Alphanumeric Address Mapping for SMS Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous short message networks, the lack of support for alphanumeric addressing in some mobile devices and external short message entities (ESMEs) leads to message discard or non-delivery, as well as the inability to display the originator's identity to the end-user, due to protocol errors and incompatible addressing formats.
Innovation Solution
A method for mapping alphanumeric addresses to numeric strings and vice versa, allowing messages to be routed through non-homogeneous networks, including SMSC conversions and fallback mechanisms to ensure delivery and display of originator information, regardless of the network or device capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alphanumeric addressing is used to display originator identity, then message deliverability and user experience are improved, but compatibility with devices and networks that do not support alphanumeric addressing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The SMSC acts as an intermediary that receives alphanumeric addresses from ESMEs, translates them to numeric addresses for compatibility with non-alphanumeric devices, and maintains the mapping information to enable future reverse translation. This mediator approach allows the system to support both alphanumeric and numeric addressing without requiring all network elements to support both formats simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the address format parameter dynamically based on the destination device's capabilities. Alphanumeric addresses are converted to numeric addresses when the destination device does not support alphanumeric formatting, and vice versa when the destination device supports alphanumeric formatting. This parameter change enables universal compatibility across heterogeneous networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If generic numerical addresses are substituted for alphanumeric addresses, then compatibility with non-alphanumeric devices is improved, but the ability to display meaningful originator information to users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by translating alphanumeric addresses to numeric addresses before message delivery to non-alphanumeric devices. The SMSC maintains a mapping table that stores the correspondence between alphanumeric and numeric addresses, enabling the system to prepare the translation in advance and maintain information availability throughout the message lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the address mapping information that allows the numeric address to carry the semantic meaning of the original alphanumeric address. The mapping table stores this copied information, enabling the system to retrieve and apply the correct originator identity information even when the message uses a numeric address format.
3Reliability
If ESMEs maintain information about every phone number to enable alphanumeric addressing, then message delivery to alphanumeric-capable devices is improved, but system complexity and susceptibility to handset model changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SMSC serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of maintaining address mappings between alphanumeric and numeric formats. Instead of requiring ESMEs to maintain detailed information about every phone number and its capabilities, the SMSC centralizes this mapping management function, simplifying the ESME's operations while ensuring reliable message delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMSC's address translation function serves multiple purposes: it translates addresses for compatibility, maintains mapping information for future reference, and provides a universal solution that works regardless of the specific handset model or network configuration. This multi-functional approach reduces the burden on ESMEs to manage individual device capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Text messages with alphanumeric addresses are delivered to mobiles and external short message entities (ESMEs) which do not support alphanumeric addressing, providing meaningful fallback handling. Additionally, the invention enables delivery of SMPP messages from ESME or SMPP networks which can only originate numeric addresses, yet provide for mapping to alphanumeric addresses for delivery to the mobile. A two-way mapping is provided between alphanumeric addresses and SMS short-codes to enable delivery of text messages with alphanumeric addressing in networks which contain mobiles and/or ESME's that lack support of alphanumeric addressing. An ESME can send a text message using an alphanumeric origination address, without knowing which handsets support the capability, and which do not, or whether handsets are on CDMA, or GSM, or UMTS, or networks, or can continue to send using a numeric origination address. The SMSC provides conversions to alphanumeric addresses on behalf of the ESME and the mobile.