This chapter describes the basic features of the infoX-SMS system. Taking the GSM
and CDMA networks for example, this chapter covers the position of the SMS system
in the mobile network, as well as the functions and compliant specifications of the
infoX-SMS system.
You can learn about the features of the SMS system through reading this chapter.
Basic Concepts
The infoX-SMS system is a service processing system independent of the mobile
network. It is responsible for submitting, storing, and forwarding short messages
(SMs). It implements the interconnection with such networks as the public switched
telephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN) and packet
switched public data network (PSPDN) so as to transfer SMs between extended short
message entities (ESMEs) and mobile stations (MSs).
The SMS system supports the SMC running mode and the FDA running mode. The
license decides which running mode is used in the SMS system. In the SMC running
mode, the SMS system stores and forwards the SMs. In the FDA running mode, the
SMS system does not store the SMs. Instead, the SMS system delivers the SM once
only. When a delivery fails, the system forwards the SM to the SMS system with the
function of storing SMs.
The basic services of the SMS system include:
Mobile originated (MO) messages
Mobile terminated (MT) messages
Access through SMPP 3.3 and SMPP 3.4
SMs encoded in Unicode
Alert notification service
SM signature service
System Overview
The SMS system:
Implements SM exchange between the GSM, TDMA and CDMA networks.
Communicates with the PSTN, ISDN, and PSPDN, so as to transmit SMs from
other short message entities (SMEs) such as the manual station and the
automatic station. It is responsible for the SM reception, scheduling, storing,
routing, backing up, forwarding, and delivering; implements the management on
the SMEs connected to the SMS system.
System Overview
Besides all the features of the version V300R001, the SMS system of this version is
applied to the CDMA, TDMA, and GSM networks, providing the SM exchange among
the CDMA, GSM and TDMA networks.
Functions of the SMS System
The functions of the SMS system are as follows:
Providing value-added services (VASs) and obtaining profits
As a basic telecom service of the mobile communication network, the SMS enables
subscribers to transmit information through SMs and obtain such useful information
as stock market, weather, sports and bank information, which greatly facilitates
subscribers in getting information and gets subscribers into a better and closer
relationship with operators. At the same time, operators can get direct revenue by
providing VASs based on the SMS service.
Improving quality of service (QoS)
Mobile subscribers have high requirements for timely information transfer. In many
cases such as channel busy, masking or network coverage problems, communication
is difficult and information cannot be exchanged. With the SMS system, subscribers
can get information at the earliest time and smooth information transmission is
ensured.
Improving connectivity and reducing congestion of the mobile network
According to statistics, over 30% of calls or faxes cannot be charged due to busy line
or no reply, resulting in the waste of network resources. As a solution to this problem,
the SMS system can connect incoming calls manually or automatically and record the
information subscribers want to transmit, thus dredging the network. In addition, the
SMS system can reduce false load which is caused by repetitive dialing to an MS
switched off, thus reducing network congestion.
System Features
I. High performance in handling signaling
The SMS system supports the TELLIN-USAU universal signaling access unit serving
as the signaling access gateway.
The TELLIN-USAU has the features as shown in Table 1-1.
| Feature | Description |
| High performance in link accessing and handling | It provides powerful signaling handling capacity for the SMS system. |
| Open protocol interface | It adopts the standard protocol interface which meets various networking demands of operators with the SSP, IP, and STP. |
| High reliability | The high reliability rests on the hot backup of components, redundancy configuration, and excellent software protection, and error tolerance, support of the congestion control of signaling and system failure test or isolation. All these factors guarantee the signaling handling capacity of the system. |
| Modularized design and smooth expansion | The modularized superimposing structure is employed in hardware design. The expansion of processing frames in the mode of building blocks (frames are interconnected through LAN switch) meets increasing capacity requirements of subscribers. The processing capability can meet the capacity expansion requirement. The busy hour call attempt (BHCA) of the USAU reaches 39,000,000, with sufficient space for service extension, can meet the incremental service requirements of subscribers. In addition, the system supports the online smooth capacity expansion which does not influence the service running of the existing modules. |
Note:
TELLIN-USAU developed by Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. is used as:
- the front end equipment for switching and accessing
- the signaling processing equipment of the SMS system
II. Modularized design and smooth expansion
Adopting TELLIN-USAU, the signaling gateway (SG) supports 112 links of 2 Mbps
links or 1792 links of 64 Kbps. The infoX-SMS system adopts the modularized design
and networking SMS system mode. The system distributes SMs among multiple MAP
Servers and FCCs. Multiple SMS systems form a networking SMS system. SMs are
distributed dynamically among different SMS systems, thus enhancing the reliability
and fault tolerance of the whole system. The flexible networking mode enables you to
choose from multiple MAP Servers networking, FCC flow distribution networking, and
so on.
III. Complete integration of SMS services in the GSM, CDMA, and TDMA
networks
The TELLIN-USAU connects with signaling devices of the CDMA, TDMA, and GSM
networks at the same time, implementing the signaling access of SMs in the CDMA,
TDMA, and GSM networks, and thus processing and scheduling SMs in the three
networks uniformly. One set of the SMS system processes all the SM services of the
three networks uniformly. CDMA, TDMA, and GSM SMs of the same operator do not
need to be forwarded through another SMS system. Meanwhile, the SMS system can
process SMs of a single network by separating signaling processing units (SPUs). It
has the same functions as the Huawei-developed SMS system for the GSM, CDMA,
or TDMA network, but has more powerful processing capability.
IV. Flexible scheduling modes
The SMS system provides three scheduling modes for different services, which are
described in Table 1-2.
Table 1-2 Description of scheduling modes
| Scheduling mode | Description |
| Store and Forward Message Mode | If an SM is delivered unsuccessfully, the short message scheduling center (SMSC) redelivers it until it is successfully delivered or it is time-out. The delivery interval depends on the error code returned from the NSS or the service system, and it can be set. The SM with high priority can be delivered first. |
| Datagram Message Mode | The SMSC returns the response message to the external entity as soon as it receives the SM submitted by the external entity. The SMSC delivers the SM only once regardless of the delivery result (success or failure). If the SMSC fails to deliver the SM due to flow control, however, the SMSC attempts to deliver it again. |
| Transaction Message Mode | The SMSC immediately delivers an SM submitted by the ESME, and returns the delivery result to the ESME in the response to the submission request. |
V. Supporting MDEST
Description
If an SM is delivered unsuccessfully, the short message
scheduling center (SMSC) redelivers it until it is successfully
delivered or it is time-out. The delivery interval depends on
the error code returned from the NSS or the service system,
and it can be set. The SM with high priority can be delivered
first.
The SMSC returns the response message to the external
entity as soon as it receives the SM submitted by the external
entity.
The SMSC delivers the SM only once regardless of the
delivery result (success or failure). If the SMSC fails to deliver
the SM due to flow control, however, the SMSC attempts to
deliver it again.
The SMSC immediately delivers an SM submitted by the
ESME, and returns the delivery result to the ESME in the
response to the submission request. The SMS system supports the multidimensional enhanced schedule technology
(MDEST, short message Qos technology), which takes influences of different external
conditions on SM transmission into consideration on the basis of basic scheduling
mechanism. The feature parameters of the system environment, such as time,
message flux, system kernel parameters, are regarded as factors that can affect the
scheduling algorithm, and are taken into consideration of scheduling strategies. The
SMS System dynamically adjusts scheduling strategies according to these
parameters so as to provide different services for different subscribers.
VI. Supporting L2Cache processing
When the SMSC is busy, some SMs can be temporarily stored in the
L2CacheDaemon database, and they will not be scheduled in real time. When the system load becomes lower, the SMSC reads the stored SMs from the
L2CacheDaemon database to the memory of the SMSC so that the SMs can be
scheduled.
This method reduces the pressure of the busy SMSC, and improves the SM storing
capability of the SMS System, the success rate of the SM transmission and the
customer satisfaction rate.
Note:
When the system runs in the FDA mode, it does not support the L2Cache processing.
VII. Supporting threshold processing
When the rate of a parameter value in the system over the corresponding parameter
value in the License reaches the specified threshold, the system starts the threshold
processing. It reduces the current SMS system load by distributing flow and indicating
busy, ensuring the stability and security of the system and successful SM
transmission.
VIII. Powerful service processing capability
The service processing system is a LAN system. An ordinary hub or a switched hub
can be used for transmission of service data and voice data.
The stable and optimized database processing mechanism adopted by the SMS
system greatly improves the SM processing performance and capability.
IX. Quick and accurate report processing capability
The SMS report system makes statistics of SM bill records, and outputs accurate and
visual statistics reports. The operator thus can know various data of the SMS
operation so as to perform analysis and make decisions, greatly facilitating the
management on the SMS system by the operator.
X. Excellent function of bill statistics
Users can make statistics of flow information of specified SMs by configuring the
counter and statistic groups, and export the information to total traffic bills, service
traffic bills and delivery delay bills. It greatly helps to analyze various SM services.
The SMS system supports two types of bills: charging bill and statistic bill.
Charging bill
Charging bills include ordinary charging bills and CalledFee bills.
After the creation of charging bills, the BillServer obtains charging bills from the
charging bill directory periodically. And after some analysis, submits information of postpaid subscribers to the charging center for fee deduction. The information
in charging bills can satisfy various charging requirements.
Statistic bill
It includes nine types, namely, historical bill, MT bill, MO bill, Alert_SC bill,
performance bill, information security statistic bill, total traffic bill, service traffic
bill and delivery delay bill. These bills can be used by users to analyze the
running condition of the SMS system.
XI. Excellent adaptability to the telecom network
Huawei-developed SMS system can interconnect with the GSM and CDMA networks
of other suppliers, fully satisfying the subscribers' requirements. Meanwhile, the SMS
system can realize SM exchange between different operators through the infoX-SMS
GW, and realize the connection between the charging interfaces of the infoX-SMS
system and the IN of Siemens.
XII. Perfect functions of maintenance, test, management and alarm
The maintenance and test (MT) system of the SMS system provides the functions of
routine maintenance and test, including traffic measurement and recording, SM
processing times measurement, statistics of traffic congestion, quality of service and
performance and SMS test.
The management of performance, maintenance, configuration and reports can be
implemented through the SM manager. At the same time, the system has perfect
functions of system maintenance and test, fault detecting and solving.
For the system faults of switching equipment, database, computer network and host
software, hierarchical audible/visual located alarms can be provided through the
alarm box, and detailed alarm information can be provided.
The SMS system supports uniform remote maintenance and management through
the NMS. In addition, the SMS system provides the MT console which can conduct
maintenance and management on multiple SMS systems.
XIII. Comprehensive system security mechanism
The system's key components adopt the active/standby working mode. They can
conduct switchover automatically.
The system has perfect fault detecting and solving function.
The system is designed with independent functional modules, and the abnormity
inside a functional module cannot affect the normal running of other modules.
The system can implement realtime status tracing and monitoring, and the
operator responsible for system maintenance is informed in time through
audible/visual multimedia alarms, thus ensuring the normal running of the
system.
The system performs a strict syntax check on the input man-machine operation
command, rejects incorrect commands and returns prompts for errors.
The user accounts of the system are uniformly allocated by the system
administrator. Strict encryption and security measurements are taken on
accounts to prevent the access of invalid users.
The system supports network management and monitoring through the
iManager I2000 NMS.
infoX-SMS System in the Network
This section describes the architectures of the GSM, CDMA, and TDMA networks, as
well as the position and functions of the infoX-SMS system in the three networks.
System Architecture
The system architectures of the CDMA, TDMA, and GSM networks are quite similar.
Each of the three network systems is composed of the following four parts: network
subsystem (NSS), base station subsystem (BSS), operation and maintenance center
(OMC), and a great many mobile stations (MSs), as shown in Figure 1-1. There are
interfaces between various subsystems and functional entities within the subsystems.
The specifications in the CDMA, TDMA, and GSM networks stipulate standard
interfaces and communication protocols through which the functional entities can
implement communications coordinately. Adopting different interface specifications
and protocols, the three mobile networks are independent of each other.
In the mobile network, the NSS implements the switching function and database
function. The database function is necessary for subscriber data management,
mobility management and security management. The NSS includes the following
functional entities:
MSC
The MSC controls calls, manages the communication service of MSs within the local
network and with other networks (such as PSTN/ISDN/PSPDN, and other mobile
networks), and provides the charging information. Besides, in order to set up call
routes to MSs, the MSC can also function as the GMSC, that is, querying location
information of MSs.
VLR
The visitor location register (VLR) stores the relevant information of registered
subscribers in the control area, and provides the mobile subscribers with necessary
conditions for call connection. It can be regarded as a dynamic database.
HLR
The home location register (HLR) is the central database of a mobile network. It
stores the information of all mobile subscribers in the control area. The HLR stores
two kinds of information: subscriber data, and location information of MSs for setting
up call routes to the MSs.
AuC
The AuC stores authentication algorithm and encryption key, which prevent illegal
subscribers from accessing the system, thus ensuring the security of the mobile
subscribers' communications through the radio interface.
EIR
The EIR stores the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI.). Generally the AuC
and the EIR are integrated physically.
Generally, the MSC and the VLR are integrated physically; and the AUC, EIR and
HLR are integrated physically.
II. BSS
The BSS is the system equipment, which is controlled by the MSC and communicates
with MSs in the specific radio coverage area. It is responsible for radio transmission and reception, and radio resource management. The BSS consists of the following
two functional entities:
Base station controller (BSC)
The BSC is responsible for radio network resource management, cell configuration
data management, power control, location and switchover. It implements powerful
communication control function.
Base transceiver station (BTS)
The BTS is the radio interface equipment, which is controlled by the BSC. It handles
the radio connection, conversion between radio signals and landline signals, radio
diversity, radio channel encryption, frequency hopping, and so on.
III. OMC
The OMC is responsible for managing and controlling the whole GSM and CDMA
networks.
IV. MS
The MS is the mobile subscriber's device. It consists of the following two parts:
Mobile terminal (MT)
The MT implements such functions as voice coding, channel coding, information
encryption, information modulation and demodulation, information transmission
and reception.
Subscriber identity module/user identity module card (SIM/UIM card)
The SIM/UIM card is an intelligent card, which keeps the subscriber identity
information and the management data related to the subscriber and network. An
MT with an SIM card inside can access the telecom network.
Position of the SMS System in the Network
The position of the SMS system in the network is as shown in the circle in Figure 1-1.
The physical entities related to the SMS system are the MSC, VLR and the HLR. Their
functions in the SM transmission are as follows:
MSC
Short messages submitted by the MS pass the BSS and reach the MSC. Then the
MSC forwards them to the corresponding SMS system.
After receiving the SMs delivered by the SMS system, the MSC queries the VLR and
the HLR for the related routing and subscriber information, and then delivers them to
subscribers through BSS.
VLR
The VLR stores the temporary information of a subscriber roaming in the local MSC
area. The subscriber must pass the authentication through the VLR before sending an SM, and the MSC queries the route of a subscriber through the VLR before delivering
an SM.
HLR
The HLR is a database for mobile subscriber management. It stores the
subscription information, position information, mobile station international ISDN
number (MSISDN), and international mobile station identity (IMSI) of a
subscriber. Before delivering SM, the SMS system finds which MSC the
subscriber belongs to through the HLR.
External Interfaces
| Interface | Description | Protocol |
| NMS interface | The NMS connects to and interacts with the infoX-SMS system through this interface to collect such network element information as alarm, performance and configuration, thus implementing such network management functions as topology management, performance management, fault management, and configuration management. In this way, the NMS is able to monitor, maintain and manage the infoX-SMS system. | MML |
| MT interface | The MT console communicates with the SMS system with this interface, conducting monitoring, management, and maintenance on the SMS system. | MT protocol |
| SMPP interface | The infoX-SMS system supports the standard SMPP 3.3 and SMPP 3.4 protocols. Therefore, the infoX-SMS system can be interconnected with any service module supporting SMPP, thus expanding the service functions of the infoX-SMS system. For example: The SMS GW communicates with the infoX-SMS system through SMPP, providing various extended short message services for terminal users. The WAP GW communicates with the infoX-SMS system through SMPP, sending push messages to MS subscribers through the infoX-SMS system. The MMSC communicates with the infoX-SMS system, implementing the SM notification to subscribers in some MMSC service flows. | SMPP 3.3 Or SMPP 3.4 |
| SMAP interface | The infoX-SMS system interacts with the MDSP through this interface to authenticate and computing fee for the subscribers of the SMS. | SMAP1.3 |
| SMPP+ interface | The infoX-SMS system interacts with the SCP through this interface to authenticate and charge the subscribers of the SMS. | SMPP+2.0 |
| Bill interface | The charging system obtains charging bills from the infoX-SMS system through this interface, and then conducts further processing. Through this interface, the report server obtains statistics bills from the infoX-SMS system, makes statistics on bill records and generates statistics report | FTP |
| SS7 interface | It is the interface between the infoX-SMS system and MSs, which does not exist physically. The infoX-SMS system and MSs communicate through the mobile network. Therefore, the interface is the external interface of the signaling access gateway (TELLIN-USAU). The TELLIN-USAU can access the narrowband SS7 and the IP-based broadband SS7, so it has two kinds of signaling interfaces: the TDM-based signaling interface and the IP-based signaling interface. The TDM-based signaling interface adopts E1 physical interface, and it can access 64-Kbps and 2-Mbps signaling links. The IP-based signaling interface adopts the FE interface of the 10M/100M Ethernet. | SS7 |
