Virtual HLR and SMSC for SMS Intermediary Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermediaries in the SMS messaging system, lacking access to Home Location Register (HLR) and Short Message Service Center (SMSC), face challenges in supporting the GSM MAP SRI for SM mechanism when bridging international and domestic carriers, as they cannot access subscriber information.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual HLR and virtual SMSC by an intermediary network system, which includes a virtual networking device and a gateway interface device, allows for message routing between mobile stations by transforming message formats, providing addressing and routing information, and creating identifiers, effectively functioning as a virtual MSC from the perspective of third-party carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediary is used to bridge international and domestic carriers, then message routing between different carriers is enabled, but the intermediary cannot access subscriber information because it lacks direct access to HLR and SMSC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual HLR and virtual SMSC as intermediary components that the intermediary network can access. These virtual entities mediate between the intermediary and the actual carrier networks, allowing the intermediary to obtain subscriber information through standardized interfaces without requiring direct access to physical HLR and SMSC systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of HLR and SMSC functions within the intermediary network. These virtual entities replicate the information storage and message handling capabilities of real HLR and SMSC, enabling the intermediary to access and process subscriber information locally without direct connection to carrier infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediary supports the SRI for SM mechanism without being a carrier, then complete service between international and domestic carriers is provided, but the intermediary lacks access to HLR and SMSC resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of HLR and SMSC into a unified virtual infrastructure within the intermediary network. By merging these functions and sharing resources between virtual HLR and virtual SMSC components, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining full SRI for SM mechanism support.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual HLR and virtual SMSC are designed as multi-functional components that can serve multiple carriers and message routing scenarios simultaneously. This universal design allows a single intermediary infrastructure to support the SRI for SM mechanism for various carrier combinations without requiring separate dedicated systems for each carrier pair.
Data Source
AI summary
Network system and methods for addressing and routing Short Message Service (SMS) messages from international callers to domestic callers using Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Mobile Application Part (MAP) Send Routing Info for Short Message (SRI for SM). The systems and methods create a virtual Home Location Register (HLR) and a virtual Mobile Switching Center (MSC) so that an intermediary, which is not itself a carrier, can handle such messages. The systems and methods generate and return an identifier associated with the intermediary as the location for an HLR and a MSC such that the international caller routes the SMS message to the intermediary.