What is SMPP (short message peer-to-peer protocol)?

SMPP (short message peer-to-peer protocol) is a telecommunications industry protocol for exchanging SMS messages over the Internet.

It covers exchanging SMS messages between peer entities such as short message service centers (SMSCs). SMS messages usually go through an SMPP to connect external systems to a messaging center that handles high SMS volumes.

SMPP uses TCP/IP or a related protocol to connect to the message center and deliver or receive subscribers’ messages.

How does the SMPP work?

When sending a text message from an SMS-enabled device or application to another, the SMPP session is activated with a cellular carrier’s message center.

The cellular carrier’s message center is “a mediator” that establishes which entity is sending or receiving the message and accepts or rejects the transaction on behalf of the recipient.

If the transaction is denied, an error message displays and can specify what kind of error it is about – an invalid request, destination, message ID, or message length.

What is the SMPP used for?

The SMPP is integral to modern SMS communication and has many applications.

In business, it includes everything from marketing messages to reminders, chatbot or/and information services, password reset requests, and more.

Cellular IoT devices use SMPP to broadcast updates about resource consumption and location status.

Jul 11th, 2022
2 min read

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