Chapter 5. Setting up a SMS Gateway

Redirected replies

The basic service system always sends the answer back to original requester, but sometimes the content server needs to send something to other terminals or delay the answer. To create such systems, an SMS push is used.

The idea is to get the initial request, but then send no reply. Instead, the reply (if any) is sent via HTTP sendsms-interface as SMS Push. This way the service application has full control of the return content, and can do all needed formatting beforehand.

Note that when no reply is wanted, remember to set the variable max-messagesto zero (0) so that no reply is sent, unless an error occurs. Simple sample:

group = sms-service

keyword = talk

get-url = "http://my.applet.machine/Servlet/talk?sender=%p&text=%r"

max-messages = 0

Setting up operator specific services

Those running Kannel with several SMS centers might need to define services according to the relying SMS center. To achieve this, first you need to give an ID name for SMS center connections (see above). Then use the accepted-smscvariable to define which messages can use that service.

group = sms-service keyword = weather accepted-smsc = SOL

get-url = "http://my.applet.machine/Servlet/weather?sender=%p&operator=SOL&text=%r"

Setting up multi-operator Kannel

Sometimes there is a need for Kannel to listen to two (or more) distinct SMS centers, and messages must be routed to services according to where they came from, and replies likewise must return to same SMSC. This is done via smsc-idmagic. Here is a shortened sample configuration, which handles to distinct SMS servers and services:

group = smsc smsc-id = A denied-smsc-id = B

...

group = smsc smsc-id = B denied-smsc-id = A

...

group = sms-service accepted-smsc = A get-url = "..."

group = sms-service

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Nokia WAP and SMS gateway manual Redirected replies, Setting up operator specific services, Setting up multi-operator Kannel

WAP and SMS gateway specifications

Nokia has long been a pivotal player in the telecommunications industry, and its contributions to mobile communication technology are numerous. Among these contributions, the Nokia WAP and SMS Gateway stand out as essential elements in enabling mobile internet access and messaging services in the early days of wireless communication.

The Nokia WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) gateway was introduced to facilitate mobile access to the internet and to allow users to interact with web services through their mobile devices. Built on a client-server architecture, the WAP gateway acted as a bridge between the mobile network and the internet, translating traditional web content into a format that mobile devices could effectively render. This conversion was crucial, given the limitations of early mobile devices regarding screen size, processing power, and network bandwidth.

One of the main features of the Nokia WAP gateway was its ability to provide users with real-time access to information such as weather updates, news, and stock prices. By using a lightweight markup language called WML (Wireless Markup Language), the gateway allowed developers to create mobile-friendly websites that could be accessed via WAP-enabled devices. This marked a significant step toward the mobile internet we know today, creating a new realm of possibilities for developers and users alike.

Another critical aspect of Nokia's offering was the SMS (Short Message Service) gateway. The SMS gateway provided a robust platform for sending and receiving text messages across various mobile networks. It enabled seamless communication between devices, regardless of the underlying technology. This feature made SMS a popular choice for both personal communication and business applications, such as marketing campaigns and customer service notifications.

The Nokia SMS gateway utilized established protocols, such as SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer), to ensure reliable message delivery and efficient interaction between SMS applications and mobile networks. Its characteristics included scalability, allowing service providers to handle large volumes of messages, and flexibility to integrate with existing applications and systems.

In summary, the Nokia WAP and SMS gateway played a vital role in the evolution of mobile communication. With features that enabled mobile internet access and streamlined messaging capabilities, these technologies laid the groundwork for the mobile-centric world we live in today. Their legacy continues to influence mobile application development and the broader telecommunications landscape. As the industry progresses, the innovations introduced by Nokia serve as a reminder of the foundational technologies that paved the way for modern mobile experiences.