SMS network architecture and elements

This Article on SMS covers following:
SMS basics and types
SMS network and elements
SMS MO MT call flow
SMS versus MMS

SMS network is composed of following network elements in GSM.
• SMSC
• HLR
• MSC
• VLR
• BSC
• BTS
• MS or UE

SMS is carried by signaling channel(i.e.SDCCH) on the air interface from MS to BTS. Then SMS is transported by SS7 channel through BSC,MSC/VLR and SMSC. Refer GPRS tutorial for complete network architecture of GSM including elements used in SMS.

Useful Links

GSM RF planning  Mobile Terminated Call  GSM downlink PS data call flow  GSM uplink PS data call flow  GSM Tutorial   GSM protocol stack   GSM physical layer   GPRS protocol stack   GPRS tutorial   CS vs PS 

RF and Wireless Terminologies