Off-Net SMS Routing via Local Reply Identifier Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in efficiently routing Short Message Service (SMS) and multimedia messaging service (MMS) communications between mobile devices on different mobile service provider networks, leading to higher termination costs and improper handling of replies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system that involves receiving an SMS message with a source address field identifier, determining the associated subscriber's network, mapping it to a local reply identifier, and routing the message through a service provider information database and SMPP gateway to facilitate off-net communication, ensuring proper handling of replies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mobile communication standards are used for off-net communications, then compatibility with existing networks is maintained, but termination costs increase and reply handling becomes improper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a messaging server as an intermediary between the first and second service provider networks. This server receives SMS messages from the first network, maps the source address field identifier to a local reply identifier, and forwards the modified message to the second network. The intermediary enables proper reply handling by ensuring that messages sent to the first network can be correctly routed back, while allowing the second network to be charged only for actual message delivery rather than bidirectional communication.
2Reliability
If a mapping database is implemented to associate identifiers with local reply identifiers, then reply handling is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing a mapping database that associates source address field identifiers with local reply identifiers before actual message transmission occurs. This database is populated in advance with the necessary identifier mappings, allowing the messaging server to quickly perform lookups and substitutions during message routing without requiring complex real-time processing or dynamic database operations.
3Reliability
If identifier mapping is performed for each message, then proper routing is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping database is populated in advance with pre-computed identifier associations, eliminating the need for complex calculations or lookups during actual message transmission. The messaging server simply performs a database lookup and substitution, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining routing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for routing off-net Short Message Service (SMS) messages between a first service provider network and a terminating service provider network are provided herein. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a first SMS message including a first identifier associated with a first subscriber of the first service provider network stored in a source address field directed to a second identifier, determining that the second identifier is associated with a second subscriber of the terminating service provider network, associating the first identifier with a local reply identifier in a mapping database, replacing the first identifier in the source address field with the local reply identifier, and routing the first SMS message including the local reply identifier stored in the source address field to the second identifier.