A-SCEF Bypasses SMS-SC for Direct NB IoT Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
NB IoT devices experience reduced battery life due to infrequent page messages, and existing network infrastructure requires specialized elements for SMS communication, necessitating a more efficient process for receiving messages.
Innovation Solution
An augmented Service Capability Exposure Function (A-SCEF) is defined to bypass the SMS-SC, enabling direct SMS message delivery from A-SCEF to MME/CSGN without using SMS-SC gateways, utilizing interfaces like T6a and SGd to recognize and forward SMS communications efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NB IoT devices monitor paging messages frequently to ensure receipt of communications, then message delivery reliability is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transitioning from continuous paging monitoring to event-triggered monitoring. The A-SCEF sends downlink data notifications only when actual data arrives, causing devices to wake up periodically rather than continuously monitor, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable message delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the A-SCEF automatically manages the notification process. When downlink data arrives, the A-SCEF proactively notifies the device without requiring the device to continuously poll or monitor for messages, allowing the device to remain in low-power state and service itself by waking up only when necessary
2Reliability
If specialized network elements are used for SMS communication with NB IoT devices, then communication reliability is improved, but network infrastructure complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SMS service center functionality with the A-SCEF into a single integrated network element. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate specialized SMS gateway elements, reducing network infrastructure complexity while maintaining SMS communication reliability through the unified A-SCEF that handles both data and SMS notifications
Solution Approach 2:
The A-SCEF is designed as a universal network element that performs multiple functions: it manages downlink data notifications, handles SMS messaging, and coordinates with both data bearers and SMS bearers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized single-purpose network elements, simplifying the overall network architecture while maintaining reliable communication
3Reliability
If SMS messages are delivered through traditional SMS-SC gateways, then message delivery reliability is improved, but network efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SMS notification function from the traditional SMS-SC gateway path and integrates it directly into the A-SCEF. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate routing steps through dedicated SMS gateways, allowing SMS messages to be delivered more efficiently while maintaining reliability through the A-SCEF's direct coordination with the MME and device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for optimizing SMS communications such that an SMS-SC is bypassed in the communications include receiving, by an A-SCEF, at least one communication from an AS, the at least one communication including a data payload and a generic destination UE identifier, determining, by the A-SCEF, the at least one communication is associated with an SMS communication, creating, by the A-SCEF, a message including the data payload and a network-usable destination UE identifier, and providing, by the A-SCEF, the message to a MME such that it recognizes the message as an SMS communication and forwards the data payload to the UE as an SMS communication.