EPS Core Network SMS Transmission via MME and SGs Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for SMS functionality in Evolved Packet Systems, such as Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB), are inefficient and require significant network upgrades and alignment of circuit switched and packet switched network components, leading to unnecessary disruptions and costs, especially when only SMS support is needed.
Innovation Solution
A core network architecture that bypasses the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) by using a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) with an Interworking Function (IWF) for direct communication, allowing SMS functionality over the SGs interface without modifying existing network elements, thus providing a simplified and cost-effective SMS solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) is used for SMS transmission, then SMS functionality can be provided in EPS network, but it requires close alignment between circuit switched and packet switched network components, causing increased device complexity and network upgrade requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SMS transmission function from the circuit switched domain and places it directly in the packet switched domain by using the MME and SGs interface. This eliminates the need for complex alignment between circuit switched and packet switched network components, as the SMS function is now handled entirely within the EPS core network using existing packet switched elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The MME, which already serves as a key control element for EPS mobility management, is extended to also handle SMS transmission functions. This multi-functional approach allows the MME to perform both mobility management and SMS routing without requiring separate dedicated SMS infrastructure, thereby reducing overall network complexity while maintaining SMS capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete fallback to GERAN/UTRAN is performed for SMS, then SMS can be transmitted using circuit switched entities, but it disrupts the UE's EPS data connection and causes unnecessary network resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SMS transmission path from the main data connection path by using the SGs interface for SMS-specific routing. This allows SMS messages to be transmitted through a separate, dedicated path involving the MME and SGs interface, while the UE's EPS data connection remains uninterrupted on the normal data bearers. The segmentation is achieved by separating SMS signaling and transmission from the general data session management.
3Ease of manufacture
If Circuit Switched Fallback is implemented for SMS only, then network upgrade requirements are reduced, but existing interfaces still require modification which increases implementation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing MME and SGs interface to serve dual purposes: their original functions for EPS mobility management plus the additional function of SMS transmission. The MME utilizes its existing capabilities and the SGs interface's existing signaling protocols to handle SMS messages, eliminating the need for new interface modifications or additional network elements. The system leverages its own existing resources to provide the new functionality without external modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A core network is provided for transmission of short messages in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobile communication network. The core network provides SMS over SGs functionality and includes: a Mobility Management Entity (MME); a Short Message Service Center (SMSC); and a unit providing an Interworking, Function (IWF) for handling of short messages; wherein the MME and the SMSC are in direct communication via the IWF with respect to communication of a short message with respect to a User Equipment (UE) having a data connection to the EPS mobile communication network.