INTERNET PROTOCOL

To send or receive a large number of SMS messages, it is worth considering using the Internet. Over the Internet (or over a private IP network, such as a leased line), it is possible to connect directly to the GSM operator's SMS Center (SMSC). The SMSC is responsible for receiving, storing and delivering SMS messages in a GSM telephone network. Direct connection to the SMSC has several advantages.

A large number of messages can be sent or received in a short time. The Caller Line Identification can be freely modified. The availability of the service can be monitored.

If you work with great volumes of messages, this solution is cheaper, faster and more reliable than the alternative solution of using a GSM device (phone or modem) connected to a computer with a data cable.

In order to use this application, you need to sign a contract with your GSM service provider to be provided direct access to its SMSC.

Once you have a contract, you will receive the service provider's IP address, a port number, a username and password to access their service. Often they will ask you to set up a VPN connection to their service. When a connection to the SMSC is available, an SMS protocol is required for you to be able to send and receive SMS messages. The most common protocols are UCP, SMPP and CIMD2.

UCP: Universal Computer Protocol

In order to use the Universal Computer Protocol (UCP) to connect to an SMSC over the Internet or any private TCP/IP network, you need to subscribe to the services of a service provider.

UCP is often used by GSM service providers for IP SMS connectivity. The currently used protocol versions (v3, v3.5, v4.0) can be used to transfer high volumes of SMS messages. It is used for both premium rate and normal rate SMS messages.

One of the major advantages of using UCP connections is that you can specify the sender address of the message. The sender address can be a custom phone number or a short word containing alphanumeric characters.

Another advantage of UCP is that it allows sending messages of every type the GSM network can carry. It can be used to send binary SMS messages (operator logos, ring tones), WAP Push messages, as well as other types of messages. Concatenated SMS messages and various alphabets can also be used.

SMPP: Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol

The Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol is an open, industry standard protocol designed to provide a flexible data communications interface for the transfer of short message data between External Short Message Entities (ESME), Routing Entities (RE) and Message Centers. SMPP is capable of carrying any message type, just like UCP/EMI.

SMPP can be used as a protocol that transfers messages between SMS applications and the Short Message Service Center (SMS Center) of the GSM Service provider over an IP link. This link can be a leased line or the Internet. The IP connection between your PC and the SMSC might be protected by VPN.

CIMD2: Computer Interface Message Distribution Version 2

The Computer Interface Message Distribution (CIMD) protocol was introduced by Nokia. The Nokia SMS Center includes a CIMD2 interface that transfers messages between applications and the Nokia Short Message Service Center (SMSC).

CIMD2 is version 2 of the Computer Interface to Message Distribution protocol. The CIMD2 interface is suitable for client applications that send and retrieve messages over SMS Application TCP/IP sockets.

An application is interconnected through the CIMD2 connection to an SMS Center. The main purpose of this interconnection is to transfer messages from the applications to the mobile stations (MS) and from the MS to the applications. Other kinds of information can also be conveyed over the interconnection, like, status reports from the GSM/GPRS network to the applications.

CIMD2 is capable of transferring any SMS message type, just like UCP and SMPP.

A CIMD2 connection can be used through an IP link. This link can be a leased line or the Internet. Optionally the link can be protected by VPN.

Discuss with our marketing experts and find out how WHTL can be your trusted, powerful SMS marketing resource, which can take your business to the next level. Call +91 97391 37529 or send e-mail - sales@whtl.co.in today!

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