U.S. patent application number 15/150521 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for sms domain preference.
The applicant listed for this patent is Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.. Invention is credited to Siva Sandeep Dhandu, Andrew E. Youtz.
Application Number | 20170332217 15/150521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60297657 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170332217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Youtz; Andrew E. ; et
al. |
November 16, 2017 |
SMS DOMAIN PREFERENCE
Abstract
A method may be performed by a network device. The method may
include conducting an attachment procedure with a wireless device,
wherein the conducting forms a session between the wireless device
and the core network; associating the wireless device with a short
message service (SMS) capability for the session, wherein the SMS
capability indicates whether the wireless device can process SMS
messages via Internet protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
protocols; identifying an SMS message intended for an application
residing on the wireless device; routing the SMS message via IMS
protocols when the SMS capability of the wireless device indicates
the wireless device can process IMS protocols; and routing the SMS
message via non-access stratum (NAS) protocols when the SMS
capability of the wireless device indicates the wireless device
cannot process IMS protocols.
Inventors: |
Youtz; Andrew E.;
(Princeton, NJ) ; Dhandu; Siva Sandeep;
(Princeton, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. |
Arlington |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60297657 |
Appl. No.: |
15/150521 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04J 11/00 20130101;
H04W 80/04 20130101; H04W 80/10 20130101; H04L 61/1588 20130101;
H04W 72/042 20130101; H04W 4/14 20130101; H04W 64/00 20130101; H04W
88/16 20130101; H04W 8/22 20130101; H04W 72/048 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/14 20090101
H04W004/14; H04L 29/12 20060101 H04L029/12; H04J 11/00 20060101
H04J011/00; H04W 64/00 20090101 H04W064/00; H04W 72/04 20090101
H04W072/04; H04W 72/04 20090101 H04W072/04 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: conducting, by a network device of a core
network, an attachment procedure with a wireless device, wherein
the conducting forms a session between the wireless device and the
core network; associating, by the network device, the wireless
device with a short message service (SMS) capability for the
session, wherein the SMS capability indicates whether the wireless
device can process SMS messages via Internet protocol Multimedia
Subsystem (IMS) protocols; identifying, by the network device, an
SMS message intended for an application residing on the wireless
device; routing, by the network device, the SMS message via IMS
protocols when the SMS capability of the wireless device indicates
the wireless device can process IMS protocols; and routing, by the
network device, the SMS message via non-access stratum (NAS)
protocols when the SMS capability of the wireless device indicates
the wireless device cannot process IMS protocols.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the
network device, an identifier of the wireless device and an
indication of downlink data for the application residing on the
wireless device; and matching, by the network device and in
response to the receiving, the SMS capability to the identifier of
the wireless device.
3. The method of claim 1, the conducting comprising: receiving,
from the wireless device, one of an attach request or a tracking
area update (TAU) request, the attach request or the TAU request
including an information element with an SMS domain preference.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the SMS domain preference
indicates the wireless device is one of: capable of receiving SMS
via NAS only; capable of receiving SMS via IMS only; preferring SMS
via NAS, but capable of receiving SMS via IMS; and preferring SMS
via IMS, but capable of receiving SMS via NAS.
5. The method of claim 1, the conducting comprising: receiving,
from the wireless device, a packet data network (PDN) connectivity
request, the PDN connectivity request including an information
element with an SMS domain preference.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the information element includes
a protocol configuration option (PCO) container to indicate the SMS
domain preference as one of the SMS capability of receiving SMS via
NAS or the SMS capability of receiving SMS via IMS.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the PCO container is an
operator-reserved PCO container with a container size of zero.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: logging, in a
database of the core network, the SMS capability of the wireless
device.
9. The method of claim 8, the conducting comprising: obtaining, by
the network device and from the wireless device, an International
Mobile station Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the wireless device;
and matching, by the network device, the SMS capability with the
IMEI using the database.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the logging includes importing,
from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) data and prior to the
conducting, an IMS capability for the wireless device and a device
identifier for the wireless device.
11. The method of claim 1, the conducting comprising: obtaining, by
the network device and from a home subscriber server (HSS), the SMS
capability of the wireless device.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: adding to a
subscriber profile of the HSS, prior to the conducting, an IMS
capability for the wireless device; and updating the subscriber
profile when a secure element for the subscriber is moved to
another wireless device.
13. A network device in a core network, comprising: one or more
memories to store instructions; and one or more processors
configured to execute instructions in the one or more memories to:
conduct an attachment procedure with a wireless device, wherein the
conducting forms a session between the wireless device and the core
network; associate the wireless device with a short message service
(SMS) capability for the session, wherein the SMS capability
indicates whether the wireless device can process SMS messages via
Internet protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) protocols; identify an
SMS message intended for an application residing on the wireless
device; route the SMS message via IMS protocols when the SMS
capability of the wireless device indicates the wireless device can
process IMS protocols; and route the SMS message via non-access
stratum (NAS) protocols when the SMS capability of the wireless
device indicates the wireless device cannot process IMS
protocols.
14. The network device of claim 13, wherein the network device is a
mobility management entity (MME) for an evolved packet core (EPC)
network.
15. The network device of claim 13, wherein, when associating the
wireless device with the SMS capability for the session, the one or
more processors are further to: store in the one or more memories
the SMS capability and the identifier of the wireless device.
16. The network device of claim 13, wherein the identifier of the
wireless device comprises one or more of: an international mobile
station equipment identity (IMEI), a mobile device number (MDN), a
mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN), an international
mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), a temporary mobile subscriber
identity (TMSI), a media access control (MAC) address, and internet
protocol (IP) address.
17. The network device of claim 13, wherein, when conducting the
attachment procedure, the one or more processors are further to one
of: receive, from the wireless device, a packet data network (PDN)
connectivity request that includes an information element with an
SMS domain preference; or receive, from the wireless device, one of
an attach request or a tracking area update (TAU) request, the
attach request or the TAU request including an information element
with the SMS domain preference.
18. The network device of claim 13, wherein the one or more
processors are further to: log, in a database of the core network,
the SMS capability of the wireless device before conducting the
attachment procedure; or store, in a memory of a home subscriber
server (HSS), the SMS capability of the wireless device before
conducting the attachment procedure.
19. A tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising
computer-executable instructions, the computer-readable medium
comprising one or more instructions to: conduct an attachment
procedure with a wireless device, wherein the conducting forms a
session between the wireless device and the core network; associate
the wireless device with a short message service (SMS) capability
for the session, wherein the SMS capability indicates whether the
wireless device can process SMS messages via Internet protocol
Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) protocols; identify an SMS message
intended for an application residing on the wireless device; route
the SMS message via IMS protocols when the SMS capability of the
wireless device indicates the wireless device can process IMS
protocols; and route the SMS message via non-access stratum (NAS)
protocols when the SMS capability of the wireless device indicates
the wireless device cannot process IMS protocols.
20. The tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim
19, further comprising one or more instructions to: receive, from
the wireless device, one of: a packet data network (PDN)
connectivity request that includes an information element with an
SMS domain preference, or an attach request that includes a
protocol configuration option (PCO) container indicating the SMS
domain preference; and log, in a database of the core network, the
SMS capability of the wireless device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Many mobile services are heavily-dependent on short message
service (SMS) for internal operations, remote device
configurations, and information procedures. Standards for 3rd
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks, such as Long-term
Evolution (LTE) standards, are migrating to the use of Internet
protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-based services to support SMS.
However, other aspects of LTE networks may continue to support SMS
delivery for legacy devices and data-centric devices that do not
have IMS capabilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary network in which systems and/or
methods described herein may be implemented;
[0003] FIG. 2 is a diagram of exemplary components of a device that
may correspond to one of the devices of the network depicted in
FIG. 1;
[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary components of wireless devices
of the network of FIG. 1;
[0005] FIG. 4 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobility
management entity (MME) of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
for sending SMS messages to a wireless device in a portion of the
network of FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
among devices in another portion of the network of FIG. 1,
according to an implementation described herein;
[0008] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
among devices in a further portion of the network of FIG. 1,
according to an implementation described herein;
[0009] FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
among devices in still another portion of the network of FIG. 1,
according to an implementation described herein;
[0010] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
among devices in another portion of the network of FIG. 1,
according to an implementation described herein;
[0011] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
for receiving SMS messages from a wireless device in a portion of
the network of FIG. 1; and
[0012] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an exemplary process of
identifying an SMS domain preference for a user device according to
an implementation described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different
drawings may identify the same or similar elements.
[0014] Use of Short Message Service (SMS) messages for application
wake-up is typical for wireless user devices on some service
provider networks. In Long-term Evolution (LTE) networks that use
Internet protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-based voice services,
IMS may be used for both voice calls and SMS messages for user
devices. However, use of SMS over IMS may not be an optimal
implementation for wireless devices that do not support voice
services (such as tablets, gaming systems, USB modems, mobile
hotspot devices, and machine-type communication devices like
point-of-sale systems, vending machines, automated teller machines
(ATMs), meters, vehicle diagnostics and telematics devices, etc.).
Even though these wireless devices do not support voice services,
the devices must still be equipped with an IMS client to enable
receiving SMS wake-up messages.
[0015] For devices without an IMS client, non-access stratum (NAS)
protocols may be used to send and receive SMS messages, such as
application wake-up messages. Selective use of SMS over NAS in
cellular networks can allow the IMS client function to be
eliminated from certain wireless devices, reducing device cost,
complexity, and testing. Introducing the option of different SMS
delivery methods (i.e., SMS via IMS or SMS via NAS) into a network
also necessitates a mechanism by which wireless devices can inform
the network of which kind of SMS delivery methods the user device
can use to send and/or receive SMS messages. Systems and methods
described herein enable network devices, such as the mobility
management entity (MME) of an evolved packet core (EPC) network, to
be informed of a device's SMS-sending/receiving capabilities at the
time the device attaches to the network.
[0016] According to one implementation, a method may be performed
by a network device, such as an MME. The method may include
conducting an attachment procedure with a wireless device to form a
session between the wireless device and a core network. The method
may also include associating the wireless device with an SMS
capability for the session. The SMS capability may indicate whether
the wireless device can process SMS messages via IMS protocols. The
method may further include identifying an SMS message intended for
an application residing on the wireless device, routing the SMS
message via IMS protocols when the SMS capability of the wireless
device indicates the wireless device can process IMS protocols, and
routing the SMS message via NAS protocols when the SMS capability
of the wireless device indicates the wireless device cannot process
IMS protocols.
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exemplary network 100 in which systems and/or
methods described herein may be implemented. As illustrated,
network 100 may include user equipment (UE) 110-1 and 110-2
(referred to herein collectively and generically as "UE 110"), an
access network 120, an evolved packet core (EPC) network 130, an IP
multimedia subsystem (IMS) network 140, a packet data network (PDN)
150, and an application server 160. Access network 120 may include
a base station 122 (also referred to as an enhanced NodeB (eNB)
122). EPC network 130 may include a mobility management entity
(MME) 132, a serving gateway (SGW) 134, and a packet data network
(PDN) gateway (PGW) 136. IMS network 140 may include a home
subscriber server (HSS) 12 and a policy and charging rules function
(PCRF) 144. Devices and/or networks of network 100 may interconnect
via wired and/or wireless links.
[0018] UE 110 may include computational or communication device
that is capable of communicating over access network 120, EPC
network 130, IMS network 140, and/or PDN 150. UE 110 may also be
referred to herein as a "wireless device." UE 110 may include, for
example, a radiotelephone, a wireless device, a smart phone, a
tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA) (e.g., that can include
a radiotelephone, a pager, Internet/intranet access, etc.), a
laptop computer (e.g., with a wireless air card), a global
positioning system (GPS) device, a gaming device, a machine-type
communications (MTC) device, or other types of computation or
communication devices. In implementations described herein, UE 110
may include a local application that receives data from an
application server (e.g., application server 160) via access
network 120. As described further herein, UE 110-1 may include an
NAS software stack that can receive SMS messages via NAS protocols,
but may not include an IMS client. In contrast, UE 110-2 may
include a device equipped with an IMS client that can accept SMS
messages using IMS protocols.
[0019] Access network 120 may include a wireless communications
network that connects subscribers' devices (e.g., UE 110) to a
service provider (e.g., EPC network 130). In one example, access
network 120 may include a long-term evolution (LTE) network. In
other implementations, access network 120 may employ other wireless
network standards such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
4G standards, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM),
wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), Ultra Mobile
Broadband (UMB), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS),
Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), High-Speed Packet
Access (HSPA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
(WiMax), enhanced high-rate packet data (eHRPD), or future wireless
access network standards. Generally, access network 120 may include
a radio access network capable of supporting high data rate, low
latency, packet optimization, large capacity and coverage, etc.
Terminology used herein may refer to particular network standards,
such as LTE, for simplicity, but is not intended as a limitation to
any particular wireless standard.
[0020] eNB 122 may include one or more computation and/or
communication devices that receive voice and/or data from MME 132
and/or SGW 134 and wirelessly transmit that voice and/or data to UE
110. eNB 122 may also include one or more devices that wirelessly
receive voice and/or data from UE 110 and transmit that voice
and/or data to one of MME 132 and/or SGW 134 or to other mobile
devices 110. In one implementation, eNB 122 may combine the
functionalities of a base station and a radio network controller
(RNC) provided in 2G or 3G radio access networks.
[0021] EPC network 130 may include core network architecture of the
3GPP LTE wireless communication standard. In one example, EPC
network 130 may include an all-IP packet-switched core network that
supports high-speed wireless and wireline broadband access
technologies. In another example, EPC network 130 may provide
packet-switched voice services (e.g., which are traditionally
circuit-switched) using IMS network 140. EPC network 130 may also
employ NAS protocols to support control plane communication between
UE 110 and MME 132, such as attach signaling, tracking area
updates, authentication, and security. According to implementations
described herein NAS protocols may also be used to support delivery
of SMS messages for some UE 110.
[0022] MME 132 may include one or more computational and/or
communication devices that are responsible for idle mode tracking
and paging procedures (e.g., including retransmissions) for UE 110.
MME 132 may be involved in a bearer activation/deactivation process
(e.g., for UE 110) and may choose a SGW (e.g., SGW 134) for UE 110
at an initial attach and at a time of intra-LTE handover. MME 132
may provide a control plane function for mobility between LTE and
different access networks (e.g., a different access network 120/eNB
122).
[0023] SGW 134 may include one or more data transfer devices (or
network devices), such as a gateway, a router, a switch, a
firewall, a network interface card (NIC), a hub, a bridge, a proxy
server, an optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM), or some other type
of device that processes and/or transfers data. In one
implementation, SGW 134 may route and forward user data packets,
may act as a mobility anchor for a user plane during inter-eNB
handovers, and may act as an anchor for mobility between LTE and
other 3GPP technologies. SGW 134 may include a local resource timer
to manage network resources. SGW 134 may manage and store contexts
associated with UE 110 (e.g., parameters of an IP bearer service,
network internal routing information, etc.).
[0024] PGW 136 may include one or more data transfer devices (or
network devices), such as a gateway, a router, a switch, a
firewall, a NIC, a hub, a bridge, a proxy server, an OADM, or some
other type of device that processes and/or transfers data. In one
exemplary implementation, PGW 136 may provide connectivity of UE
110 to external packet data networks (PDNs, e.g., PDN 150) by being
a traffic exit/entry point for UE 110. UE 110 may simultaneously
connect to more than one PGW 136 for accessing multiple PDNs. PGW
136 may perform policy enforcement, packet filtering for each user,
charging support, lawful intercept, and packet screening. PGW 136
may also act as an anchor for mobility between 3GPP and non-3GPP
technologies.
[0025] IMS network 140 may include an architectural framework or
network (e.g., a telecommunications network) for delivering IP
multimedia services. Generally, IMS network 140 may manage
authentication, security and/or protection protocols, session
initiation protocols, account information, network policy
enforcement, subscriber profile information, etc. associated with
UE 110.
[0026] HSS 142 may store information associated with a subscriber,
services that the subscriber has requested or been assigned and
settings (e.g., quality of service, service priority, authorized
service category, admission control level for authorized service
category, charging and policy rules, etc.) associated with the
services, and/or a current location of the subscriber. Furthermore,
HSS 142 may verify a subscriber's identity, authenticate and/or
authorize UE 110 using a device identification number (e.g., by
performing international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or media
access control (MAC) authentication), authorize a particular
service, and/or track consumption of network resources for a
particular subscriber. HSS 142 may provide the subscriber
information to MME 132, including the authorized services service
categories, and/or admission control level, during the device
authentication and authorization process when UE 100 requests
initial network attachment. In one implementation, HSS 142 may
track whether a device associated with a subscriber profile
includes IMS capabilities and provide that information to MME 132
as part of, for example, a PDN connection authorization
process.
[0027] PCRF 144 may include one or more devices that perform
operations to enforce network policies associated with a
communication session with UE 110. In one example implementation,
PCRF server 134 may perform operations that enforce EPS policies
associated with a call session with UE 110. For example, PCRF
server 134 may obtain (e.g., from HSS 142) a subscriber profile
that identifies services (e.g., a prepaid voice service, a prepaid
data service, a postpaid voice service, a postpaid data service, a
prepaid VoIP service, SMS service, etc.) to which a user,
associated with UE 110, has subscribed.
[0028] PDN 150 may include one or more wired and/or wireless
networks. For example, PDN 150 may include the Internet, a public
land mobile network (PLMN), and/or another network. Additionally,
or alternatively, PDN 150 may include a local area network (LAN), a
wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan network (MAN), the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), an ad hoc network, a managed IP
network, a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, the
Internet, a fiber optic-based network, and/or a combination of
these or other types of networks.
[0029] Application server 160 may include one or more server
devices, or other types of computational or communication devices
that provide applications, data, and/or services to UE 110. In one
example, application server 160 may provide downlink data for use
by a particular application residing on UE 110.
[0030] In FIG. 1, the particular arrangement and number of
components of network 100 are illustrated for simplicity. In
practice there may be more UEs 110, access networks 120, EPC
networks 130, IMS networks 140, PDNs 150, or application servers
160. For example, there may be thousands or millions of mobile
devices 110.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating exemplary components of a
device 200. Each of UE 110, eNB 122, MME 132, SGW 134, PGW 136, HSS
142, PCRF 144, and application server 160 may be
implemented/installed as a combination of hardware and software on
one or more of device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, device 200 may
include a bus 210, a processing unit 220, a memory 230, one or more
input devices 240, one or more output devices 250, and a
communication interface 260.
[0032] Bus 210 may permit communication among the components of
device 200. Processing unit 220 may include one or more processors
or microprocessors that interpret and execute instructions. In
other implementations, processing unit 220 may be implemented as or
include one or more application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or the like.
[0033] Memory 230 may include a random access memory (RAM) or
another type of dynamic storage device that stores information and
instructions for execution by processing unit 220, a read only
memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device that stores
static information and instructions for the processing unit 220,
and/or some other type of magnetic or optical recording medium and
its corresponding drive for storing information and/or
instructions.
[0034] Input device 240 may include a device that permits a user to
input information to device 200, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a
mouse, a pen, a microphone, one or more biometric mechanisms, and
the like. Output device 250 may include a device that outputs
information to the user, such as a display, a speaker, etc.
[0035] Communication interface 260 may include any transceiver-like
mechanism that enables device 200 to communicate with other devices
and/or systems. For example, communication interface 260 may
include mechanisms for communicating with other devices, such as
other devices of network 100.
[0036] As described herein, device 200 may perform certain
operations in response to processing unit 220 executing software
instructions stored in a computer-readable medium, such as memory
230. A computer-readable medium may include a non-transitory
tangible memory device. A memory device may be implemented within a
single physical memory device or spread across multiple physical
memory devices. The software instructions may be read into memory
230 from another computer-readable medium or read into memory 230
from another device via communication interface 260. The software
instructions stored in memory 230 may cause processing unit 220 to
perform processes described herein. Alternatively, hardwired
circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software
instructions to implement processes described herein. Thus,
implementations described herein are not limited to any specific
combination of hardware circuitry and software.
[0037] Although FIG. 2 shows exemplary components of device 200, in
other implementations, device 200 may include fewer components,
different components, differently-arranged components, or
additional components than those depicted in FIG. 2. As an example,
in some implementations, a display may not be included in device
200. In these situations, device 200 may be a "headless" device
that does not include input device 240. Alternatively, or
additionally, one or more components of device 200 may perform one
or more other tasks described as being performed by one or more
other components of device 200.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates block diagram of exemplary components of
UE 110-1 and UE 110-2, both of which may be implemented using one
or more components of device 200 (FIG. 2). Some or all of the
blocks of FIG. 3 may be included, for example in memory 230 and
executed by processor 220. UE 110-1 may represent a wireless
communication device that does not support voice services, such as
a tablet device, a USB modem, a mobile hotspot device, or a MTC
device. UE 110-2 may represent a wireless communication device that
supports voice services. As shown in FIG. 3, UE 110-1 may include
one or more applications 310 and an NAS protocol stack 320, while
UE 110-2 may include applications 310, NAS software stack 320, and
an IMS client 330.
[0039] Referring collectively to UEs 110-1 and 110-2, application
310 may generally include any application that requires SMS or text
messages for application wake-up to receive data from application
server 160. Applications 310 may include, for example, social media
apps, games, email/browser apps, speech recording apps, video
camera apps, location/navigation apps, visual voicemail apps,
SMS/MMS/text apps, etc.
[0040] NAS protocol stack 320 generally is used to convey non-radio
signaling between UE 110 and MME 132 for access to EPC network 130.
More particularly, NAS protocol stack 320 may permit exchange of
control signals between UE 110 and MME 132. According to an
implementation described herein, NAS protocol stack 320 may
designate a new information element (IE) within an attach request
message and/or tracking area update (TAU) request message. The new
IE, referred to herein as a "SMS domain preference IE" may identify
a UE capability as one of four configurations: (1) capable of
receiving SMS via NAS only, (2) capable of receiving SMS via IMS
only, (3) preferring SMS via NAS, but capable of receiving SMS via
IMS, or (4) preferring SMS via IMS, but capable of receiving SMS
via NAS. In one implementation, the SMS domain preference IE may be
configured as a two-bit field similar to the voice domain
preference IE that is provided in 3GPP TS 24.167. Thus, the SMS
domain preference IE may be structured as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Bit 2 1 0 0 NAS SMS delivery only 0 1 IMS SMS
delivery only 1 0 NAS delivery preferred, IMS delivery as secondary
1 1 IMS delivery preferred, NAS delivery as secondary MS only
supporting IMS voice shall indicate "IMS SMS delivery only"
[0041] In another implementation described further herein, NAS
protocol stack 320 may provide an SMS domain preference via a
protocol configuration option (PCO) information element. NAS
protocol stack 320 may provide the SMS domain preference IE to MME
132 (or another network element within EPC 130) within an attach
request, tracking area update request, or PDN connectivity request.
MME 132 may decide optimal routing for SMS traffic to UE 110 based
on the received SMS domain preference IE.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, UE 110-2 may include IMS client 330. IMS
client 330 may initiate sessions (e.g., session initiation protocol
(SIP) sessions) to enable sending/receiving of audio, video, and/or
text messages by UE 110. Particularly, according to implementations
described herein, IMS client 330 may support sending and receiving
of SMS messages via IMS network 140.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows exemplary components of UE 110, in other
implementations, UE 110 may include different or additional
components. As an example, in some implementations, UE 110 may
include NAS stack 320 and/or IMS client 330 within a larger
operating system.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of exemplary components of MME 132
that may be implemented using one or more components of device 200
(FIG. 2). Some or all of the blocks of FIG. 4 may be included, for
example in in memory 230 and executed by processor 220. As shown in
FIG. 4, MME 132 may include a routing element 410, a tracking
module 420, and an NAS protocol stack 430.
[0045] Routing element 410 may include hardware or a combination of
hardware and software to determine routing methods for SMS traffic
to/from a particular UE that is attached to EPC network 130.
According to implementations described herein, routing element 410
may decide the optimal routing for SMS traffic to and from UE 110
based on determination of the SMS delivery methods (i.e., IMS SMS
or NAS SMS) available to UE 110.
[0046] Tracking element 420 maintains information regarding a
current state (e.g., powered on, location, etc.) of each UE 110
attached to EPC 130. For an idle state UE 110, tracking element 420
may terminate a downlink data path and may trigger paging when
downlink data arrives for UE 110. Tracking element 420 may provide
an idle mode user equipment tracking and paging procedure that
includes retransmissions. Tracking element 420 may manage tracking
areas and tracking area lists for UE 110. A tracking area may be a
static defined group, or set, of eNBs 122 configured on tracking
element 420. A tracking area list may be a list of tracking areas
visited by a UE 110. Tracking element 420 may dynamically create
the tracking area list based on tracking area updates (TAUs) sent
to MME 132 as a UE 110 moves from one eNB 122 (e.g., within one
tracking area) to another eNB 122 (in another tracking area).
[0047] NAS protocol stack 430 may receive and interpret an SMS
domain preference IE within an attach request, tracking area update
(TAU) request, or PDN connectivity request from UE 110. MME 132 may
decide optimal routing for SMS traffic to UE 110 based on the
received SMS domain preference IE.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows exemplary components of MME 132, in other
implementations, MME 132 may include different or additional
components. As an example, in some implementations, MME 132 may
authenticate a mobile device user via communications with the HSS
142, and may interface with non-LTE radio access networks.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram of exemplary communications among
components of a portion 500 of network 100 according to an
implementation described herein. Communications in FIG. 5 may
illustrate differentiation of SMS capabilities for UEs. As shown in
FIG. 5, network portion 500 may include UE 110-1, UE 110-2, EPC
130, and application server 160. In the example of FIG. 5, UE 110-1
may have SMS via NAS capabilities only, and UE 110-2 may have SMS
over IMS capabilities with SMS via NAS as a secondary option.
[0050] UE 110-1 and EPC 130 may perform an initial network
attachment procedure in which UE 110-1 is connected to EPC 130 via
eNB 122 (not shown), as indicated by reference number 505. As shown
at reference number 510, EPC 130 may associate a UE identifier with
particular SMS capabilities at the time of attachment. As described
further herein, UE 110-1 may advertise its SMS capabilities to EPC
130 as part of a network attachment procedure and/or EPC 130 may
retrieve stored information about the SMS capability of UE 110-1
from a back-end database. Thus, EPC 130 may associate UE 110-1 with
NAS SMS delivery only.
[0051] After attachment 505, EPC 130 may receive downlink data 520
initiated, for example, from application server 160. Downlink data
520 may require EPC network 130 to wake up an application (e.g.,
application 310) on UE 110-1 by providing an SMS message with a
particular format. In response to data downlink request 520, EPC
network 130 may buffer downlink data 520 and match the called-party
ID of UE 110-1 with the previously-identified SMS capability (i.e.,
NAS SMS) for UE 110-1, as indicated by reference 530.
[0052] Based on the SMS capability of UE 110-1, EPC 130 may provide
an SMS message 540 (e.g., an SMS wake-up message for the particular
application associated with downlink data 520) via NAS. SMS message
540 may be processed by UE 110-1, causing UE 110-1 to activate
application 310 be able to receive downlink data 520.
[0053] UE 110-2 and EPC 130 may perform an initial network
attachment procedure in which UE 110-2 is connected to EPC 130 via
eNB 122 (not shown), as indicated by reference number 545. Similar
to reference number 510, EPC 130 may associate a UE identifier with
particular SMS capabilities of UE 110-2 at the time of attachment.
Thus, EPC 130 may associate UE 110-2 with IMS delivery
preferred.
[0054] After attachment 545, EPC 130 may receive downlink data 560
initiated, for example, from application server 160. Downlink data
560 may require EPC network 130 to wake up an application (e.g.,
another application 310) on UE 110-2 by providing an SMS message
with a particular format. In response, EPC network 130 may buffer
downlink data 560 and match the called-party ID of UE 110-2 with
the previously-identified SMS capability (i.e., IMS delivery
preferred) for UE 110-2, as indicated by reference 570. Based on
the SMS capability of UE 110-2, EPC may provide an SMS message 580
via IMS. SMS message 540 may be processed by UE 110-2, causing UE
110-2 to activate application 310 be able to receive downlink data
560.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram of exemplary communications among
devices in another portion 600 of network 100. Communications in
FIG. 6 may illustrate application of an SMS domain preference
information element to advertise SMS capabilities of a UE. As shown
in FIG. 6, network portion 600 may include UE 110 and EPC 130.
[0056] If FIG. 6, UE 110 may send an attach or TAU request 610 via
eNB 122 (not shown) to EPC 130 (e.g., MME 132). Request 610 may
include an SMS domain preference IE 612 that identifies UE 110 SMS
capabilities. For example, SMS domain preference IE 612 may
indicate that UE 110 is capable of receiving SMS via NAS only.
Alternatively, SMS domain preference IE 612 may indicate that UE
110 is capable of receiving SMS via IMS only, prefers SMS via NAS,
or prefers SMS via IMS. MME 132 may receive request 610 and, as
indicated by reference number 620, may associate the SMS domain
preference with an identifier for UE 110. The identifier may
include, for example, an international mobile station equipment
identity (IMEI), a mobile device number (MDN), a mobile subscriber
identification number (MSIN), an international mobile subscriber
identity (IMSI), a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), a
media access control (MAC) address, internet protocol (IP) address,
or other data that may be associated with UE 110.
[0057] After MME 132 associates the SMS domain preference with an
identifier for UE 110, EPC 130 may receive a data downlink request
initiated, for example, by application server 160 (not shown in
FIG. 6). As described in connection with FIG. 5, the data downlink
request (e.g., data downlink request 520 or data downlink request
560) may require EPC network 130 to wake up an application (e.g.,
application 310) on UE 110 by providing an SMS message with a
particular format. In response to the data downlink request, EPC
network 130 may match the called-party ID in the data downlink
request with the SMS capability for UE 110 that was indicated in
SMS domain preference IE. Assuming, for example, the SMS domain
preference IE was for SMS via NAS, EPC 130 may then direct the
optimal routing for an SMS message via NAS to UE 110.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
among devices in another portion 700 of network 100. Communications
in FIG. 7 may illustrate application of a protocol configuration
option (PCO) information element to advertise SMS capabilities of a
UE. As shown in FIG. 7, network portion 700 may include UE 110, MME
132, and PGW 136.
[0059] In FIG. 7, UE 110 may send a PDN connectivity request 710
via eNB 122 (not shown) to PGW 136. PDN connectivity request 710
may include a PCO item 712, which may be configured similarly to
other PCO items designated under 3GPP TS 24.0008, version 11.16.0.
PCO item 712 may identify SMS capabilities of UE 110. In one
implementation, PCO item 712 may include a newly-designated
container ID, which may be included, for example, in a new version
of 3GPP TS 24.0008. In another implementation, PCO item 712 may
include a PCO container ID that has been previously designated as
reserved for operator use. For example, PCO item 712 may use
container ID FFOOH (of 3GPP TS 24.0008 Table 10.5.154) or another
container ID that may be configured by a service provider
specifically for designating an SMS domain preference. In an
implementation, the size of PCO container 712 may be zero, and the
presence of PCO container 712 in PDN connectivity request 710 would
indicate a data centric device which only supports SMS over NAS.
Correspondingly, the absence of PCO container 712 in PDN
connectivity request 710 may indicate a default capability of SMS
over IMS. In another implementation, PCO container 712 size may
include a non-zero value to indicate one of multiple SMS domain
preferences, such as NAS SMS delivery only; IMS SMS delivery only;
NAS delivery preferred, IMS delivery as secondary; and IMS delivery
preferred, NAS delivery as secondary.
[0060] MME 132 may receive PDN connectivity request 710 with PCO
item 712 and, in response, send a create session request 715 to PGW
136. Create session request 715 may contain pertinent information
from PDN connectivity request 710 (including PCO item 712). PGW 136
may receive create session request 715 and relay a corresponding
SMS domain preference for UE 110 to a primary routing element
(e.g., MME 132) to decide the optimal routing for SMS traffic for
UE 110. For the example of FIG. 7, PGW 136 may detect the PCO item
from create session request 715 and provide a device SMS
capabilities message 720 to MME 132 to indicate a preference of SMS
over NAS for UE 110. Alternatively, if PGW 136 did not detect a PCO
item create session request 715, PGW 136 may provide a different
device SMS capabilities message 720 to MME 132 to indicate a
preference of SMS over IMS for UE 110.
[0061] MME 132 may receive device SMS capabilities message 720 and,
as indicated by reference number 730, may associate the SMS domain
preference with an identifier for UE 110. As described in
connection with FIG. 5, EPC 130 may eventually receive a data
downlink request initiated, for example, by application server 160.
The data downlink request (e.g., data downlink request 520 or data
downlink request 560) may require EPC network 130 to wake up an
application (e.g., application 310) on UE 110 by providing an SMS
message with a particular format. In response to the data downlink
request, EPC network 130 may match the called-party ID in the data
downlink request with the SMS capability for UE 110 that was
indicated in SMS domain preference IE. Assuming, for example, the
SMS domain preference was for SMS via NAS, EPC 130 may then direct
the optimal routing for an SMS message via NAS to UE 110.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
among devices in another portion 800 of network 100. Communications
in FIG. 8 may illustrate application of an SMS capabilities
database in EPC network 130. As shown in FIG. 8, network portion
800 may include UE 110, MME 132, SGW 134, and an IMS capabilities
database 805.
[0063] As shown at reference number 810 of FIG. 8, a service
provider may log UE 110 in IMS capabilities database 805. IMS
capabilities database 805 may be a device-driven database within
EPC network 130. IMS capabilities database 805 may include one or
more memories. IMS capabilities database 805 may store a UE
identifier (e.g., an IMEI) and SMS domain preferences such as, for
example, an IMS capability associated with each UE 110. In one
implementation, an IMS capability may include a binary entry, such
as IMS-yes or IMS-no. In another implementation, an IMS capability
may include one of four configurations particular to SMS, such as:
(1) capable of receiving SMS via NAS only, (2) capable of receiving
SMS via IMS only, (3) preferring SMS via NAS, but capable of
receiving SMS via IMS, or (4) preferring SMS via IMS, but capable
of receiving SMS via NAS.
[0064] In one implementation, IMS capabilities database 805 may be
populated by having the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
provide the IMS capabilities of UE 110 to the service provider when
the UE 110 (with its corresponding IMEI or another identifier) is
provided to (or registered with) the service provider. In another
implementation, IMS capabilities database 805 may be initially
populated by the service provider using OEM information and then
updated/confirmed via SMS domain preference indications from UE 110
(e.g., IE 612 in attach or TAU request 610, or PCO container 712 in
PDN connectivity request 710).
[0065] After UE 110 is logged in IMS capabilities database 805, UE
110 may submit an attach request 820 to MME 132. Attach request 820
may cause MME 132 to initiate an NAS identity request 830 and
receive an NAS identity response 840. NAS identity response 840 may
include the IMEI for UE 110. MME 132 may then use the IMEI from NAS
identity response 840 to initiate an IMEI lookup 850 in IMS
capabilities database 805 and retrieve an IMS capability 860 for UE
110.
[0066] After retrieving IMS capability 860 from IMS capabilities
database 805, MME 132 (or another network device in EPC 130) may
receive a downlink data notification 870 from SGW 134, based on
receipt of data from application server 160 (not shown). Downlink
data notification 870 may require EPC network 130 to wake up an
application (e.g., application 310) on UE 110 by providing an SMS
message. In response, MME 132 may match the called-party ID of UE
110 with the previously-identified IMS capability for UE 110, as
indicated by reference 880. Based on the IMS capability of UE 110,
EPC may provide an SMS message 890 via one of IMS or NAS to wake up
the particular application.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of exemplary communications
among devices in another portion 900 of network 100. Communications
in FIG. 9 may illustrate application of SMS capabilities included
within a subscriber profile. As shown in FIG. 9, network portion
900 may include UE 110, MME 132, HSS 142, and application server
160.
[0068] As shown at reference number 910 of FIG. 9, a service
provider may log IMS capabilities associated with UE 110 in a
subscriber profile associated with HSS 142. The subscriber profile
may be created when a subscriber creates a service account with the
service provider. IMS capabilities in the subscriber profile may be
updated, for example, when a subscriber's secure element (SE) is
moved from one device (e.g., UE 110) to another device (another UE
110). The secure element may include, for example, a Universal
Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), a removable user identity module
(R-UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a universal subscriber
identity module (USIM), or an Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia
services identity module (ISIM). The IM capabilities in the
subscriber profile may include an SMS domain preference such as,
for example, an IMS capability associated with a subscriber's UE
110. The IMS capability may include, for example, a binary entry or
one of the four configurations particular to SMS described above in
connection with database 805.
[0069] After the IMS capabilities of UE 110 are logged with the
subscriber profile of HSS 142, UE 110 may submit an attach request
920 to MME 132. Attach request 920 may cause MME 132 to initiate an
authentication information request 930 to HSS 142 and receive an
authentication information answer 940 with profile data including
the IMS capability of UE 110. After receiving answer 940 from HSS
142, MME 132 (or another network device in EPC 130) may receive a
downlink data notification 950 from SGW 134. Downlink data
notification 950 may be initiated, for example, in response to
downlink data from application server 160. Downlink data
notification 950 may require EPC network 130 to wake up an
application (e.g., application 310) on UE 110 by providing an SMS
message. In response to downlink data notification 950, MME 132 may
match the called-party ID of UE 110 with the previously-identified
IMS capability for UE 110, as indicated by reference 960. Based on
the IMS capability of UE 110, EPC may provide an SMS message 890
via one of IMS or NAS to wake up the particular application.
[0070] FIGS. 6-9 show exemplary communications among devices in
network 100 to identify an SMS domain preference for a particular
UE 110. In other implementations, different or additional
communications may be used. For example, in another implementation,
advertisements from UE 110 to indicate an SMS domain preference
(e.g., IE 612 in attach request 610, PCO container 712 in PDN
connectivity request 710, etc.) may be used in combination with IMS
capabilities database 805 or HSS 142 profiles. Thus, MME 132 or HSS
142 can validate an SMS domain preference provided by UE 110
against previously-stored records.
[0071] FIG. 10 is a diagram of other exemplary communications among
components of 1000 portion 500 of network 100 according to another
implementation described herein. Communications in FIG. 10 may
illustrate capabilities for UEs to send outgoing SMS messages. As
shown in FIG. 10, network portion 1000 may include UE 110-1, EPC
130, and application server 160. In the example of FIG. 10, UE
110-1 may have SMS via NAS capabilities only.
[0072] In a similar manner as described in connection with FIG. 5
above, in FIG. 10 UE 110-1 and EPC 130 may perform an initial
network attachment procedure in which UE 110-1 is connected to EPC
130 via eNB 122 (not shown), as indicated by reference number 505.
As shown at reference number 510, EPC 130 may associate a UE
identifier with particular SMS capabilities at the time of
attachment. As described herein, UE 110-1 may advertise its SMS
capabilities to EPC 130 as part of a network attachment procedure
and/or EPC 130 may retrieve stored information about the SMS
capability of UE 110-1 from a back-end database. Thus, EPC 130 may
associate UE 110-1 with NAS SMS delivery only.
[0073] After attachment 505 and association 510, UE 110-1 may send
SMS message 1010 via NAS directed to, for example, application
server 160. EPC network 130 may receive SMS message 1010 and verify
that UE 110-1 is associated with NAS SMS delivery, as indicated by
reference number 1020. Assuming EPC 130 determines that UE 110-1 is
verified, EPC 130 will forward the SMS message to application
server 160, as indicated by reference number 1030. For example, EPC
130 may forward SMS message 1010 to application server 160 via
wired or wireless protocols.
[0074] In another implementation (not shown), a UE 110 (e.g., UE
110-2) may perform an initial network attachment procedure in which
UE 110 is associated with NAS IMS delivery, such that EPC 130 may
receive an SMS message from UE 110 via IMS and forward the SMS
message to application server 160.
[0075] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for
identifying an SMS domain preference according to an implementation
described herein. In one implementation, process 1100 may be
performed by MME 132. In another implementation, process 1100 may
be performed by MME 132 in conjunction with one or more other
devices of EPC network 130. Process 1100 is described with
reference to components in figures described above.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 11, process 1100 may include conducting an
attachment procedure with a device to initiate a session (block
1110) and associating the device with an SMS capability for the
session (block 1120). For example, MME 132 may conduct an
attachment procedure with UE 110 to initiate a wireless
communication session. In one implementation, as shown in FIG. 6,
MME 132 may identify an SMS capability for the session based on an
SMS domain preference included in an information element of an
attach request or a TAU request from UE 110. In another
implementation, as shown in FIG. 7, MME 132 may receive an SMS
capability for the session based on an SMS domain preference
indicated by a PCO item of a PDN connectivity request from the UE
110. In other implementations, MME 132 may obtain a
previously-stored record of the SMS capability for UE 110 from
database 805 or from HSS 142.
[0077] Process 1100 may also include identifying an incoming SMS
message for an application on the device (block 1130), and
determining if the device has capability to process IMS protocols
(block 1140). For example, application server 160 may provide
downlink data 520 or downlink data 560 that requires EPC network
130 to wake up an application (e.g., application 310) on UE 110 by
providing an SMS message with a particular format. In response to
data downlink request 520/560, MME 132 may match the called-party
ID of UE 110 with the previously-identified SMS capability (i.e.,
SMS via NAS or SMS via IMS) for UE 110.
[0078] If the device has capability to process IMS protocols (block
1140--yes), MME 132 may route the SMS message via IMS protocols
(block 1150). For example, when UE 110-2 is associated with a
preference for IMS protocols, MME 132 may provide the SMS message
to UE 110-2 via IMS. If the device does not have capability to
process IMS protocols (block 1140--no), MME 132 may route the SMS
message via NAS protocols (block 1160). For example, when UE 110-1
is associated with a preference for NAS protocols, MME 132 may
provide an SMS message to UE 110-1 via NAS.
[0079] The foregoing description of implementations provides
illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For
example, while a series of blocks have been described with regard
to FIG. 11 the order of the blocks may be modified in other
embodiments. Further, non-dependent blocks may be performed in
parallel.
[0080] Certain features described above may be implemented as
"logic" or a "unit" that performs one or more functions. This logic
or unit may include hardware, such as one or more processors,
microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits, or field
programmable gate arrays, software, or a combination of hardware
and software.
[0081] To the extent the aforementioned embodiments collect, store
or employ personal information provided by individuals, it should
be understood that such information shall be used in accordance
with all applicable laws concerning protection of personal
information. Additionally, the collection, storage and use of such
information may be subject to consent of the individual to such
activity, for example, through well known "opt-in" or "opt-out"
processes as may be appropriate for the situation and type of
information. Storage and use of personal information may be in an
appropriately secure manner reflective of the type of information,
for example, through various encryption and anonymization
techniques for particularly sensitive information.
[0082] Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third,"
etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself
connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element
over another, the temporal order in which acts of a method are
performed, the temporal order in which instructions executed by a
device are performed, etc., but are used merely as labels to
distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another
element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to
distinguish the claim elements.
[0083] No element, act, or instruction used in the description of
the present application should be construed as critical or
essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such.
Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or
more items. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean
"based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated
otherwise.
[0084] In the preceding specification, various preferred
embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying
drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications
and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be
implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the
invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification
and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than restrictive sense.
* * * * *