limit, it is controlled by restricting the data services given to the user(s) to avoid overcharges. The first spending limit control subscribe request therefore enables the network function(s) of the network to retrieve policy control status information which is responsible for governing the subscribed user’s data usage. The transceiver unit

[0301] is further configured to receive, at the PCF

[0122] from the CHF

[0302] , a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request. The at least one error code is indicative of the issues related to improper functioning of the CHF

[0302] , In an implementation of the present disclosure, the at least one error code may be one of a 3002-error code (Unable to Deliver), 5012-error code (Diameter Unable to Comply) and 404-error code (NOT Found). The 3002-error code is given when a request cannot be delivered to a destination. The 5012-error code is returned when a request is rejected for unspecified reasons. The 404-error code returned if the UE identity cannot be derived.

[0068] The transceiver unit

[0301] is further configured to transmit, from the PCF

[0122] to the SMF

[0108] , a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response. Further, the first SM policy control create response comprises a system (SY) error rule. The SY error rule may refer to a SY reference point that allows the interaction between the OCS and Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) for obtaining information from the OCS for policy decision purposes. The Sy reference point enables transfer of policy counter status information relating to subscriber spending from OCS to PCRF and supports the following functions such as request of policy counter status reporting from PCRF to OCS and subscribe to or unsubscribe from spending limit reports (i.e. notifications of policy counter status changes). Further, the Sy reference point supports the functions of providing a notification of spending limit reports from OCS to PCRF, and cancellation of spending limit reporting from PCRF to OCS. Further, it is to be noted that the at least one error code is associated with an event trigger.

[0069] The event trigger may include but not limited to a specific condition for prompting the update of policies for session management. The event trigger may refer to the types of events, the occurrence of which leads to charging event, and the event trigger may be issued towards the CHF

[0302] , In an implementation of the present disclosure, the event trigger may refer to an updated policy control request trigger comprising either a new complete list of applicable Policy Control Request Trigger(s) including location change (tracking area), change of UE presence in PRA, if the Slice Support feature or a Data Network Name (DNN) Replacement Control feature is supported, change of allowed NSSAI, and / or if the DNN Replacement Control feature is supported, SMF selection information change, and / or a "NULL" value to request the removal of all previously installed Policy Control Request Trigger(s). In general, the DNN is an identifier used for selecting an SMF and UPF(s) for a PDU session, selecting N6 interfaces for the PDU session and determining policies to apply to the PDU session. In general, PDU session refers to Packet Data Unit session.

[0070] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, based on the first spending limit control subscribe response received at the PCF

[0122] , the transceiver unit

[0301] is configured to fetch, at the PCF

[0122] , a preconfigured event trigger list. The preconfigured event trigger list includes defined or customizable event triggers based on which the PCF

[0122] makes additional attempts. For example, the event triggers may be created with the help of utilization of the preconfigured event trigger list such as a "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" parameter. The “chfSubscribeEventTriggerList” parameter is a list of event triggers for subscription-related events. The preconfigured event list offers customization options for handling errors as theparameter "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" can be pre-configured to define a set of event triggers. These event triggers dictate when the PCF can initiate a spending limit subscription request on receiving an SM update request. Therefore, the PCF

[0122] will only initiate the SLC subscribe message if the event triggers received in the request match those listed in the provisioned event triggers i.e. event triggers configured using the "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" parameter. For e.g., the list may include configured event trigger that activates CHF

[0302] spending limit control subscribe request. Thus, one can define specific triggers to match the unique and specific requirements of network, services and business needs, thereby allowing for tailored responses to different error scenarios in the network.

[0071] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure the transceiver unit

[0301] is further configured to receive, at the PCF

[0122] from the SMF

[0108] , a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger.

[0072] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the processing unit

[0303] being connected to at least the transceiver unit

[0301] , is configured to determine, at the PCF

[0122] , an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the event trigger match is determined at the PCF

[0122] in an event of successfully matching the event trigger and the preconfigured event trigger list.

[0073] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the transceiver unit

[0301] is further configured to transmit, from the PCF

[0122] to the CHF

[0302] , a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match.

[0074] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the processing unit

[0303] is further configured to identify, at the PCF

[0122] from the CHF

[0302] , a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs)

[0304] based on the second spending limit control subscribe request. The positive response is indicative that the event triggers received in the second spending limit control subscribe request match those listed in the preconfigured event trigger list, and based on the match the PCF receives the new PCIDs and evaluates the PCC rules. Subsequently, the PCF provides the updated PCC rules to the SMF.

[0075] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the transceiver unit

[0301] is further configured to transmit, from the PCF

[0122] to the SMF

[0108] , an updated SM policy control updateresponse based on at least the positive response. The updated SM policy control update response comprises the PCC rules based on the new policy counter IDs.

[0076] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the processing unit

[0303] is further configured to update the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response. Thus, the impact of updating the preconfigured SM policy enables the network to handle scenarios where the CHF

[0302] responds with the error codes to the SLR message. Thereafter, the PCF

[0122] provides the corresponding PCC rule (or updated preconfigured SM policy) to the SMF

[0108] based on the received PCIDs.

[0077] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the updated SM policy control update response initiates an update action associated with a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules based on at least the one or more PCIDs

[0304] , The update action includes modifying the PCC rules to adapt to the changed network condition. The PCC rules are a set of information elements enabling the detection of a service data flow and providing parameters for PCF

[0122] and / or charging control / charging function (CHF)

[0302] , The PCC rules enable policy control and proper charging for a service data flow. There are two different types of PCC rules: dynamic PCC rules and predefined PCC rules. The dynamic PCC rules are dynamically provisioned by the PCF

[0122] to the SMF

[0108] , These PCC rules may be either predefined or dynamically generated in the PCF

[0122] , The dynamic PCC rules can be installed, modified and removed at any time. While the predefined PCC rules are preconfigured in the SMF

[0108] , The predefined PCC rules can be activated or deactivated by the PCF

[0122] at any time. The predefined PCC rules within the PCF

[0122] may be grouped allowing the PCF

[0122] to dynamically activate a set of PCC rules. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the positive response received at the PCF

[0122] from the SMF

[0108] is a predefined response identified by the PCF

[0122] from the CHF

[0302] , The predefined response is a 201 created response that indicates that the SM policy request has led to the creation of a policy decision for network resource.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram

[0400] for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the method

[0400] is performed by the system

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

[0300] may be present in a server device to implement the features of the present disclosure. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method

[0400] starts at step

[0402] ,

[0079] At step

[0404] , the method

[0400] comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit

[0301] at a Policy Control function (PCF)

[0122] from a Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] , a first session Management (SM) policy control create request. The SM policy control create request here refers to a request to create a new session management policy association for establishing a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session related to a UE. PDU session establishment is the process of establishing a data path between the UE and the communication network. A PDU session is a logical connection between the UE and a data network, such as internet or a private network. The PCF uses this request to convey a new policy decision to the SMF

[0080] At step

[0406] , the method

[0400] comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit

[0301] from the Policy Control function (PCF)

[0122] to a Charging Function (CHF)

[0302] , a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request. The spending limit control is a feature that is responsible for monitoring and managing data usage of a user(s) to prevent exceeding the predefined limits on the data usage (set by the telecom operator). In another embodiment, the spending limit control of the data can be set manually on the user devices (or equipment). The data consumption is thus monitored in real time. Upon reaching the spending limit, it is controlled by restricting the data services given to the user(s) to avoid overcharges. The first spending limit control subscribe request therefore enables the network function(s) of the network to retrieve policy control status information which is responsible for governing the subscribed user’s data usage.

[0081] At step

[0408] , the method

[0400] comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit

[0301] at the PCF

[0122] from the CHF

[0302] , a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request. The at least one error code is indicative of the issues for improper functioning of the CHF

[0302] ,

[0082] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the first SM policy control create response comprises a system (SY) error code. In an implementation of the present disclosure, the SY error code may be one of a 3002 code (Unable to Deliver), 5012 code (Diameter Unable to Comply) and 404 code (NOT Found). The 3002-error code is given when a request cannot be delivered to a destination. The 5012-error code is returned when a request is rejected for unspecified reasons. The 404-error code returned if the UE identity cannot be derived.

[0083] At step

[0410] , the method

[0400] comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit

[0301] from the PCF

[0122] to the SMF

[0108] , a first SM policy control create response based on the firstspending limit control subscribe response. It is to be noted that the at least one error code is associated with an event trigger. The event trigger may include but not limited to a specific condition for prompting the update of policies for session management.

[0084] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises fetching, by the transceiver unit

[0301] at the PCF

[0122] , a preconfigured event trigger list based on receiving, at the PCF

[0122] , the first spending limit control subscribe response. The preconfigured event trigger list includes defined or customizable event triggers based on which the PCF

[0122] makes additional attempts. These customizable event triggers are created with the help of utilization of the "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" parameter that offer customization options for handling errors as the parameter "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" may be pre-configured to define a set of event triggers. These event triggers dictate when the PCF can initiate a spending limit subscription request on receiving an SM update request. Therefore, the PCF

[0122] will only initiate the SLC subscribe message if the event triggers received in the request match those listed in the provisioned event triggers i.e. event triggers configured using the "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" parameter. For e.g., the list may include configured event trigger that activates CHF

[0302] spending limit control subscribe request. Thus, one can define specific triggers to match the unique and specific requirements of network, services and business needs, thereby allowing for tailored responses to different error scenarios in the network.

[0085] At step

[0412] , the method

[0400] comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit

[0301] at the PCF

[0122] from the SMF

[0108] , a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger.

[0086] At step

[0414] , the method

[0400] comprises determining, by a processing unit

[0303] at the PCF

[0122] , an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger.

[0087] At step

[0416] , the method

[0400] comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit

[0301] from the PCF

[0122] to the CHF

[0302] , a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match.

[0088] At step

[0418] , the method

[0400] comprises identifying, by the processing unit

[0303] at the PCF

[0122] from the CHF

[0302] , a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs)

[0304] based on the second spending limit control subscribe request. Thepositive response is indicative of the predefined limits on the data usage by the second spending limit control.

[0089] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the positive response received at the PCF

[0122] from the SMF

[0108] is a predefined response identified by the PCF

[0122] from the CHF

[0302] , The predefined response is a 201 created response that indicates that the SM policy request has led to the creation of a network resource.

[0090] At step

[0420] , the method

[0400] comprises transmitting, by the transceiver unit

[0301] from the PCF

[0122] to the SMF

[0108] , an updated SM policy control update response based on at least the positive response.

[0091] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the updated SM policy control update response initiates an update action associated with a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules based on at least the one or more PCIDs

[0304] , The update action includes modifying the PCC rules to adapt to the changed network condition. The PCC rules are a set of information elements enabling the detection of a service data flow and providing parameters for PCF

[0122] and / or charging control / charging function (CHF)

[0302] , The PCC rules enable policy control and proper charging for a service data flow. There are two different types of PCC rules: dynamic PCC rules and predefined PCC rules. The dynamic PCC rules are dynamically provisioned by the PCF

[0122] to the SMF

[0108] , These PCC rules may be either predefined or dynamically generated in the PCF

[0122] , The dynamic PCC rules can be installed, modified and removed at any time. While the predefined PCC rules are preconfigured in the SMF

[0108] , The predefined PCC rules can be activated or deactivated by the PCF

[0122] at any time. The predefined PCC rules within the PCF

[0122] may be grouped allowing the PCF

[0122] to dynamically activate a set of PCC rules.

[0092] At step

[0422] , the method

[0400] comprises updating, by the processing unit

[0303] , the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.

[0093] Thereafter, the method

[0400] terminates at step

[0424] ,

[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary flow chart

[0500] depicting interaction between the network function(s) for updating a preconfigured session mmanagement (SM) policy associated with the network is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. Further, the performance ofthe method

[0400] (as depicted in FIG. 4) by the system

[0300] (as depicted in FIG. 3) leads to the interaction between various network function(s) as shown in FIG. 5.

[0095] The interaction between the network function(s) in performed in the following manner:Step 1 : The PCF

[0122] receives an SM Policy Create message from the SMF

[0108] , It then attempts to establish a connection with the CHF

[0302] [also known as OCS] using the spending limit control (SLC) Subscribe request (SLR) message, at step la. In an example, when an NF service consumer receives an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request (SM Policy Create message), if the NF service consumer was requested not to interact with the PCF

[0122] , the NF service consumer shall not interact with the PCF

[0122] , Otherwise, the NF service consumer shall send an HTTP POST request to the PCF

[0122] to create an "Individual SM Policy" resource. The NF service consumer shall include the "SmPolicyContextData" data structure in the payload body of the HTTP POST request in order to request the creation of a representation of the "Individual SM Policy" resource. In an embodiment, the PCF

[0122] may provide the SMF

[0108] with the charging information, i.e. the CHF address(es), and if available, the associated CHF instance ID(s) and CHF set ID(s), during the initial interaction with the SMF

[0108] defining the charging function (CHF)

[0132] [respectively based on the operator policy. In this case, the PCF

[0122] may retrieve the CHF addresses, and if available, the associated CHF instance ID(s) and CHF set ID(s) as follows: -1. The PCF

[0122] receives it from the UDR as part of the Policy Data Subscription information.2. It is locally configured in the PCF based on operator policies.3. The PCF

[0122] discovers it by interacting with the NRF. In order to provision the CHF information to the SMF

[0108] , the PCF

[0122] shall include the "charginginfo" attribute containing the charging information within the SmPolicyDecision data structure.Step 2: If there's an outage or network problems at the CHF

[0302] , the SLC Subscribe / SLR message might either time out at the PCF

[0122] or return an error code [preferably a system (SY) error code], such as 3002 (Unable to Deliver) or 5012 (Diameter Unable to Comply) or 404 (NOT Found). The LR response received in response to the SLR may comprise the SLR error code. In an example, if errors occur when processing the HTTP POST request, the PCF

[0122] shall apply the error handling procedures. If the user information received within a "supi" attribute is unknown, the PCF

[0122] may reject the request with an HTTP"400 Bad Request" response message including a "cause" attribute of “ProblemDetails” data structure set to "USER_UNKNOWN". If the PCF

[0122] is not able to provision a policy decision as response to the request for PCC rules from the NF service consumer, due to incomplete, erroneous or missing information (e.g. QoS, RAT type, subscriber information), the PCF

[0122] may reject the request with an HTTP "400 Bad Request" response message including the "cause" attribute of the “ProblemDetails” data structure set to "ERROR INITIAL P ARAMETERS .Step 3: Upon receiving the error code from the CHF

[0302] , the PCF

[0122] includes the SY Error Rule in the SM Policy Create response. The SY error rule may refer to a SY reference point that allows the interaction between the OCS and Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) for obtaining information from the OCS for policy decision purposes. The Sy reference point enables transfer of policy counter status information relating to subscriber spending from OCS to PCRF and supports the following functions such as request of policy counter status reporting from PCRF to OCS and subscribe to or unsubscribe from spending limit reports (i.e. notifications of policy counter status changes). Further, the Sy reference point supports the functions of providing a notification of spending limit reports from OCS to PCRF, and cancellation of spending limit reporting from PCRF to OCS.Step 4: The SMF

[0108] sends SM Policy Control Update messages to the PCF

[0122] , The SM Policy control update messages may refer to an updated policy control request trigger comprising either a new complete list of applicable Policy Control Request Trigger(s) including location change (tracking area), change of UE presence in PRA, if the Slice Support feature or the Data Network Name (DNN) Replacement Control feature is supported, change of allowed NSSAI, and / or if the Data Network Name (DNN) Replacement Control feature is supported, SMF selection information change, and / or a "NULL" value to request the removal of all previously installed Policy Control Request Trigger(s).Step 5: The PCF

[0122] checks its stored profile and notes that the earlier SLC / Sy session was unsuccessful for the same situation. The earlier SLC / Sy session is the attempted establishment of the connection with the CHF. Consequently, the PCF

[0122] will make another attempt to send the SLC Subscribe / SLR message to the CHF

[0302] , Importantly, the PCF

[0122] will only initiate the SLC subscribe message if the event triggers received in therequest match those listed in the provisioned event triggers i.e. "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" .Step 6: If the subsequent attempt is successful, the process advances which further enables the CHF

[0302] to send policy counter identifiers / IDs (PCIDs) (or the created PCIDs as illustrated in the figures) to the PCF

[0122] , If not, then the PCF

[0122] reverts to step 4.Step 7: Upon receiving a successful response, the PCF

[0122] evaluates the rules based on newly received policy counter IDs and information previously stored from the SM Policy Create. Subsequently, it provides updated Policy and Charging Rules to the SMF

[0108] ,

[0096] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, storing instructions for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes a transceiver unit to receive, at a Policy Control function (PCF) from a Session Management Function (SMF), a first session Management (SM) policy control create request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the Policy Control function (PCF) to a Charging Function (CHF), a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to receive, at the PCF from the CHF, a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response. It is to be noted that the at least one error code is associated with an event trigger. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to receive, at the PCF from the SMF, a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes a processing unit to determine, at the PCF, an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the PCF to the CHF, a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the processing unit to identify, at the PCF from the CHF, a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs) based on the second spending limit control subscribe request. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the transceiver unit to transmit, from the PCF to the SMF, an updated SM policy control update response based on atleast the positive response. Further, the executable code which, when executed causes the processing unit to update the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.

[0097] 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.

[0098] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network. The present disclosure also optimises scheduling a notification at a network function(s). Additionally, the present disclosure provides the following advantages:1. Ensuring service continuity by maintaining operational service even during instances of network disruptions between the Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] and CHF

[0302] , This continuity extends to scenarios where the CHF

[0302] experiences unavailability, ensuring a consistent user experience.2. Enhanced user experience by seamlessly providing appropriate policy rules to customers after network or CHF

[0302] issues are resolved. This eliminates service interruptions and the need for customers to reconnect, leading to an elevated level of satisfaction among subscribers due to the more reliable service.3. Increased stability of the customer experience remains intact even in the face of CHF

[0302] network outage or connectivity problems between the PCF

[0122] and CHF

[0302] ,4. The utilization of the "chfSubscribeEventTriggerList" parameter empowers customization, allowing for tailored error handling. This flexibility permits the definition of specific triggers that align precisely with the distinct requirements of the network and services, thereby enhancing the adaptability and effectiveness of the solution.

[0099] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed implementations, it will be appreciated that many implementations can be made and that many changes can be made to the implementations without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method [400] for updating a preconfigured session Management (SM) policy associated with a network, the method [400] comprising: receiving, by a transceiver unit [301] at a Policy Control function (PCF) [122] from a Session Management Function (SMF) [108], a first session Management (SM) policy control create request; transmitting, by the transceiver unit [301] from the Policy Control function (PCF) [122] to a Charging Function (CHF) [302], a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request; receiving, by the transceiver unit [301] at the PCF [122] from the CHF [302], a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request;- transmitting, by the transceiver unit [301] from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response, wherein the at least one error code is associated with an event trigger; receiving, by the transceiver unit [301] at the PCF [122] from the SMF [108], a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger; determining, by a processing unit [303] at the PCF [122], an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger;- transmitting, by the transceiver unit [301] from the PCF [122] to the CHF [302], a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match; identifying, by the processing unit [303] at the PCF [122] from the CHF [302], a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs) [304] based on the second spending limit control subscribe request; transmitting, by the transceiver unit [301] from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], an updated SM policy control update response based on at least the positive response; and- updating, by the processing unit [303], the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.

2. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positive response received at the PCF [122] from the SMF [108] is a predefined response identified by the PCF [122] from the CHF [302],3. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the updated SM policy control update response initiates an update action associated with a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules based on at least the one or more PCIDs [304],4. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, further comprises fetching, by the transceiver unit [301] at the PCF [122], a preconfigured event trigger list based on receiving, at the PCF [122], the first spending limit control subscribe response.

5. The method [400] as claimed in claim 4, wherein the event trigger match is determined at the PCF [122] in an event of successfully matching the event trigger and the preconfigured event trigger list.

6. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first SM policy control create response comprises a system (SY) error code.

7. A system [300] for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, the system [300] comprises: a transceiver unit [301], wherein the transceiver unit [301] is configured to: receive, at a Policy Control function (PCF) [122] from a Session Management Function (SMF) [108], a first session Management (SM) policy control create request,- transmit, from the Policy Control function (PCF) [122] to a Charging Function (CHF) [302], a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request, receive, at the PCF [122] from the CHF [302], a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request,- transmit, from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response, wherein the at least one error code is associated with an event trigger, receive, at the PCF [122] from the SMF [108], a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger; and a processing unit [303] connected to at least the transceiver unit [301], wherein the processing unit [303] is configured to:determine, at the PCF [122], an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger; wherein the transceiver unit [301] is further configured to:- transmit, from the PCF [122] to the CHF [302], a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match; wherein the processing unit [303] is further configured to: identify, at the PCF [122] from the CHF [302], a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs) [304] based on the second spending limit control subscribe request; wherein the transceiver unit [301] is further configured to:- transmit, from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], an updated SM policy control update response based on at least the positive response; and wherein the processing unit [303] is further configured to:- update the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.

8. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the positive response received at the PCF [122] from the SMF [108] is a predefined response identified by the PCF [122] from the CHF [302],9. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the updated SM policy control update response initiates an update action associated with a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules based on at least the one or more PCIDs [304],10. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transceiver unit [301] is further configured to fetch, at the PCF [122], a preconfigured event trigger list based on the first spending limit control subscribe response received at the PCF [122],11. The system [300] as claimed in claim 10, wherein the event trigger match is determined at the PCF [122] in an event of successfully matching the event trigger and the preconfigured event trigger list.

12. The system [300] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first SM policy control create response comprises a system (SY) error code.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instruction for updating a preconfigured session management (SM) policy associated with a network, the storagemedium comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system [300], causes: a transceiver unit [301] to: receive, at a Policy Control function (PCF) [122] from a Session Management Function (SMF) [108], a first session Management (SM) policy control create request,- transmit, from the Policy Control function (PCF) [122] to a Charging Function (CHF) [302], a first spending limit control subscribe request based on the first SM policy control create request, receive, at the PCF [122] from the CHF [302], a first spending limit control subscribe response comprising at least one error code based on the first spending limit control subscribe request,- transmit, from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], a first SM policy control create response based on the first spending limit control subscribe response, wherein the at least one error code is associated with an event trigger, receive, at the PCF [122] from the SMF [108], a first SM policy control update request comprising at least one event trigger; a processing unit [303] to: determine, at the PCF [122], an event trigger match based on the received at least one event trigger; wherein the transceiver unit [301] is further configured to:- transmit, from the PCF [122] to the CHF [302], a second spending limit control subscribe request based on the event trigger match; wherein the processing unit [303] is further configured to: identify, at the PCF [122] from the CHF [302], a positive response comprising at least one or more Policy Counter Identifiers (PCIDs) [304] based on the second spending limit control subscribe request; wherein the transceiver unit [301] is further configured to:- transmit, from the PCF [122] to the SMF [108], an updated SM policy control update response based on at least the positive response; and wherein the processing unit [303] is further configured to: update the preconfigured SM policy associated with the network based on the updated SM policy control update response.

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