Gateway Server for SMS/MMS Messaging on Connected Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telephony services, both land-wired and Internet-based, do not provide SMS/MMS messaging capabilities to various connected devices, including land-wired telephony devices and other network-connected devices such as personal computers and game consoles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gateway server connected to a packet-based network, which manages and stores SMS/MMS messages, communicates with land-wired telephony devices, and routes messages through an aggregator module and routing database to enable SMS/MMS messaging across different networks, allowing connected devices to send and receive SMS/MMS messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If land-wired telephony services and Internet-based telephony services are used, then telephony communication is provided, but SMS/MMS messaging capability is not provided to connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
A gateway server is introduced as an intermediary component between the existing telephony services and connected devices. The gateway server receives SMS/MMS messages from the telephony network and forwards them to connected devices through packet-based network protocols, enabling SMS/MMS messaging without requiring changes to the core telephony infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway server provides multi-functional capabilities by handling both message routing and protocol conversion in a single component. It interfaces with multiple types of connected devices (land-wired telephony devices, PCs, laptops, portable media players, DVRs, game consoles) and supports various message types (SMS and MMS), making the system universally applicable across different device types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SMS/MMS messaging is extended to various connected devices, then messaging versatility is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional gateway server components
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional modules: the gateway server, aggregator module, and routing database. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, making the system easier to manage and maintain despite the added complexity of supporting multiple device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway server acts as a mediator that translates between traditional telephony protocols and packet-based network protocols. This intermediary layer enables communication between legacy telephony infrastructure and modern connected devices without requiring complex integration between all possible device pairs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gateway server is introduced to enable SMS/MMS messaging, then messaging service coverage is improved, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server combines multiple functions including message reception from telephony networks, message storage, protocol conversion, and message forwarding to connected devices. By merging these functions into a single component, the system reduces the number of separate infrastructure elements needed compared to having dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway server autonomously handles message routing decisions by querying the routing database and automatically forwarding messages to the appropriate connected devices. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual configuration and intervention, offsetting the complexity of the added infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The method and system for SMS/MMS messaging to a connected device may be realized as a system comprising at least one server module. The at least one server module may be adapted to receive from a connected device an outbound messaging message through a packet-based network. The at least one server module may also be adapted to send the outbound messaging message to an external messaging network. The connected device may be communicatively coupled to the packet-based network. The outbound messaging message may be associated with a user account. The user account may be associated with a telephone number.