SMS Policy Control Node for Spam Filtering and Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunications network providers face challenges in managing SMS and MMS traffic, including unwanted spam messages, bill shock for subscribers, network capacity issues due to bulk spamming, and the need for subscribers to control their messaging activities, which existing systems fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for SMS/MMS policy control that includes a policy node generating policy rule instructions and a network element intercepting messages to implement these rules, allowing for the installation, modification, removal, activation, or deactivation of policy rules to manage SMS/MMS traffic on a per-subscriber or per-class basis, including limiting incoming and outgoing messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network providers offer unlimited SMS messaging as a standard feature, then subscriber satisfaction and network competitiveness improve, but network capacity is overwhelmed by bulk spamming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments SMS traffic into different categories (domestic vs. international, mobile-originated vs. mobile-terminated) and applies different policy rules to each segment. This allows the network to provide unlimited messaging for normal domestic use while imposing limits on international and high-volume traffic that is likely spam.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes traffic parameters by applying different message volume limits to different subscriber classes and message types. Policy rules can be adjusted to modify message thresholds, rates, and volumes based on traffic patterns, enabling flexible capacity management while maintaining unlimited service for legitimate users.
2Loss of energy
If network providers charge subscribers for each received text message, then network revenue increases, but subscribers experience bill shock from receiving large numbers of unwanted messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces policy control nodes as intermediaries between the charging system and subscribers. These nodes intercept SMS traffic, apply policy rules to identify unwanted messages, and filter or block them before they reach the charging system. This protects subscribers from being charged for spam while maintaining revenue from legitimate messaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of spam traffic into a benefit by using policy rules to identify and block unwanted messages. The same infrastructure that detects spam is used to prevent charging for these messages, transforming a revenue loss scenario into a protective mechanism that benefits subscribers.
3Reliability
If network providers deploy sufficient network hardware to support estimated maximum traffic, then network reliability improves, but network capacity is wasted when actual traffic is much lower than estimates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy rules that can be adjusted in real-time based on actual traffic patterns. Message volume limits, rates, and thresholds are not fixed but can be modified according to observed usage, allowing the network to optimize capacity utilization while maintaining reliability during peak demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic review and adjustment of policy rules based on traffic analysis. By periodically evaluating actual message volumes and adjusting limits accordingly, the network can align capacity allocation with actual demand patterns, reducing waste during low-traffic periods while ensuring sufficient capacity during high-demand periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for SMS or MMS policy control are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for controlling short message service SMS or MMS resources in a telecommunications network includes, at a policy node, generating a message that includes an SMS or MMS policy rule and communicating the message to a network element that performs SMS or MMS routing or processing, and, at the network element, enforcing the SMS or MMS policy rule. In one embodiment, the SMS or MMS policy rule applies to SMS or MMS messages that are associated with a particular subscriber, a particular class of subscribers, and/or a particular network provider or set of network providers.