SMS Encapsulation for IMS Supplementary Service Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
In current telecommunication systems, there is a lack of efficient mechanisms to propagate supplementary service requests, such as call forwarding, between different networks like GSM and IMS, where the entity managing subscriber features differs, and direct interfaces may not exist, leading to inconsistencies in service activation across networks.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves encapsulating supplementary service requests in Short Message Service (SMS) messages by mobile terminals, which are then sent to a feature application server in the IMS network, allowing for synchronization of features without requiring a direct interface between the HLR and IMS, and vice versa, using a gateway to translate and forward these messages across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supplementary service requests are propagated between cellular and IMS networks using existing interfaces, then service consistency is improved, but direct interfaces between HLR and IMS would be required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SMS message as an intermediary carrier to transmit supplementary service requests between cellular and IMS networks. Instead of requiring a direct interface between HLR and IMS, the service requests are encapsulated in SMS messages that can be routed through existing SMS centers and gateways, thereby maintaining service consistency without adding complex direct interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing SMS infrastructure to serve a dual purpose: traditional short message communication and supplementary service request propagation. By making the SMS system multi-functional, the patent avoids creating new dedicated interfaces while still achieving reliable service synchronization between different network types.
2Device complexity
If existing SMS infrastructure is used to propagate service requests, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information may occur due to protocol differences between networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supplementary service request information into structured components within the SMS message body. The service request is divided into identifiable elements such as service type, target number, and action codes, allowing the receiving system to parse and process each component accurately, thereby preventing information loss despite protocol differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the supplementary service request parameters into a format suitable for SMS transmission. Service request data is converted into standardized parameter representations that can be reliably transmitted through SMS protocols, ensuring that the essential information is preserved across different network interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus in one example has: at least a first network of a first predetermined type and at least a second network of a predetermined type; at least one mobile terminal movable between the first and second networks; at least one gateway operatively coupled to each of the first and second networks; and at least one message that communicates via the gateway at least feature data of the mobile terminal from one of the first and second networks to the other of the first and second networks.