Chapter 1. Introduction

instance, when it must send a mail notification or a stock quote. For this purpose Wapforum defined WAP Push.

Push is an application level service, sitting on the top of existing WAP stack. It defines two protocols, OTA and PAP. OTA is a ligthweigth protocol speaking with WAP stack (to be more specific, with WSP), PAP speaks with the push initiator. It defines three kind of XML documents, one for the push data itself and another for protocol purposes (these are called pap document or push control documents).

The server does not simply send push content to the phone, the user would surely not accept, for instance, interrupting of a voice call. Instead it sends a specific XML document, either Service Indication or Service Loading. These inform the user about the content becomed available, and it is displayed only when it is not interrupting anything. It contains an URL specifying the service and a text for user describing the content. Then the user can decide does he accept push or not.

The push content is sended to the phones over SMS, but the content is fetched by the phone over IP bearer, for instance CSD or GPRS. Because Push Proxy Gateway tokenises SI and SL documents, it may fit one SMS message (if not, it is segmented for transfer).

Using two bearers seems to be an unnecessary complication. But quite simply, phones currently operate this way. Push over GPRS can only simplify matters.

Overview of SMS

SMS, short messaging service, is a way to send short (160 character) messages from one GSM phone to another. It can also be used to send operator logos, ringing tones, business cards and phone configurations.

SMS services are content services initiated by SMS message to certain (usually short) phone number, which then answers with requested content, if available.

When SMS services are used, the client (mobile terminal) sends an SMS message to certain number, usually a very short specialized number, which points to specific SMS center responsible for that number (plus possibly many others). This SMS center then sends the message onward to specified receiver in intra- or Internet, using an SMS center specific protocol. For example, a Nokia SMS center uses CIMD protocol.

As practically every different kind of SMS center uses different protocol, an SMS gateway is used to handle connections with SMS centers and to relay them onward in an unified form.

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Nokia WAP and SMS gateway manual Overview of SMS
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WAP and SMS gateway specifications

Nokia has long been a pivotal player in the telecommunications industry, and its contributions to mobile communication technology are numerous. Among these contributions, the Nokia WAP and SMS Gateway stand out as essential elements in enabling mobile internet access and messaging services in the early days of wireless communication.

The Nokia WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) gateway was introduced to facilitate mobile access to the internet and to allow users to interact with web services through their mobile devices. Built on a client-server architecture, the WAP gateway acted as a bridge between the mobile network and the internet, translating traditional web content into a format that mobile devices could effectively render. This conversion was crucial, given the limitations of early mobile devices regarding screen size, processing power, and network bandwidth.

One of the main features of the Nokia WAP gateway was its ability to provide users with real-time access to information such as weather updates, news, and stock prices. By using a lightweight markup language called WML (Wireless Markup Language), the gateway allowed developers to create mobile-friendly websites that could be accessed via WAP-enabled devices. This marked a significant step toward the mobile internet we know today, creating a new realm of possibilities for developers and users alike.

Another critical aspect of Nokia's offering was the SMS (Short Message Service) gateway. The SMS gateway provided a robust platform for sending and receiving text messages across various mobile networks. It enabled seamless communication between devices, regardless of the underlying technology. This feature made SMS a popular choice for both personal communication and business applications, such as marketing campaigns and customer service notifications.

The Nokia SMS gateway utilized established protocols, such as SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer), to ensure reliable message delivery and efficient interaction between SMS applications and mobile networks. Its characteristics included scalability, allowing service providers to handle large volumes of messages, and flexibility to integrate with existing applications and systems.

In summary, the Nokia WAP and SMS gateway played a vital role in the evolution of mobile communication. With features that enabled mobile internet access and streamlined messaging capabilities, these technologies laid the groundwork for the mobile-centric world we live in today. Their legacy continues to influence mobile application development and the broader telecommunications landscape. As the industry progresses, the innovations introduced by Nokia serve as a reminder of the foundational technologies that paved the way for modern mobile experiences.
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