What is SMPP?

SMPP, which stands for Short Message Peer-to-Peer, is a protocol for sending and receiving SMS messages between entities. It allows for high-speed, high-volume messaging, often used by businesses, organizations, and telecommunication companies.

Originally developed by Aldiscon, Logica, CMG, and the SMS Forum, SMPP is widely used for SMS services that require the efficient delivery of a large number of SMS messages, including marketing campaigns, alerts, notifications, and other bulk SMS applications.

How Does SMPP Work?

At its core, SMPP is designed to connect and facilitate the exchange of SMS messages between Short Message Service Centers (SMSCs) and/or External Short Messaging Entities (ESMEs). An ESME can be anything that can send or receive messages, including a mobile phone, an application, or a service.

The SMPP protocol uses the client-server model, where the SMSC acts as the server and the ESMEs as clients. The client (ESME) initiates the connection to the server (SMSC), sending requests and receiving responses. This connection remains open, allowing for the constant exchange of SMS messages.

Key Components of SMPP

1. Operations: SMPP specifies a set of operations (also called PDU - Protocol Data Units) which dictate how messages are exchanged. Key operations include:
   • Submit_sm: Used to send a message from the ESME to the SMSC.
   • Deliver_sm: Used to send a message from the SMSC to the ESME.
   • Bind: This operation is used to establish a connection between the ESME and SMSC.
   • Unbind: This operation is used to close the connection between the ESME and SMSC.
2. Message Modes: The protocol supports three primary modes of message delivery:
   • Default Mode: Messages are sent and received as soon as possible.
   • Transceiver Mode: Allows an ESME to send and receive messages over the same session.
   • Receiver Mode: The ESME only receives messages from the SMSC.
3. Message Types: SMPP supports several types of SMS messages, including text, binary, Unicode, Flash, and others.

Benefits of Using SMPP

1. Speed: SMPP allows for high-speed messaging, typically sending thousands of messages per second.
2. Volume: It can handle high volumes of messages, making it ideal for bulk messaging applications.
3. Interoperability: SMPP is widely accepted across platforms and technologies, offering great interoperability.
4. Rich Content: It supports a wide range of message types, including text, binary, and Unicode messages.
5. Reliability: It is designed to ensure that messages are successfully delivered, making it a reliable choice for critical messaging needs.

Conclusion

SMPP plays a crucial role in facilitating high-speed, high-volume SMS services. Understanding its functionalities and benefits can help businesses and developers optimize their messaging services for efficient communication.