SMSC Routing for Cross-Network SMS Migration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current SMS delivery systems fail to guarantee delivery of short message services across different technology networks, particularly during number porting between CDMA and GSM networks, due to the lack of a fool-proof retry mechanism and inefficient routing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) to receive SMS text messages, determine whether the destination number has migrated across networks by querying a Signal Transfer Point (STP), and re-route the message through a second database if necessary, ensuring error handling and efficient delivery across different communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the original MSC/HLR-based number portability solution is used for SMS routing, then voice communication routing works correctly, but SMS delivery fails for migrated recipients across different technology networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SMSC-based intermediary solution that acts as a mediator between the sender and migrated recipients. The SMSC queries the portability database to determine if the destination number has migrated, and if so, routes the SMS through the appropriate network path. This intermediary mechanism resolves the incompatibility between the original MSC/HLR-based voice routing and SMS delivery requirements across different technology networks (CDMA, GSM, UMTS).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing by making the SMS delivery path adaptable based on real-time queries to the portability database. The system dynamically determines whether to use the original network path or an alternative path based on the migration status of the destination number. This dynamic approach allows the system to handle both migrated and non-migrated recipients appropriately, resolving the contradiction between reliability and cross-network adaptability.
2Productivity
If SMS routing queries are sent to the first network database without checking migration status, then routing requests are processed quickly, but delivery fails for migrated numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by querying the portability database before attempting SMS delivery to determine if the destination number has migrated. This preliminary check prevents failed delivery attempts and allows the system to prepare the correct routing path in advance. By performing this migration status check beforehand, the system maintains high productivity while ensuring reliable delivery to both migrated and non-migrated recipients.
3Reliability
If multiple retry attempts are implemented for SMS delivery, then delivery reliability improves, but network traffic and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple retry attempts by performing a preliminary migration status check before SMS delivery. By determining in advance whether the destination number has migrated and routing accordingly, the system achieves reliable delivery on the first attempt without generating unnecessary retry traffic. This approach maintains high delivery reliability while minimizing network traffic overhead and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing SMS delivery to recipients migrated across different technology networks. The method includes receiving a short message service (SMS) text message from a sender at a short message service center (SMSC), wherein the SMS text message includes a destination number for a recipient of the SMS text message. A first routing request is sent to a database in a first network for SMS routing information for the destination number via a first signal transfer point (STP). The first STP determines whether the destination number is a migrated or a non-migrated destination number based on data received from the first database. An error indication is provided to the SMSC if the destination number and the first routing request are for different communication networks. Finally, a second routing request is sent to a second database in a second network for SMS routing information for the destination number via a second STP.