MME SMS Delivery for PS-Only LTE Subscriptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE mobile communication networks, PS-only subscription users face challenges in receiving SMS services due to the need for additional procedures and potential failures in information delivery, especially when they do not use MSISDN or require alerting procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where the MME delivers short messages to PS-only subscription UE, and if delivery fails, it informs the subscriber information server, which then alerts the short message server, enabling efficient SMS service provision and alerting procedures without relying on MSISDN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical SMS service method is used in LTE network, then SMS service can be provided, but additional procedures are required and service reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SMS service delivery function from the traditional CS domain dependency and implements it directly in the PS domain through the MME. The MME is enhanced with SMS-in-MME functionality, allowing SMS messages to be delivered through packet-switched networks without requiring CS domain involvement, thereby simplifying procedures and improving reliability for PS-only subscriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The MME is designed to perform multiple functions including both mobility management and SMS message delivery. By integrating SMS-in-MME capability, the MME can handle both EPS attach procedures and SMS delivery for PS-only subscriptions, eliminating the need for separate CS domain infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PS-only subscription is supported, then service adaptability is improved, but information delivery reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alerting mechanism where the MME acts as an intermediary between the SMS message delivery process and the UE. When a PS-only subscription UE becomes available, the MME can send alerting notifications to inform the UE of pending SMS messages, ensuring reliable information delivery even without MSISDN by using EPS attach or combined EPS/IMSI registration as triggering events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the MME monitors UE availability status and provides feedback to the SMS delivery process. When the UE performs EPS attach or combined EPS/IMSI registration, the MME receives feedback about UE availability and can subsequently deliver SMS messages or send alerting notifications, ensuring reliable delivery for PS-only subscriptions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alerting procedure is implemented for PS-only UE, then service completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alerting procedure functionality with the existing SMS-in-MME framework. The same MME that handles SMS message delivery also manages alerting notifications, combining multiple functions into a single entity. This integration reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate alerting infrastructure while maintaining complete service functionality for PS-only subscriptions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of a mobile management entity for providing SMS services for a packet switching-only subscription in an LTE mobile communication network. Particularly, the method may include transmitting a short message to a user equipment and transmitting, to a subscription information server, information indicating the user equipment is not reachable if the transmission of the short message fails.