Sms transport resource control

Abstract

The invention provides for a method of controlling release of SMS transport resources between User Equipment and a MME of a communications network, wherein the release is permitted subsequent to a Control Protocol Acknowledge signal at a Mobile Switching Centre of the network, and in particular a method wherein the release is initiated by the MME responsive to receipt of a release signal, and further provides for a SGs Interface, and MME arranged to be employed with such a control method.

1 . A method, performed in a visitor location register (VLR) as part of a release procedure for a Mobile Terminating (MT) communication in a communications network, the method comprising:
 the VLR sending an SGs Release Request message after sending a CP-ACK message when an SMS transaction is complete.   
     
     
         2 . A method, performed in a Mobility Management Entity (MME) as part of a release procedure for a Mobile Terminating (MT) communication in a communications network, the method comprising:
 the MME receiving an SGs Release Request message from a visitor location register (VLR) after receiving a CP-ACK message when an SMS transaction is complete.   
     
     
         3 . A visitor location register (VLR) for performing part of an SMS transport release procedure, for a Mobile Terminating (MT) communication, in a communications network, the VLR comprising:
 a transmitter arranged to send an SGs Release Request message to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) after sending a CP-ACK message when an SMS transaction is complete.   
     
     
         4 . A Mobility Management Entity (MME) for performing part of an SMS transport release procedure, for a Mobile Terminating (MT) communication, the MME comprising:
 a receiver arranged to receive an SGs Release Request message from a visitor location register (VLR) after receipt of a CP-ACK message when an SMS transaction is complete.