SMS Delivery Over Packet-Switched Networks Without Circuit Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems require involvement of Circuit Switched (CS) network nodes for Short Message Service (SMS) delivery, which is inefficient and burdensome for network operators as they transition to Packet-Switched (PS) networks optimized for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable SMS delivery directly over a Packet-Switched network without the need for CS network nodes, by routing SMS messages through the Mobility Management Entity (MME) using PS network identifiers, eliminating the reliance on VLR/MSC nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SMS delivery uses Circuit Switched network nodes (VLR/MSC), then SMS service can be delivered, but network complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SMS delivery function from the Circuit Switched network infrastructure (VLR/MSC) and relocates it to the Packet Switched network's MME. This extraction eliminates the need for dedicated CS network nodes for SMS service, reducing network complexity while maintaining service reliability through PS network routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The MME is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it handles both PS data communication and SMS message routing. By making the MME multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated SMS handling nodes, thereby reducing overall network complexity while maintaining comprehensive service coverage.
2Reliability
If CS network nodes are used for SMS delivery, then SMS service is available, but maintenance and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts SMS delivery functionality from the CS network domain and integrates it into the PS network's MME. This extraction eliminates the need for maintaining separate CS network nodes (VLR/MSC) dedicated to SMS service, thereby reducing maintenance and management costs while preserving SMS service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the SMS delivery function with the existing PS network infrastructure, specifically the MME. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates redundant CS network elements, reducing operational complexity and maintenance costs while ensuring continuous SMS service delivery.
3Productivity
If PS network is used for data transmission, then data communication efficiency improves, but SMS delivery capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the MME to serve multiple purposes: it handles both PS data communication and SMS message routing. This multi-functionality allows the PS network to maintain high data communication efficiency while simultaneously providing SMS service capability, eliminating the trade-off between speed and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The MME acts as an intermediary that bridges PS data communication and SMS delivery. It receives SMS messages from the PS network, processes them appropriately, and delivers them to the UE, thereby enabling the PS network to maintain both data efficiency and SMS capability without requiring separate CS infrastructure.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for controlling Short Message Service (SMS) delivery to a User Equipment (UE) over a Packet-Switched (PS) network without involvement of any Circuit Switched (CS) network node are provided. The method includes receiving subscriber information of a terminal from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), determining whether the MME supports short message delivery over a Packet-Switched (PS) network, and transmitting, when the MME supports the short message delivery over the PS network, a registration request message including information for routing the short message to the MME to the HSS. The SMS delivery method and apparatus is capable of delivering the SMS message to the UE over the PS network without involvement of the CS network nodes, thereby negating the necessity of CS network nodes for supporting SMS service, resulting in reduction of maintenance and management costs.