SEPP-Based MT SMS Routing for Encrypted Outbound Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in efficiently delivering SMS-based roaming value-added services to outbound subscribers due to encryption of inter-PLMN traffic, which prevents interception and delivery of messages, and incur additional costs for mobile network operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) to initiate mobile terminated (MT) SMS delivery by obtaining an SMSF identifier and transmitting messages directly to the SMSF, bypassing the need for external providers and ensuring end-to-end confidentiality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SEPPs operate in TLS mode to encrypt messages over the N32 connection, then message confidentiality is improved, but the ability to intercept and deliver SMS messages to roaming subscribers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SMS service function (SMSF) as an intermediary component within the home network that can access SMS messages before they are encrypted by the SEPP. This intermediary allows the system to maintain TLS encryption for confidentiality while still enabling SMS delivery through a trusted internal component that operates before the encryption point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the message handling process into distinct functional components: message generation, SMS service routing, and encrypted transmission. By separating the SMS delivery function from the encrypted transport function, the system can maintain confidentiality while enabling targeted SMS delivery through proper routing information extraction at the appropriate stage.
2Ease of operation
If the protocol for N32 interconnect security (PRINS) mode is used to allow RVAS provider access to messages, then SMS delivery capability is improved, but network operator control and cost efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the home network operator's own SEPP and network functions to perform SMS delivery to roaming subscribers independently, without requiring external RVAS providers. The home SEPP extracts routing information and initiates SMS delivery through the SMSF, making the network self-sufficient for this service and eliminating external dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SEPP and home network functions multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their primary security/transport functions and SMS delivery initiation functions. This universal approach allows existing network infrastructure to provide multiple services without requiring separate specialized external providers.
3Ease of operation
If conventional probing methods are used to detect registration messages and trigger SMS delivery, then SMS delivery initiation is improved, but message confidentiality and system security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs SMS delivery initiation as a preliminary action within the home network before messages are transmitted over encrypted N32 connections. The SEPP extracts routing information and triggers SMS delivery through the SMSF in advance, so that when messages are encrypted and transmitted, the SMS delivery process has already been initiated through secure internal channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the SMSF as an intermediary that receives routing information from the SEPP and handles SMS delivery initiation within the home network. This intermediary approach allows SMS delivery to be triggered through proper protocol mechanisms rather than by probing encrypted traffic, maintaining both confidentiality and functional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) for providing mobile terminated (MT) short message service (SMS) to outbound roaming subscribers includes receiving, by a SEPP, a message generated for a UE roaming in a visited public land mobile network (PLMN). The method further includes initiating, by the SEPP, MT SMS delivery to the UE, where initiating the MT SMS delivery includes: obtaining, by the SEPP, an identifier of a short message service function (SMSF) serving the UE for delivering mobile terminated SMS messages to the UE; and transmitting, by the SEPP, a mobile terminated SMS message to the SMSF for delivery to the UE.