HK1161489A - Method and apparatus for communicating short message service and supplementary services messages - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for transmitting short message service and value added service messages

Technical Field

The present application relates to wireless communications.

Background

The current effort of the third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) project is aimed at introducing new technologies, new architectures, and new methods to provide improved spectral efficiency, reduced latency, and better radio resource utilization, resulting in faster user experience and richer applications and services at lower cost. Allowing traditional commercially viable wireless services, especially Short Message Service (SMS), would greatly increase the acceptance of LTE technology in the wireless service product market.

In the current LTE specifications, the SMS service is either not fully defined or depends on an SMS service based on an Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia service (IMS) or a fallback (fallback) method using a Circuit Switched (CS), which makes development cost overhead huge, network service interaction complicated, and transmission efficiency inefficient. For value added services (SS) in LTE, it has been decided to define and enable support capabilities for it.

It is desirable to provide a method and apparatus that enables SMS and SS in LTE to have simpler implementation and main link routing while achieving overall data transmission efficiency

Disclosure of Invention

Methods and apparatus are described for communicating SMS and SS messages in an LTE network via Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) over an LTE control plane. Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) -2 may be used for SMS and SS transport over the LTE control plane between a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and a Mobility Management Entity (MME). EMM interfaces and primitives are defined for SMS and SS entity oriented behavior to allow SMS and SS services in LTE via the LTE control plane medium. Message formats for SMS and SS message transport are also disclosed to send SMS and SS messages in EMM Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport and to send Downlink (DL) NAS transport messages.

Drawings

The invention will be understood in more detail from the following description, given by way of example and understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 illustrates a wireless communication system including a WTRU having a protocol entity architecture;

figure 2 illustrates a wireless communication system including a WTRU with an alternative protocol entity architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a process for supporting outgoing SMS;

FIG. 4 illustrates a process for supporting incoming SMS;

fig. 5 illustrates a call independent value added service supported using the systems of fig. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 shows the overall NAS message header format for EMMs;

fig. 7 shows an EMM message UL/DL transport format;

FIG. 8 shows the format of the SMS and SS message headers plus the payload;

fig. 9 shows an EMM message format supporting SMS and SS in LTE;

fig. 10 is a signaling diagram for a Mobile Terminal (MT) SMS procedure; and

fig. 11 is a signaling diagram for the MT SS procedure.

Detailed Description

The term "wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU)" as referred to below includes, but is not limited to, a User Equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a cellular telephone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a computer, or any other type of user equipment capable of operating in a wireless environment.

The term "evolved node-B (enodeb)" referred to below includes, but is not limited to, a base station, a site controller, an Access Point (AP), or any other type of interfacing device capable of operating in a wireless environment.

Enabling SMS and SS through EMM

Fig. 1 shows a wireless LTE communication system 100, the wireless LTE communication system 100 including a WTRU 105, an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN)110, an MME 115, and a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)/home location register (VLR) 120. The E-UTRAN includes a plurality of eNodeB. The system 100 provides EMM functionality in the WTRU 105 and MME 115 and supports SMS and SS by accessing EMM interfaces over LTE C-plane medium. The MSC/VLR 120 may be part of a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network or a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network and is considered to be in the CS domain. The E-UTRAN 110 and MME 115 are part of the LTE network and are considered to be in the Packet Switched (PS) domain. SMS traffic may be delivered using CS fallback mechanisms over the control plane of the LTE network or directly.

As shown in fig. 1, the WTRU 105 includes an SMS protocol entity 125, an SS protocol entity 130, a Mobility Management (MM) protocol entity 135, an EMM protocol entity 140, and an LTE RRC protocol entity 145. The EPS EMM protocol entity 140 in the WTRU 105 will forward the SMS and SS requests/messages to the LTE network via the LTE RRC protocol entity 145 and the SRB 150.

The corresponding functionality may be present on the LTE network side (e.g. in the base station or in the core network components). The LTE EMM protocol entity 155 in the MME 115 forwards and receives SMS and SS messages to/from a legacy SMS or SS processing center (e.g., MSC/VLR 120) and to and from a Service Center (SC) (not shown) via a Serving Gateway (SG) interface between the MME 115 and the MSC/VLR 120.

Logically, an SG interface is defined between the MME and VLR functional entities. The interface defined here is located between the existing Connection Management (CM) protocol entities (SMS and SS) and the new MM protocol entity of LTE, i.e. the EMM.

Figure 2 shows a wireless LTE communication system 200 including a WTRU 205 with an alternative protocol entity architecture. The WTRU 205 includes an SMS protocol entity 225, an SS protocol entity 230, an MM protocol entity 235, an EPS EMM protocol entity 240, and an LTE RRC protocol entity 245. However, unlike the protocol entity architecture of the WTRU 105 shown in figure 1, the SMS protocol entity 225 and the SS protocol entity 230 do not communicate directly with the EMM protocol entity 240, but only with the MM protocol entity 235.

The protocol entity architecture of fig. 2 also differs from that of fig. 1 in the direct interface between the MM protocol entity 235 and the EMM protocol entity 240. The direct interface provides SMS and SS in LTE and legacy access networks. When the SMS/SS message is created, it will be sent to the MM protocol entity 235 to be delivered. Upon receiving the SMS/SS message, the MM protocol entity 235 checks the existing Radio Access Technology (RAT) of the terminal WTRU. If the existing RAT is GSM/enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) radio access network (GERAN) or UTRAN, the MM protocol entity 235 continues to perform according to known procedures. However, in case the existing RAT is E-UTRAN/LTE, the MM protocol entity 235 contacts the EMM protocol entity 240 and delivers higher layer information (SMS/SS messages). Henceforth, the defined procedure for EMM SMS/SS delivery will be followed.

The interface between the MM protocol entity 235 and the EMM protocol entity 240 may have a set of control primitives and a data bearer container (i.e., data primitives). The control primitives may be used to translate SMS and MM primitives sent to EMM protocol entity 240 for session/connection setup and error indication.

Enhanced EMM (E-EMM) interface for SMS

The SMS protocol entities 125 and 225 (also referred to herein as enhanced SMS (E-SMS), since the basic RAT is LTE) communicate with the corresponding peer entities (in the WTRU and MME) using an EMM interface over the LTE control plane.

When an SMS message is to be sent and an EMM connection (over LTE RRC connection) is not present at this time, an EMM connection must be established under an E-SMS request on the originating side.

Primitives and interactions for SMS/EMM status operations between E-SMS and EMM include:

1) SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Req (from E-SMS to EMM, for requesting to establish a connection for outgoing SMS if no connection currently exists);

2) SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Cnf (from EMM to E-SMS, for acknowledging the connection establishment request);

3) SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Ind (from EMM to E-SMS, for indicating incoming SMS messages); and

4) SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Rsp (from E-SMS to EMM for responding to incoming SMS message indications).

Connection release primitives are also defined, which include the following:

1) SMS-EMM-Rel-Req (from E-SMS to EMM, for requesting release of the established connection);

2) SMS-EMM-Rel-Cnf (from EMM to E-SMS, for acknowledging release request);

3) SMS-EMM-Rel-Ind (from EMM to E-SMS, indicating connection release); and

4) SMS-EMM-Rel-Rsp (from E-SMS to EMM, for responding to the connection release indication).

Also defined are data primitives between E-SMS and EMM, including the following:

1) SMS-EMM-Data-Req (a primitive used to carry SMS messages from E-SMS to EMM); and

2) SMS-EMM-Data-Ind (a primitive used to carry SMS messages from EMM to E-SMS).

The following Control Protocol (CP) messages are used to transparently support the transmission of SMS messages (CP-Data, CP-ACK, and CP-Error messages) between E-SMS and network components (i.e., MSCs) on a WTRU.

Fig. 3 shows the signalling that occurs between the E-SMS protocol entity 305 and the EMM protocol entity 310 in the wireless communication system 300. As shown in fig. 3, when initiating SMS, the E-SMS305 entity checks that EMM 310 sends an EMM-Conn-Est-Req message 315 to the EMM protocol entity 310. The EMM protocol entity 310 in turn checks whether it already has an EMM connection over the LTE RRC connection. If so, the EMM protocol entity 310 sends an SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Cnf message 320 back to the E-SMS protocol entity 305 in response. If there is no EMM connection on the LTE RRC connection, the EMM protocol entity 310 triggers the LTE RRC to establish an RRC connection to the current additional E-UTRAN for a "service request". The EMM protocol entity 310 will then send back an SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Cnf message 320 to the E-SMS305 when the RRC connection is successfully established. The outgoing SMS Data liveliness may then use Data-Req message 325 and Data-Ind (Data-Ind) message 330 to transmit the SMS message.

Fig. 4 shows the signaling that takes place between the E-SMS protocol entity 405 and the EMM protocol entity 410 in the wireless communication system 400. As shown in fig. 4, in case of incoming SMS, EMM protocol entity 410 will be paged if there is no E-UTRAN oriented EMM/RRC connection. When the EMM protocol entity 410 responds to the page to establish the RRC connection, the EMM protocol entity 410 will indicate the SMS event to the E-SMS protocol entity 405 via the SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Ind message 415, and the E-SMS protocol entity 405 will respond with an SMS-EMM-Conn-Est-Rsp message 420. Incoming SMS Data liveliness may then proceed using Data-Req message 425 and Data-Ind message 430 to transmit the SMS message.

E-EMM interface for SS

SS protocol entities 130 and 230 (also referred to herein as enhanced SS (E-SS) since the basic RAT is LTE) communicate with corresponding peer entities (in the WTRU and MME) using an EMM interface over the LTE control plane.

When an SS message is to be sent and an EMM session (over LTE RRC connection) does not exist at this time, an EMM session must be established at the E-SS request on the originating side.

Primitives and interactions for SS/EMM status operations between E-SS and EMM include:

1) SS-EMM-ses-Est-Req (from E-SS to EMM, for requesting to establish a session for an outgoing SS if no session currently exists);

2) SS-EMM-ses-Est-Cnf (from EMM to E-SS, for acknowledging session establishment request);

3) SS-EMM-Sess-Est-Ind (from EMM to E-SS, indicating incoming SS messages); and

4) SS-EMM-ses-Est-Rsp (from E-SS to EMM for responding to incoming SS message indications).

Session release primitives are also defined, which include the following:

1) SS-EMM-Rel-Req (from E-SS to EMM, for requesting release of an established session);

2) SS-EMM-Rel-Cnf (from EMM to E-SS for acknowledging release request);

3) SS-EMM-Rel-Ind (from EMM to E-SS for indicating session release); and

4) SS-EMM-Rel-Rsp (from E-SS to EMM, for responding to the session release indication).

Data primitives between the E-SS and EMM are also defined, which include the following:

1) SS-EMM-Data-Req (a primitive used to carry SS messages from E-SS to EMM); and

2) SS-EMM-Data-Ind (a primitive used to carry SS messages from EMM to E-SS).

For SSs in LTE, only call independent SS messages are supported in the LTE standard, since CS call services are not supported in LTE release 8. Currently, the following call independent SSs are supported and shown in fig. 5.

Assuming that the SS message header structure is the same as the SMS message header structure (see fig. 8), the above-described supported call independent SS message will be inserted at octet-9 (with the SS message header) in the EMM message shown in fig. 9.

Encapsulation mechanism for SMS and SS transport with EMM

Basic EMM message format for encapsulation

EMM messages for transmitting SMS or SS are generated by the following procedure: the SMS message or SS message (shown in fig. 8) is included in an Information Element (IE) of the EMM UL NAS transport message or DL NAS transport message (shown in fig. 7) and then encapsulated in the NAS message header of the EMM message shown in fig. 6.

The NAS message shown in fig. 7 is a UL NAS transport message or a DL NAS transport message carrying SMS or SS for a predetermined service. Additional details of the header and body of the NAS transport message are shown in fig. 9.

SMS and SS message headers

The currently used CM level SMS messages (CP-data, CP-ACK, CP-error), and SS messages may have the header formats shown in fig. 8.

In fig. 8, the transaction-identifier field may be used for SMS and SS as fields for their initial transaction identifiers. The protocol identifier field may be used to identify the encapsulated SMS or SS or otherwise. The message type field may be used to indicate the type of each individual SMS or SS message.

EMM message format encapsulating SMS and SS messages

The header combined on the EMM (to support SMS or SS) plus the message body (i.e. payload) is shown in fig. 9. Using this message format, LTE access stratum control plane bearers are used to carry SMS or SS traffic between the WTRU and the network. In the first case, there is a direct interface between the SMS/SS entity and the EMM entity at the WTRU. Once the EMM session/connection is established with the E-UTRAN and MME via the LTE RRC connection, the WTRU may use the EMM and RRC interfaces up to LTE srb-2 as the SMS/SS transport medium. SRB-2 (signal radio bearer 2) is mapped on a bi-directional logical channel DCCH (dedicated control channel) on UL/DL transport channels UL-DCH (uplink shared channel)/DL-SCH (downlink shared channel), which is then mapped on a physical channel PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel)/PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel) in LTE. The EMM protocol entity triggers the RRC protocol entity to establish the RRC connection if no RRC connection exists in case of Mobile Originated (MO) SMS.

In one case, the SMS protocol entity 125 in the WTRU 105 shown in fig. 1 generates an SMS message using the header and payload shown in fig. 8 and sends the SMS message to the EMM protocol entity 140. The EMM protocol entity 140 then formats the UL/DL NAS transport message using the header format shown in fig. 7, whereby the SMS message is inserted into the NAS message body IE of the UL/DL NAS transport message. The UL/DL NAS transport message is then encapsulated in the NAS message field of the EMM message shown in fig. 6 and forwarded to the RRC protocol entity 145. The RRC protocol entity 145 then formats the UL/DL messaging message to include the EMM message and transmits the UL/DL messaging message on the SRB 150.

In another case, the SS protocol entity 130 in the WTRU 105 shown in fig. 1 generates an SS message using the header and payload shown in fig. 8 and transmits the SS message to the EMM protocol entity 140. The EMM protocol entity 140 then formats the UL/DL NAS transport message using the header format shown in fig. 7, whereby the SS message is inserted into the NAS message body IE of the UL/DL NAS transport message. The UL/DL NAS transport message is then encapsulated in the NAS message field of the EMM message shown in fig. 6 and forwarded to the RRC protocol entity 145. The RRC protocol entity 145 then formats the UL/DL messaging message to include the EMM message and transmits the UL/DL messaging message on the SRB 150.

Fig. 10 shows a signaling diagram for the MT SMS procedure using the primitives defined above. As shown in fig. 10, WTRU 1000 includes an SMS protocol entity 1005, an EMM protocol entity 1010, and an RRC protocol entity 1015. The network 1020 is depicted as a single entity to make the presentation compact.

In the case of MT SMS, the network 1020 may send a page 1025 to the WTRU 1000 while the WTRU 1000 is in an idle state, and the WTRU 1000 may respond with a service-request 1030 (using a page response) to establish an RRC connection. The EMM protocol entity 1010 may then send and receive SMS messages using EMM DL NAS transport messages and UL NAS transport messages. The RRC protocol entity 1015 uses an RRC downlink information transfer (DownlinkInformationTransfer) message 1135 and an RRC uplink information transfer (UplinkInformationTransfer) message 1140 for transmission.

Fig. 11 shows a signaling diagram for an MT SS procedure using the primitives defined above. As shown in fig. 11, WTRU 1100 includes an SS protocol entity 1105, an EMM protocol entity 1110, and an RRC protocol entity 1115. Network 1120 is depicted as a single entity to simplify the presentation.

In the case of an MT SS, the network 1120 may send a page 1125 to the WTRU 1100 while the WTRU 1100 is in an idle state, and the WTRU 1100 may respond with a service-request 1130 (using a page response) to establish an RRC connection. EMM protocol entity 1110 may then send and receive SS messages using EMM DL NAS transport messages in RRC downlink messaging 1135 and ul NAS transport messages in RRC uplink messaging 1140.

The above described features will now be summarized with reference to fig. 1.

In one case, the WTRU 105 of fig. 1 transmits an SMS message by using the SMS protocol entity 125 to request the EMM protocol entity 140 to send the SMS message. EMM protocol entity 140 then initiates a procedure to send a UL NAS transport message including the IE containing the SMS message. The SMS protocol entity 125 may send the SMS message to the EMM protocol entity 140. The EMM protocol entity 140 formats the UL NAS transport message to include the SMS message, encapsulates the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message, and sends the EMM message to the LTE RRC protocol entity 145. The LTE RRC protocol entity 145 formats the UL information transfer message to include the EMM message and transmits the UL information transfer message on the SRB. The UL information transfer message may be transmitted to MME 115.

In another case, the WTRU 105 of fig. 1 transmits an SMS message by using the EMM protocol entity 140 to receive a DLNAS transport message including an IE containing the SMS message. EMM protocol entity 140 forwards the SMS message to SMS protocol entity 125. The RRC protocol entity 145 may receive the DL messaging message, extract the DL NAS transport message from the DL messaging message, and forward the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity 140. The EMM protocol entity 140 then extracts at least one NAS message header from the DL NAS transport message. The RRC protocol entity may receive the DL information transfer message from the MME.

In yet another case, the WTRU 105 of fig. 1 transmits an SS message by using the SS protocol entity 130 to request the EMM protocol entity 140 to send the SS message. EMM protocol entity 140 then initiates a procedure to send a UL NAS transport message including the IE containing the SS message. The SS protocol entity 130 may send the SS message to the EMM protocol entity 140. The EMM protocol entity 140 formats the UL NAS transport message to include the SS message, encapsulates the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message, and sends the EMM message to the LTE RRC protocol entity 145. The LTE RRC protocol entity 145 formats the UL information transfer message to include the EMM message and transmits the UL information transfer message on the SRB. The UL information transfer message may be transmitted to MME 115.

In another case, the WTRU 105 of fig. 1 transmits the SS message by using the EMM protocol entity 140 to receive the DL NAS transport message including the IE containing the SMS message. EMM protocol entity 140 forwards the SS message to SS protocol entity 130. The RRC protocol entity 145 may receive the DL messaging message, extract the DL NAS transport message from the DL messaging message, and forward the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity 140. The EMM protocol entity 140 then extracts at least one NAS message header from the DL NAS transport message. The RRC protocol entity may receive the DL information transfer message from the MME.

Example (b):

1. a method for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the method comprising:

the SMS protocol entity requests an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity to send an SMS message; and

the EMM protocol entity initiates a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SMS message.

2. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising:

the SMS protocol entity sending the SMS message to the EMM protocol entity;

the EMM protocol entity formatting the UL NAS transport message to include the SMS message, encapsulating the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message, and sending the EMM message to a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity; and

the RRC protocol entity formats a UL information transfer message to include the EMM message therein and transmits the UL information transfer message on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

3. The method of embodiment 2 wherein the UL information transfer message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

4. A method for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the method comprising:

receiving a Downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an information element including the SMS message by an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity; and

the EMM protocol entity forwards the SMS message to an SMS protocol entity.

5. The method of embodiment 4, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity receiving a DL information transfer message, removing the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forwarding the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity; and

the EMM protocol entity removes at least one NAS message header from the DL NAS transport message.

6. The method of embodiment 5 wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

7. A method for communicating value added service (SS) messages, the method comprising:

the SS protocol entity requests an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity to send an SS message; and

the EMM protocol entity initiates a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SS message.

8. The method of embodiment 7, further comprising:

the SS protocol entity sends the SMS message to the EMM protocol entity;

the EMM protocol entity formatting the UL NAS transport message to include the SS message, encapsulating the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message, and sending the EMM message to a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity; and

the RRC protocol entity formats a UL information transfer message to include the EMM message therein and transmits the UL information transfer message on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

9. The method of embodiment 8 wherein the UL information transfer message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

10. A method for communicating value added service (SS) messages, the method comprising:

receiving a Downlink (DL) non-Access stratum (NAS) transport message including an information element including the SS message by an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity; and

the EMM protocol entity forwards the SS message to an SS protocol entity.

11. The method of embodiment 10, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity receiving a DL information transfer message, removing the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forwarding the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity; and

the EMM protocol entity removes at least one NAS message header from the DL NAS transport message.

12. The method of embodiment 11 wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

13. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the WTRU comprising:

an SMS protocol entity configured to generate a request for sending an SMS message; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to initiate a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SMS message in response to the request.

14. The WTRU of embodiment 13 wherein the EMM protocol entity is further configured to format the UL NAS transport message to include the SMS message and encapsulate the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message.

15. The WTRU of embodiment 14, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive EMM messages from the EMM protocol entity, format UL messaging messages to include the EMM messages, and transmit the UL messaging messages on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

16. The WTRU of embodiment 15 wherein the UL information transfer message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

17. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the WTRU comprising:

an SMS protocol entity; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to receive a Downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an information element including the SMS message and forward the SMS message to the SMS protocol entity.

18. The WTRU of embodiment 17, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive a DL information transfer message, extract the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forward the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity.

19. The WTRU of embodiment 18 wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

20. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting value added service (SS) messages, the WTRU comprising:

an SS protocol entity configured to generate a request for transmitting an SS message; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to initiate a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SMS message in response to the request.

21. The WTRU of embodiment 20 wherein the EMM protocol entity is further configured to format the UL NAS transport message to include the SS message and encapsulate the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message.

22. The WTRU of embodiment 21, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive EMM messages from the EMM protocol entity, format UL messaging messages to include the EMM messages, and transmit the UL messaging messages on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

23. The WTRU of embodiment 15 wherein the UL NAS transport message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

24. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting value added service (SS) messages, the WTRU comprising:

an SS protocol entity; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to receive a Downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SS message and to forward the SS message to the SS protocol entity.

25. The WTRU of embodiment 24, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive a DL information transfer message, extract the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forward the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity.

26. The WTRU of embodiment 25 wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

Although the features and elements of the present invention are described in the particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements. The methods or flow charts provided herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium for execution by a general purpose computer or a processor. Examples of the computer-readable storage medium include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), registers, buffer memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks and Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs).

For example, suitable processors include: a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a conventional processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuit, any Integrated Circuit (IC), and/or a state machine.

A processor in association with software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a Wireless Transmit Receive Unit (WTRU), User Equipment (UE), terminal, base station, Radio Network Controller (RNC), or any host computer. The WTRU may be used in conjunction with modules, implemented in hardware and/or software, such as a camera, a video camera module, a video phone, a speakerphone, a vibration device, a speaker, a microphone, a television transceiver, a hands free headset, a keyboard, and BluetoothA module, a Frequency Modulation (FM) radio unit, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display unit, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an internet browser, and/or any Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or Ultra Wideband (UWB) module.

Claims (26)

1. A method performed by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the method comprising:

an SMS protocol entity in the WTRU requesting an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity to send an SMS message; and

the EMM protocol entity initiates a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SMS message.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the SMS protocol entity sending the SMS message to the EMM protocol entity;

the EMM protocol entity formatting the UL NAS transport message to include the SMS message, encapsulating the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message, and sending the EMM message to a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity in the WTRU; and

the RRC protocol entity formats a UL information transfer message to include the EMM message therein and transmits the UL information transfer message on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the UL information transfer message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

4. A method performed by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the method comprising:

receiving, by an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity in the WTRU, a Downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an information element including the SMS message; and

the EMM protocol entity forwards the SMS message to an SMS protocol entity in the WTRU.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity in the WTRU receiving a DL information transfer message, removing the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forwarding the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity; and

the EMM protocol entity removes at least one NAS message header from the DL NAS transport message.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

7. A method performed by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a value added service (SS) message, the method comprising:

an SS protocol entity in the WTRU requesting an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity to send an SS message; and

the EMM protocol entity initiates a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SS message.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

the SS protocol entity sends the SMS message to the EMM protocol entity;

the EMM protocol entity formatting the UL NAS transport message to include the SS message, encapsulating the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message, and sending the EMM message to a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity in the WTRU; and

the RRC protocol entity formats a UL information transfer message to include the EMM message therein and transmits the UL information transfer message on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the UL information transfer message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

10. A method performed by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a value added service (SS) message, the method comprising:

receiving, by an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity in the WTRU, a Downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an information element including the SS message; and

the EMM protocol entity forwards the SS message to an SS protocol entity in the WTRU.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity in the WTRU receiving a DL information transfer message, removing the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forwarding the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity; and

the EMM protocol entity removes at least one NAS message header from the DL NAS transport message.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

13. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the WTRU comprising:

an SMS protocol entity configured to generate a request for sending an SMS message; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to initiate a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SMS message in response to the request.

14. The WTRU of claim 13 wherein the EMM protocol entity is further configured to format the UL NAS transport message to include the SMS message and encapsulate the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message.

15. The WTRU of claim 14, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive EMM messages from the EMM protocol entity, format UL messaging messages to include the EMM messages, and transmit the UL messaging messages on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

16. The WTRU of claim 15 wherein the UL information transfer message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

17. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the WTRU comprising:

an SMS protocol entity; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to receive a Downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an information element including the SMS message and to forward the SMS message to the SMS protocol entity.

18. The WTRU of claim 17, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive a DL information transfer message, extract the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forward the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity.

19. The WTRU of claim 18 wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

20. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting value added service (SS) messages, the WTRU comprising:

an SS protocol entity configured to generate a request for transmitting an SS message; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to initiate a process of sending an Uplink (UL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SMS message in response to the request.

21. The WTRU of claim 20 wherein the EMM protocol entity is further configured to format the UL NAS transport message to include the SS message and encapsulate the UL NAS transport message in an EMM message.

22. The WTRU of claim 21, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive EMM messages from the EMM protocol entity, format UL messaging messages to include the EMM messages, and transmit the UL messaging messages on a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB).

23. The WTRU of claim 22 wherein the UL NAS transport message is transmitted to a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

24. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting value added service (SS) messages, the WTRU comprising:

an SS protocol entity; and

an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobility management (EMM) protocol entity configured to receive a Downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message including an Information Element (IE) containing the SS message and to forward the SS message to the SS protocol entity.

25. The WTRU of claim 24, further comprising:

a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol entity configured to receive a DL information transfer message, extract the DL NAS transport message from the DL information transfer message, and forward the DL NAS transport message to the EMM protocol entity.

26. The WTRU of claim 25 wherein the RRC protocol entity receives the DL information transfer message from a Mobility Management Entity (MME).