CMYK
TTEEL LE CEOCMO M
The Long and Short of
SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE
Designed to support short
alphanumeric pages, short
messaging service (SMS) may
replace or complement the
existing paging services.
Here’s a look at how SMS
messages are delivered,
followed by the promising
applications of SMS in the
near future
C.K. SUNITH
M
obile phones have evolved from
being a status symbol to a neces-
sity for most people. These have
mingled with the global network of com-
puters to offer a wide range of services
such as Internet browsing, e-mailing, and
text messaging while roaming.
Short message service (SMS) is a digi-
tal network facility that allows digital phone
subscribers to receive and send short mes-
sages on their equipment. This relatively
simple but attractive messaging facility is
provided by mobile phone networks. To be
precise, SMS is the transmission of short
The basic SMS architecture
ELECTRONICS FOR YOU NOVEMBER 2002
text messages to and from a mobile
phone, fax machine, or IP address. Each
message can have a maximum length
of 160 characters.
The recent mobile services have
made SMS more appealing to cus-
tomers as well as service provid-
ers. SMS facility is widely sup-
ported by most of the GSM, TDMA,
and CDMA based mobile networks.
Short messages can be transferred along
with GSM voice, data, and fax capabili-
ties. CDMA and TDMA counterparts per-
mit limited SMS capabilities. To avail of
SMS facility, a mobile subscriber needs to
have:
• Subscription to a mobile service that
supports SMS.
• SMS-enabled mobile phone.
• Destination to send a short message
or to receive it from, which may be another
mobile equipment, fax, or IP address.
While some mobile service providers
offer automatic access to SMS, others
charge monthly fee.
SMS architecture
SMS messages can be sent or received
any time, irrespective of whether a voice
or data call is in progress. The messages
are conveyed between mobile
phones through a short message
service centre (SMSC). The SMSC
software resident in the operator’s
network manages the network and
performs necessary functions like bill-
ing the sender, returning receipts on
demand, and queuing the messages.
Many operators provide Web-based
interfaces to their SMSC, so messaging
from the Web to a mobile phone is pos-
sible. In fact, some Websites offer SMS
facility free of charge. The SMSC handles
multiple input sources, which include
voice mail system, Web-based messaging,
e-mail integration, and other external short
message entities. It acts as a store-and-
forward mechanism for short messages.
Once a message is sent, it is received
by the SMSC. To direct the message to
the appropriate destination, the SMSC
sends SMS request to home location reg-
ister (HLR) to locate the roaming customer.
Communication with network elements
such as HLR and mobile switching centre
(MSC) is done through the signal transfer
point (STP). Once the HLR receives the
request, it informs the SMSC about the
status of the subscriber, as to whether his
handset is active or not and where he is
roaming. If the subscriber’s device is off,
the SMSC will latch on to the message for
a definite time period. When the subscriber
activates his device, HLR notifies the SMSC
of the status and the SMSC attempts mes-
sage delivery.
The SMSC transfers message in short
message-delivery point-to-point format to
the serving system. The system pages the
roaming device and if it responds, the mes-
sage is delivered. The SMSC receives veri-
fication that the message has been received
by the roaming device. Once the message
is categorised as sent, the SMSC will not
attempt its delivery again.
Depending on the capabilities of the
SMSC and the MSC, SMS guarantees
prompt delivery of short messages to the
appropriate destination. Temporary failure
due to non-availability of the receiving sta-

tion is identified at an early
stage and the message is
stored in the SMSC until
the destination handset be-
comes available.
SMS is characterised by
low-band- width
m e s -
s a g e
transfer
and out-of-
band packet de-
livery at high
speeds. It is a highly
efficient means of
transmitting short
bursts of data. As
SMS protocols are
concerned only with
reliable two-way messaging, SMS is re-
stricted to basic functionality. It enables
two-way short messages to be sent to GSM
subscribers and supplements the existing
GSM networks. Using gateways, it is also
possible to interchange messages with
other networks like the Internet. SMS fa-
cility can be used to exchange WAP-com-
pliant data. Alternatively, a WAP phone
may be used to receive SMS alerts.
A real bonanza
SMS promises excellent benefits to both
the subscribers and the service providers.
The benefits of SMS to subscribers include
flexibility, convenience, and seamless in-
tegration of messaging services. SMS elimi-
nates the need for using a separate device
for messaging, as the service is integrated
into the subscriber’s mobile terminal.
Other potential benefits to the subscribers
include guaranteed delivery of notifica-
tions, alerts and greetings, increased pro-
ductivity, and the ability to selectively
screen messages and return calls.
SMS is a low-cost, reliable communica-
tion facility for conveying concise informa-
tion. More sophisticated functionalities add
to subscriber benefits, which include e-mail
generation, ability to receive diverse infor-
mation, delivery of messages to multiple
subscribers, creation of user groups, and
integration with Web-based applications.
SMS is a powerful tool for service differ-
entiation. Service providers earn additional
income through SMS facility provision. The
average revenue per user escalates up due
to increased number of calls on wireless
networks. An excellent alternative to alpha-
TELECOM
numeric paging services, SMS may comple-
ment or replace paging services in the near
future. Service providers will provide key
administrative and reminder services such
as advice of charge, stock and currency
quotes, and over-the-air services. Voice mail,
e-mail, fax, Web applications, and airline
schedules all generate new revenue streams.
Through the sparing use of control and
traffic channels, SMS protects important
network resources such as voice channels.
Applications
SMS is especially useful for bank transac-
tions. It allows wireless subscribers on the
roam to check bank balance, transfer funds
between accounts, and pay their bills. En-
tertainment applications include exchange
of greetings, chatting, etc. SMS holds
promise for e-commerce applications (ad-
vertising, electronic coupons, etc) as well.
Cargo and delivery vehicles could be
alerted of the inventory of a customer run-
ning low. Moving vehicles may be diverted
or informed in advance of a possible traf-
fic jam on the way. The ability to track
the location of a moving vehicle while on
roads is an advantage worth. ❑
NOVEMBER 2002 ELECTRONICS FOR YOU