Send SMS

Send SMS refers to delivering short text messages between cellphones and even PCs. SMS messages can be sent with the help of an SMS gateway software effectively.

Send SMS as follows:

1. Option 1. GSM Modem Connection

In case of this option a GSM modem (or GSM phone) is connected to the server computer.




Figure 1 - GSM modem sending SMS from Gateway to SMSC


Concerning connectivity you can use a standard RS232 cable, a USB data cable, Infrared or Bluetooth link. The standard RS232 cable is the most recommended to use because it can be attached directly to your PC's COM port. The second option is a USB data cable. For these cables you will need to install a driver that will create a virtual serial port in your operating system. Bluetooth or IR connections are not recommended since these wireless links are unreliable.

The SMS gateway software will control the GSM device (modem or phone) and SMS messages are sent through this device. In this case SMS messages are forwarded to the SMS network over the air. They are sent the same way as they are sent when you use a traditional GSM handset for SMS messaging. If you use GSM modem connectivity you need a SIM card that you can put into the GSM device (modem or phone) for sending an SMS message. In this way, the price of the SMS messages is determined by the price plan you have chosen when you purchased the GSM device. The SIM card belongs to your GSM mobile service provider.


2. Option 2. - IP SMS Connection

If you don't want to use or you cannot use a GSM device for some reason, you can connect directly to the short message service center (SMSC) of the GSM service provider over the Internet. This solution is called IP-SMS. In this case you need to contact your mobile service provider (e.g. T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc) and tell them that you wish to send SMS messages over the Internet directly to their SMSC. The next step is the signing of the contract with the selected service provider.




Figure 2 - Internet connection used with a Gateway to connect to SMSC

If you signed a contract with the GSM service operator then you will be provided by a connection protocol name SMPP, >UCP, CIMD2 or HTTP and connection details such as IP address, Port, Username, Password. These pieces of information is used for the configuration of the connection in the SMS gateway software. Once you have finished the configuration you can start to send SMS messages from your computer to mobile phones over the Internet. The price of the message is determined by your selected service provider. Many service providers offer Free SMS Plans.

You can contact two types of mobile service providers:

1.) Mobile network operators (T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, O2, ...)
2.) Independent SMS service providers When you choose the appropriate SMS gateway you will be able to send SMS messages from various applications. Some of the available methods are listed below:

• Send SMS from Excel
• Send SMS from Outlook
• Send SMS from a desktop SMS client
• Send SMS using HTTP
• Send SMS from E-mail
• Send SMS with a command line tool
• Send SMS using txt files
• Send SMS from database (MSSQL, MySQL, Sybase, etc)
• Send SMS using programming languages (Java, PHP, C#, VB.net, ASP, Delphi, C++, etc)

To send SMS all you need is to setup your SMS gateway with the required application. The configuration will vary according to the used application. For example when you wish to connect your SMS gateway to a database you will need to customize the connection string for proper connection. You can ask for help from the support team of the selected SMS gateway to find the best way for sending SMS and get help in configuration.

To get more information, please visit the following websites:
The Ozeki NG SMS Gateway website
The best site about SMS integration

Ozeki NG SMS Gateway
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