Introduction

22.1743GPPPush ServiceRelease 17Service aspectsStage 1TS

The Push Service introduces a means to transmit push data from a push initiator to a push recipient (e.g. a UE) without a previous user action. The push concept, as provided by the SMS teleservice, has been very successful in the GSM second generation, both for text messaging (for user viewing) and for other unstandardized data to the SIM (as a building block used for OTA and other purposes). This TS introduces the Push Service as a generalization of existing network capabilities plus the development of new capabilities. The Push Service should therefore be understood as a building block (network capability), which can be used for new services, both public and private, in 3GPP.

In the normal client/server model, a client requests a service or information from a server, which then responds in transmitting information to the client. This is known as the "pull" technology, the user pulls information from the content provider. The World Wide Web is a typical example of pull technology, where a user enters a URL (the request) that is sent to a server and the server answers by sending a Web page (the response) to the user.

In contrast to this there is also the "push" technology where there is no explicit request from the user before the content provider (push initiator) initiates an information transfer to a user. Another way of saying this is that whereas "pull" transaction of information are always initiated from the user, "push" transactions are content provider initiated.
The welcome message received after registration with a visited network whilst roaming is an example of information transfer that has been initiated without a request from the user. Typically, a user signs up with the push initiator and defines their interest, volume of information acceptable and other factors in the push subscription profile. As information becomes available that satisfies the user’s push subscription profile, the push initiator delivers it to the user using the Push Service.

The Push service may be used to implement high level services such as IP multimedia services, MMS, etc., and new services including public safety, government, corporate IT, transfer of push data to machines and devices, in addition to infotainment type services.

Another common use for push services is the delivery of notification from e.g. MMS to the user while the user has the option of "pulling" the actual push data from the push initiator.

The PLMN Push function provides the push data to the user agent in the UE. The user agent interprets and presents the push data to a person, device or machine using the UE.

NOTE: The requirements of services such as streaming, conversational services and broadcast are independent from push. Therefore they are not considered appropriate for inclusion here. Push will be available for use in appropriate applications of all high level services.