Short Message Distribution Center

Abstract

A message distribution center (MDC) interposed between content providers and a wireless carrier to examine and direct messages via SMTP based on desired rules (e.g., non-peak hours, etc.) using standard SMTP Gateway and other well-known protocols. The MDC includes a queue for each subscriber, and the provider is informed through conventional SMTP protocol messages when a short message is accepted. If the carrier disallows service for an MIN, the content provider is informed the recipient is invalid through an SMTP interchange. An MDC provides a single mechanism for interacting with subscribers of multiple carriers, regardless of underlying infrastructure. An MDC can protect a carrier's SS7 network by throttling messages and configuring message delivery parameters to be more network friendly. An MDC can receive outside a relevant wireless network recipient. A content provider communicates with the MDC using SMTP protocol messages, and the MDC communicates with wireless carriers using RMI/SMPP techniques.

1 . A message distribution center interposed between a source of a short message and a wireless network including an intended recipient of said short message, said message distribution center comprising:
 an SMTP protocol communication channel to receive said short message from said source of said short message;   a plurality of subscriber queues each corresponding to a different subscriber in said wireless network, said short message being placed in at least one of said plurality of subscriber queues before delivery to said wireless network; and   a communication channel to communicate said short message to said wireless network.   
     
     
         2 - 16 . (canceled)