Method and system for handling an overload condition in a network

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to method and system for handling an overload condition in a network The method comprises receiving, at a primary network function (NF) a plurality of input messages associated with the network. The method further comprises duplicating, from the primary NF at the secondary and the tertiary NF, an update associated with the plurality of input messages. Further, the method comprises monitoring a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update. Furthermore, the method comprises determining a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value. Thereafter, the method comprises initiating a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance for duplicating the update at a predefined rate.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HANDLING AN OVERLOAD CONDITION IN A NETWORKFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a field of wireless communication. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for handling an overload condition in a network.BACKGROUND

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

[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. The third generation (3G) technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users.

[0004] Currently, to ensure high availability, uninterrupted services and efficient failover mechanisms, one or more Network Functions (NFs) in a cluster of 3 each are deployed. Each network function (NF) out of the cluster acts as an active NF, a standby NF and a spare NF. Further, the active NF is the primary NF that handles live traffic and performs intended functions. It is responsible for processing requests, executing tasks, and delivering services to clients or end-users.Further, the standby NF is a redundant copy of the active NF. This NF closely monitors the active NF and maintains synchronized state information. The standby NF is ready to take over the active role instantly in case of a failure or disruption in the active NF. This ensures seamless failover and continuity of the services. Furthermore, the spare NF is an additional backup NF that remains idle but is fully configured and synchronized with the active NF and the standby NF. It serves as an additional safety net in case both the active NF and the standby NF encounter failures simultaneously. The spare NF can be quickly activated to restore services in such critical situations.

[0005] Further, any changes made on the active NF are propagated to the standby NF and the spare NF to keep them updated through an RPC (Replication and clustering) unit, which is used for duplication. The RPC makes sure that the data is synchronized and / or consistent in real-time or near real-time across all NFs comprising the active NF, standby NF and spare NF. In present cellular networks, all NFs are stateful, in which data related to user / connection / association is stored inside the network functions itself. However, a stateful NF causes multiple connection related problems in case of its failure and it needs a separate standby NF to continue the process, which increases maintenance cost and reduces reliability of network system. A part of the state maintained by each NF is a session data cache. In order to support proper processing of requests on NFs other than the primary "active" NF, this session data cache must be synchronized throughout all the NFs in the cluster. However, there may be situations, where while performing replication, upon a restart of the spare NF, the corresponding active NF may experience an overload condition because of large number of transactions to be handled. An example may be a Policy Control Function (PCF) in the 5G network, which may become overloaded during periods of high transaction volume, such as bulk replication, after a spare NF restart. This causes service disruptions and hampers the quality of service for end users. Further, during bulk replication, a sudden surge in data transfers can lead to network congestion. Currently, there is no mechanism designed to gracefully handle situations where nodes are added back to the system after temporary downtime. Therefore, there is a need for a solution that provides a mechanism to handle high Total Transactions per Second (TPS) during bulk replication to prevent overload on the active node, such as the Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0006] Hence, in view of these and other existing limitations, there arises an imperative need to provide an efficient solution to overcome the above-mentioned and other limitations and to provide a method and a system for handling an overload condition in a network.SUMMARY

[0007] 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.

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for handling an overload condition in a network. The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network. The method further comprises duplicating, by a processing unit, from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages. Further, the method comprises monitoring, by a monitoring unit at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update. Furthermore, the method comprises determining, by a determination unit at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value. Thereafter, the method comprises initiating, by a control unit at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance for duplicating the updates at a predefined rate.

[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, each input message from the plurality of input messages comprises at least one of a requesting task, an executing task, and a delivering service task.

[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the primary network function corresponds to an active network function, the secondary network function corresponds to a standby network function, and the tertiary network function corresponds to a spare network function.

[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the preconfigured TPS threshold value is at least one of a user defined TPS threshold value, and a dynamically defined TPS threshold value.

[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the updates associated with the plurality of input messages is duplicated, at the secondary network function and the tertiary network function, at a default rate in an event the TPS value associated with the updates fails to cross the preconfigured TPS threshold value.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for handling an overload condition in a network. The system comprises a transceiver unit configured to receive, at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network. The system further comprises a processing unit connected to at least the transceiver unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to duplicate, from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages. Further, the system comprises monitoring unit connected to at least the processing unit, wherein the monitoring unit is configured to monitor, at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update. Furthermore, the system comprises a determining unit connected to at least the monitoring unit, the determination unit is configured to determine, at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value. Thereafter, the system comprises a control unit connected to at least the determination unit, the control unit is configured to initiate, at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance to duplicate the update at a predefined rate.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more instructions for handling an overload condition in a network. The instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes a transceiver unit of the system to receive, at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes a processing unit of the system to duplicate, from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages. Further, the executable code, which when executed causes a monitoring unit of the system to monitor, at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update. Furthermore, the executable code which when executed causes a determining unit of the system to determine, at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value. Moreover, the executable code which when executed causes a control unit of the system to initiate, at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload conditionassociated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance to duplicate the update at a predefined rate.OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] Some of the objects of the present disclosure which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and a system for handling an overload condition in a network.

[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution for preventing overloading of an active network function or node.

[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to improve data integrity by introducing delays and staggering the data writing process.

[0019] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution for efficient resource utilization by controlling the rate of writing.

[0020] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to reduce network congestion during bulk replication.

[0021] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to determine the rate of replication at the network function.

[0022] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution to indicate the level of resilience in the system.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] 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 theprinciples of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of the method and system according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight the advantages of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5th generation core (5GC) network architecture.

[0025] 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.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for handling an overload condition in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for handling an overload condition in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for handling an overload condition in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present 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 may each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above.

[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 bemade in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0031] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.

[0032] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure.

[0033] 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.

[0034] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.

[0035] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smartdevice”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and / or computing device or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment / device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As used herein the transceiver unit include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data, signals, information or a combination thereof between units / components within the system and / or connected with the system.

[0040] As discussed in the background section, to ensure high availability, uninterrupted services, and efficient failover mechanisms, one or more Network Functions (NFs) in a cluster of 3 each are deployed. Each network function out of the cluster acts as an active network function, a standby network function and a spare network function. Further, any changes made on the active NF are propagated to the standby NF and the spare NF to keep them updated through an RPC (Replication and clustering) unit, which is used for duplication to makes sure that the data is synchronized and / or consistent in real-time or near real-time across all NFs comprising the active NF, standby NF and spare NF. In present cellular networks, all NFs are stateful, in which data related to user / connection / association is stored inside the network functions itself. However, a stateful NF causes multiple connection related problems in case of its failure and it needs a separate standby NF to continue the process, which increases maintenance cost and reduces reliability of network system. Apart of the state maintained by each NF is a session data cache. In order to support proper processing of requests on NFs other than the primary "active" NF, this session data cache must be synchronized throughout all the NFs in the cluster. However, there may be situations, where while performing replication, upon a restart of the spare NF, the corresponding active NF may experience overload condition because of large number of transactions to be handled. An example may be a Policy Control Function (PCF) in the 5G network, which may become overloaded during periods of high transaction volume, such as bulk replication, after a spare NF restart. This causes service disruptions and hampers the quality of service for end users. Further, during bulk replication, a sudden surge in data transfers can lead to network congestion. Currently, there is no mechanism designed to gracefully handle situations where nodes are added back to the system after temporary downtime.

[0041] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing method and system for handling an overload condition in a network. More particularly, the present disclosure provides solution to prevent overloading in an active NF, such as a Policy Control Function (PCF). Further, the present solution improves data integrity by introducing delays and staggering the data writing process. Also, the present solution provides efficient resource utilization by controlling the rate of writing. Furthermore, the present solution reduces network congestion during bulk replication. Moreover, the present solutionincreases the level of resilience in the system and determines the rate of replication in the network function.

[0042] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0100] includes a user equipment (UE)

[0102] , a radio access network (RAN)

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

[0106] , a Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] , a Service Communication Proxy (SCP)

[0110] , an Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

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

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

[0116] , a Network Exposure Function (NEF)

[0118] , a Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] , a Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] , a Unified Data Management (UDM)

[0124] , an application function (AF)

[0126] , a User Plane Function (UPF)

[0128] , a data network (DN)

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

[0044] Radio Access Network (RAN)

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

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

[0045] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

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

[0046] Session Management Function (SMF)

[0108] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing session-related aspects, such as establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions. It coordinates with the User Plane Function (UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP address allocation and QoS enforcement.

[0047] 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] Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

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

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

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

[0050] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

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

[0051] Network Exposure Function (NEF)

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

[0052] Network Repository Function (NRF)

[0120] is a network function that acts as a central repository for information about available network functions and services. It facilitates the discovery and dynamic registration of network functions.

[0053] Policy Control Function (PCF)

[0122] is a network function responsible for policy control decisions, such as QoS, charging, and access control, based on subscriber information and network policies.

[0054] Unified Data Management (UDM)

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

[0055] Application Function (AF)

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

[0056] User Plane Function (UPF)

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

[0057] Data Network (DN)

[0130] refers to a network that provides data services to user equipment (UE) in a telecommunications system. The data services may include but are not limited to Internet services, private data network related services.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2 an exemplary block diagram of a computing device

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

[0200] may implement a method for handling an overload condition in a network by utilising a system

[0300] , In another implementation, the computing device

[0200] itself implements the method for handling an overload condition in a network using one or more units configured within the computing device

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

[0059] 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 stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor

[0204] , render the computing device

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

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

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

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

[0204] ,

[0060] 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 andother 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The computing device

[0200] also may include a communication interface

[0218] coupled to the bus

[0202] , The communication interface

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

[0220] that is connected to a local network

[0222] , For example, the communication interface

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

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

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

[0063] 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] , a host

[0224] , the local network

[0222] and thecommunication 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.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3 an exemplary block diagram of a system

[0300] for handling an overload condition in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure is depicted. The system comprises at least one transceiver unit

[0302] , at least one processing unit

[0304] , at least one monitoring unit

[0306] , at least one determination unit

[0308] , and at least one control unit

[0310] , 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 numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the system

[0300] may reside in a server or the network entity or the system

[0300] may be in communication with the network entity to implement the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0065] The system

[0300] is configured for handling an overload condition in a network, with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the system

[0300] ,

[0066] Particularly, the transceiver unit

[0302] is configured to receive, at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network. The primary network function corresponds to an active network function. Further, the active network function handles live traffic on a node and performs intended function. The intended functions are performed by the primary network function based on the received plurality of input messages. Furthermore, each input message from the plurality of input messages comprises at least one of a requesting task, an executing task, and a delivering service task. The primary network function processes the requesting task from the UE, executes the task and delivers the service received in the requesting task to the UE. Further, the tasks may be an application specific and / or network function specific. The tasks may include such as, but not limited to, handling incoming requests and providing responses, dumping and / or providing application specific session cache information, replicating network function configuration data across the node in a cluster, etc.

[0067] Further, the system

[0300] comprises the processing unit

[0304] connected to at least the transceiver unit

[0302] , wherein the processing unit

[0304] is configured to duplicate, from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, anupdate associated with the plurality of input messages. The input messages received at the primary network function comprise changes to be made in the data on the active network function, which results in updated data, which is further duplicated to secondary and tertiary network functions for keeping the data synchronized on all NFs. The secondary network function corresponds to a standby network function. Further, the standby network function is a redundant copy of the active network function i.e., the primary network function. The standby network function closely monitors the active network function and is ready to take over the active role instantly in case of a failure or disruption in the active network function. Furthermore, the tertiary network function corresponds to a spare network function. The spare network function is an additional backup network function that remains idle but may be fully configured and synchronized with the active network function and the standby network function. The spare network function serves as an additional safety net in case both the active network function and the standby network function encounter failures simultaneously. Also, the spare network function may be quickly activated to restore services in such critical situations. The updates at the primary network function may be duplicated at the secondary network function and the tertiary network function through Replication and Clustering (RPC). The RPC ensures that the data remains synchronized and / or consistent among all network functions (i.e., the active network function, the standby network function and the spare network function) in real-time or near-real-time.

[0068] Furthermore, the system

[0300] comprises the monitoring unit

[0306] connected to at least the processing unit

[0304] , wherein the monitoring unit

[0306] is configured to monitor, at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the updates. The TPS relates to a transaction speed of each network function i.e., it is a measure of the maximum number of transactions each network function can process in a second. The monitoring unit monitors the TPS value of the primary network function associated with each update received through the input messages.

[0069] Furthermore, the system

[0300] comprises the determination unit

[0308] connected to at least the monitoring unit

[0306] , wherein the determination unit

[0306] is configured to determine, at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value. The positive breach condition may be a condition where the primary network function i.e., the active network function may replicate / duplicate the updates associated with the input message at a rate that breaches the preconfigured TPS threshold value, resulting in the overload condition on the primary network function. Further, the preconfigured TPS threshold value is at least one of a user definedTPS threshold value, and a dynamically defined TPS threshold value. Furthermore, in an implementation, the preconfigured TPS threshold value of the primary network function i.e., the active network function may be 1000. Also, the preconfigured TPS threshold value is not limited to the mentioned value and may vary. If more than 1000 updates, associated with the received input message, are replicated / duplicated form the primary network function i.e., the active network function to the secondary network function i.e., the standby network function and the tertiary network function i.e., the spare network function, then it may be determined as the positive breach condition. Therefore, the positive breach condition is a condition where the updates are replicated / duplicated at a higher rate than the preconfigured TPS threshold value. Moreover, the TPS threshold value may vary, and the value depends upon the capacity of the network function. The TPS threshold value may be 1000, 2000 or any integer value less than the capacity of the network function.

[0070] Thereafter, the control unit

[0310] connected to at least the determination unit

[0308] , is configured to initiate, at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance to duplicate the updates at a predefined rate. The input messages are the incoming requests on the primary network function. The incoming messages may be different for different network functions involved in a network architecture (such as 5G architecture). Further, in an implementation the rate limiter is configured to replicate / duplicate the updates associated with the input messages at a default rate if the preconfigured TPS threshold value is not breached. Furthermore, in another implementation if the preconfigured TPS threshold value is breached then the replication / duplication of the update associated with the input message is allowed at the rate that may be defined by the rate limiter depending upon the updates. It is to be noted that the predefined rate will be less than the TPS threshold value, to ensure that the transactions are always processed at a rate which does not result in overloading of the network functions.

[0071] Moreover, the updates associated with the plurality of input messages is duplicated, at the secondary network function and the tertiary network function, at a default rate in an event the TPS value associated with the update fails to cross the preconfigured TPS threshold value. Furthermore, in an implementation, the preconfigured TPS threshold value of the primary network function i.e., the active network function may be 1000. Also, the preconfigured TPS threshold value is not limited to the mentioned value and may vary. If less than 1000 updates, associated with the received input message, are replicated / duplicated form the primary network function i.e., the activenetwork function to the secondary network function i.e., the standby network function and the tertiary network function i.e., the spare network function, then the replication / duplication of updates are the handled at a pre-determined value i.e., the default rate. Therefore, the rate limit of replication / duplication in the mentioned implementation is less than 1000.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4 an exemplary method flow diagram for handling an overload condition in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure is illustrated. In an implementation the method

[0400] is performed by the system

[0300] , Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method

[0400] initiates at step

[0402] ,

[0073] At step

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

[0302] at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network. The primary network function corresponds to an active network function. Further, the active network function handles live traffic and performs intended functions. The intended functions are performed by the primary network function based on the received plurality of input messages. Furthermore, each input message from the plurality of input messages comprises at least one of a requesting task, an executing task, and a delivering service task. The primary network function processes the request, executes the tasks and delivers the service received in the requesting task to the user equipment.

[0074] Next, at step

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

[0304] from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages. The input messages received at the primary network function comprise changes to be made in the data on the active network function, which results in updated data, which is further duplicated to secondary and tertiary network functions for keeping the data synchronized on all NFs. The secondary network function corresponds to a standby network function. Further, the standby network function is a redundant copy of the active network function i.e., the primary network function. The standby network function closely monitors the active network function and is ready to take over the active role instantly in case of a failure or disruption in the active network function. Furthermore, the tertiary network function corresponds to a spare network function. The spare network function is an additional backup network function that remains idle but may be fully configured and synchronized with the active network function and the standby network function. The spare network function serves as an additional safety net in case both the active network function and the standby network function encounter failures simultaneously. Also, the spare network function may be quickly activated torestore services in such critical situations. The update at the primary network function may be duplicated at the secondary network function and the tertiary network function through Replication and Clustering (RPC). The RPC ensures that the data remains synchronized and / or consistent among all network functions (i.e., the active network function, the standby network function and the spare network function) in real-time or near-real-time.

[0075] Further, at step

[0408] , the method comprises, monitoring, by a monitoring unit

[0306] at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update. The TPS relates to a transaction speed of each network function i.e., a measure of the maximum number of transactions each network function can process in a second. The monitoring unit monitors the TPS value of the primary network function associated with each update received through input message.

[0076] Furthermore, at step

[0410] , the method comprises, determining, by a determination unit

[0308] at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value. The positive breach condition may be a condition where the primary network function i.e., the active network function may replicate / duplicate the updates associated with the input message at a rate that breaches the preconfigured TPS threshold value, resulting in the overload condition on the primary network function. Further, the preconfigured TPS threshold value is at least one of a user defined TPS threshold value, and a dynamically defined TPS threshold value.

[0077] Thereafter, at step

[0412] , a control unit

[0310] initiates, at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance for duplicating the updates at a predefined rate. Further, in an implementation the rate limiter is configured to replicate / duplicate the updates associated with the input message at a default rate if the preconfigured TPS threshold value is not breached. Further, the rate limiter defines the rate at which the Network function handles the replication / duplication of the updates associated with the received input message. Further, in another implementation if the preconfigured TPS threshold value is breached then the replication / duplication of the updates associated with the input message is allowed at the rate that may be defined by the rate limiter depending upon the updates.

[0078] It is to be noted that the predefined rate will be less than the TPS threshold value, to ensure that the transactions are always processed at a rate which does not result in overloading of the network functions.

[0079] Furthermore, in an implementation, the preconfigured TPS threshold value of the primary network function i.e., the active network function may be 1000. Also, the preconfigured TPS threshold value is not limited to the mentioned value and may vary. If less than 1000 updates, associated with the received input message, are replicated / duplicated form the primary network function i.e., the active network function to the secondary network function i.e., the standby network function and the tertiary network function i.e., the spare network function, then the replication / duplication of updates are the handled at a pre-determined value i.e., the default rate. Therefore, the rate limit of replication / duplication defined in the rate limiter, in the mentioned implementation, may be any integer value less than 1000.

[0080] Moreover, the updates associated with the plurality of input messages is duplicated, at the secondary network function and the tertiary network function, at a default rate in an event the TPS value associated with the updates fails to cross the preconfigured TPS threshold value.

[0081] Thereafter, at step

[0414] , the method terminates.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5 an exemplary process flow diagram for handling an overload condition in a network, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0083] At step

[0502] , the process starts, wherein a request (i.e., a request which updates the data) is received at a primary network function (i.e., an active network function) from a user equipment. The request comprises input messages which comprise changes to be made in the data on the active network function, which results in updated data, which is further duplicated to secondary and tertiary network functions for keeping the data synchronized on all NFs.

[0084] Next, at step

[0504] , the primary network function initiates the process of duplication / replication of the updates at a secondary network function (i.e., a standby network function) and a tertiary network function (i.e., a spare network function).

[0085] Further, at step

[0506] , the primary network function determines whether a transaction per second (TPS) value of duplication / replication of the current update request (i.e., an updateassociated with an input message) is breaching a staggering TPS value (i.e., a preconfigured TPS threshold value).

[0086] At step

[0508] , if the TPS value of the duplication / replication of the current update request (i.e., an update associated with an input message) breaches the staggering TPS value (i.e., a preconfigured TPS threshold value), then a staggering logic is initiated to handle an overload condition associated with the received request from the user equipment.

[0087] Furthermore, at step

[0510] , if the TPS value of the duplication / replication of the current update request (i.e., an update associated with an input message) does not breach the staggering TPS value (i.e., a preconfigured TPS threshold value), then the data duplication / replication may continue at a default rate.

[0088] Thereafter, at step

[0512] , the process terminates.

[0089] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more instructions for handling an overload condition in a network. The instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system

[0300] , causes a transceiver unit

[0302] of the system

[0300] to receive, at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes a processing unit

[0304] of the system

[0300] to duplicate, from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages. Further, the executable code which when executed causes a monitoring unit

[0306] of the system

[0300] to monitor, at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update. Furthermore, the executable code which when executed causes a determination unit

[0308] of the system

[0300] to determine, at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value. Moreover, the executable code which when executed causes a control unit

[0310] of the system

[0300] to initiate, at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance to duplicate the update at a predefined rate.

[0090] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for handling an overload condition in a network. The present solution prevents overloading of an active network function. An example of the network function may be a Policy Control Function (PCF). Further, the present solution improves data integrity by introducing delays and staggering the data writing process. Also, the present solution provides efficient resource utilization by controlling the rate of writing. Furthermore, the present solution reduces network congestion during bulk replication. Moreover, the present solution increases the level of resilience in the system and determines the rate of replication in the network function.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged that the functionality described for the various components / units can be implemented interchangeably. While specific embodiments may disclose a particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is recognized that various configurations and combinations thereof are within the scope of the disclosure. The functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method [400] for handling an overload condition in a network, the method comprising: receiving, by a transceiver unit [302] at a primary network function from a User Equipment, a plurality of input messages associated with the network; duplicating, by a processing unit [304] from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages; monitoring, by a monitoring unit [306] at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update; determining, by a determination unit [308] at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value; and initiating, by a control unit [310] at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance for duplicating the update at a predefined rate.

2. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein each input message from the plurality of input messages comprises at least one of a requesting task, an executing task, and a delivering service task.

3. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the primary network function corresponds to an active network function, the secondary network function corresponds to a standby network function, and the tertiary network function corresponds to a spare network function.

4. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preconfigured TPS threshold value is at least one of a user defined TPS threshold value, and a dynamically defined TPS threshold value.

5. The method [400] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the update associated with the plurality of input messages is duplicated, at the secondary network function and the tertiary network function, at a default rate in an event the TPS value associated with the update fails to cross the preconfigured TPS threshold value.

6. A system [300] for handling an overload condition in a network, the system comprises: a transceiver unit [302], wherein the transceiver unit is configured to: o receive, at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network; a processing unit [304] connected to at least the transceiver unit [302], wherein the processing unit [304] is configured to: o duplicate, from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages; a monitoring unit [306] connected to at least the processing unit [304], wherein the monitoring unit [306] is configured to: o monitor, at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update; a determination unit [308] connected to at least the monitoring unit [306], wherein the determination unit [308] is configured to: o determine, at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value; and a control unit [310] connected to at least the determination unit [308], wherein the control unit [310] is configured to: o initiate, at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance to duplicate the update at a predefined rate.

7. The system [300] as claimed in claim 6, wherein each input message from the plurality of input messages comprises at least one of a requesting task, an executing task, and a delivering service task.

8. The system [300] as claimed in claim 6, wherein the primary network function corresponds to an active network function, the secondary network function corresponds to a standby network function, and the tertiary network function corresponds to a spare network function.

9. The system [300] as claimed in claim 6, wherein the preconfigured TPS threshold value is at least one of a user defined TPS threshold value, and a dynamically defined TPS threshold value.

10. The system [300] as claimed in claim 6, wherein the update associated with the plurality of input messages is duplicated, at the secondary network function and the tertiary network function, at a default rate in an event the TPS value associated with the update fails to cross the preconfigured TPS threshold value.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instruction for handling an overload condition in a network the storage medium comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system [300], causes: a transceiver unit [302] of the system [300] to: o receive, at a primary network function from a User Equipment (UE), a plurality of input messages associated with the network; and a processing unit [304] of the system [300] to: o duplicate, from the primary network function to a secondary network function and a tertiary network function, an update associated with the plurality of input messages; a monitoring unit [306] of the system [300] to: o monitor, at the primary network function, a total transactions per second (TPS) value associated with the update; a determination unit [308] of the system [300] to: o determine, at the primary network function, a positive breach condition associated with the update in an event the TPS value associated with the update crosses a preconfigured TPS threshold value; and a control unit [310] of the system [300] to: o initiate, at the primary network function, a staggering logic to handle the overload condition associated with the plurality of input messages, based on the positive breach condition, wherein the staggering logic comprises a rate limiter instance to duplicate the update at a predefined rate.

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