Wireless application deploying cell broadcast, and bulk SMS/MMS

Abstract

Cell broadcast is a mobile technology that allows messages to be broadcast to all mobile handsets and similar devices within a designated geographical area. The broadcast range can be varied, from a single cell to the entire network. This technology is used in deploying locationbased subscriber services, such as advertising, regional auctions, local weather, traffic conditions, 'nearest' services (like requesting the nearest service station or restaurant), and Public Alerts (used for emergency and awareness situations). The project described in this paper involves designing and developing a wireless application, called SMS-CBS that runs over the terrestrial cellular network and supports several means of content delivery, mainly Bulk Short Message Service (SMS), and Cell Broadcast Service (CBS). This application assists both, the content and the service providers offering various essential services that require information delivery. The system architecture for this application comprises two main components: the SMS-CBS platform for information delivery over the wireless network and the Wireless Web Interface (WWI). The latter component is a multi-tier client server which has several elements, including Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) that cover almost all the functional requirements for both ends, the contents provider, and network service provider. During the design and development phases, several features are considered and implemented that add more enrichment and strength to the system, including scalability, and customizability.