Article SMS Gateway Server SMS

SMS Gateway

An SMS gateway is a way of sending a text message with or without using a mobile (cell) phone. Specifically, it is a device or service offering SMS transit by either transforming messages to mobile network traffic from other media or by allowing transmission or receipt of SMS messages with or without the use of a mobile phone. Typical use of a gateway would be to forward simple email to a mobile phone recipient. It can also be useful in developing web applications that we can interact with via SMS (Short Messaging Service).

Technical SMS Gateway

Some SMS gateway providers can be classified as aggregators or SS7 providers. The aggregator model is based on multiple agreements with mobile carriers to exchange 2-way SMS traffic into and out of the operator's Short Message Service Centre (SMS-C), also known as "local termination model". Aggregators lack direct access into the SS7 protocol, which is the protocol where the SMS messages are exchanged. These providers have no visibility and control over the message delivery, being unable to offer delivery guarantees. SMS messages are delivered in the operator's SMS-C, but not the subscriber's handset.

Another type of SMS gateway provider is based on SS7 connectivity to route SMS messages, also known as "international termination model". The advantage of this model is the ability to route data directly through SS7, which gives the provider total control and visibility of the complete path during the SMS routing. This means SMS messages can be sent directly to and from recipients without having to go through the SMS-C of other mobile operators. Therefore, it's possible to avoid delays and message losses, offering full delivery guarantees of messages and optimized routing.

Several operators have true fixed-wire SMS services. These are based on extensions to the ETSI GSM SMS standards and allow fixed-fixed, fixed-mobile and mobile-fixed messaging. These use Frequency-shift keying to transfer the message between the terminal and the SMS-C. Terminals are usually DECT-based, but wired handsets and wired text-only (no voice) devices exist. Messages are received by the terminal recognising that the CLI is that of the SMS-C and going off-hook silently to receive the message.