SMS via NAS over Non-Cellular Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network implementations do not effectively handle Short Message Service (SMS) message delivery over non-cellular access networks, such as WiFi, due to lack of standardized protocols for NAS signaling between user equipment and core network nodes, leading to inefficiencies in message routing and delivery.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses a non-access stratum connection over a wireless local area network to send notification and service request messages for SMS delivery, allowing SMS messages to be exchanged via a common N1 interface regardless of cellular or non-cellular access, and determining delivery paths based on policy information to ensure efficient message routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SMS delivery uses traditional cellular access protocols, then message delivery is reliable, but delivery efficiency and latency are poor over non-cellular networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal NAS signaling framework that enables SMS delivery over multiple access types (cellular and non-cellular) using a common protocol structure. The AMF and UE can exchange SMS-related NAS messages through both 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, allowing the system to select the most efficient path while maintaining protocol consistency and reliability across different network types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a common N1 interface is used for both cellular and non-cellular access, then adaptability improves, but protocol standardization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NAS signaling protocol into distinct message types and procedures tailored for SMS delivery, while maintaining a common N1 interface structure. Specific NAS messages for SMS (such as notification messages, service request messages, and downlink data delivery) are defined within the universal framework, allowing differentiated handling of SMS over different access types without requiring complete protocol redesign for each access type.
3Speed
If policy-driven path determination is implemented, then message routing efficiency improves, but network control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing policy information and delivery preferences in advance through network configuration and UE registration procedures. The AMF stores and retrieves pre-defined policies for SMS delivery path selection based on access type, UE capabilities, and network conditions, enabling rapid routing decisions without complex real-time computations when SMS delivery is actually triggered.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for services, such as SMS, location services, and/or the like over the NAS through a non-cellular access. In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method that includes receiving, via a non-access stratum connection through a wireless local area network, a notification message; sending a service request message to request, via the non-access stratum connection through the wireless local area network, delivery of downlink data for a service; and receiving, via the non-access stratum connection through the wireless local area network, the downlink data for the service. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.