What is Hardware SMS Gateway?

SMS gateway is a system that allows to send or receive Short Message Service (SMS) messages to and from a telecommunications network. The process involves several
steps, with an SMS gateway system enabling text messages to be sent/received to/from SMSC or IMS (special server inside a telecommunication network), which then forwards the messages to mobile phones on its network. There are two types of SMS gateways: online SMS gateway and hardware SMS gateway.

A Hardware SMS Gateway is a device that enables SMS messages to be sent directly to telecommunication carrier without 3rd party services and without the Internet. This is
achieved by using a SIM card, built-in radio modules with external antenna to communicate directly with a telecommunication operator (works similar to mobile phones). Hardware SMS gateway, also known as SMS server, integrates hardware and software for managing communication. Such device offers various methods for integration with external
systems like API, Email To SMS, etc. It is an alternative to an online SMS gateway.

What are the basic differences between
Hardware SMS Gateway and Online SMS Gateway
(service in the cloud)?

Hardware SMS Gateway

Works without Internet

Content remains within your organization
(data confidentiality)

Offers advanced software integration
and customization

Sender ID can not be changed

Two-way communication is always possible

Online SMS Gateway

Requires Internet connection

SMS content is sent over
the Internet

Does not offer advances software
integration or customization

Sender ID can be changed

Two-way communication is impossible with alteres Sender ID

What do I need to start using SMS gateway hardware?

A SMS gateway hardware device: You need to purchase a SMS gateway hardware device that meets your communication requirements.

SIM card: You need a SIM card from a mobile network provider that supports SMS messaging. The SIM card should be inserted into the hardware SMS gateway device to enable it to send and receive text messages.

How to use it?

Purchase SMSEagle device

Insert your SIM card into SMSEagle

Connect SMSEagle to your computer network

Access your SMSEagle from a web browser or any external system.

Purchase SMSEagle device

Insert your SIM card into SMSEagle

Connect SMSEagle to your computer network via LAN

Access your SMSEagle from a web browser or any external system without Internet.

How do I send messages using hardware SMS gateway?

Web-GUI

With a web-GUI, users can send messages directly from their web browser. This use scenario is suitable for businesses that need to send occasional text messages, such as appointment reminders, messages to employees or clients, promotional messages. Users can log in to the web-GUI and send messages to one or more recipients.

API

An API (Application Programming Interface) allows developers to integrate SMS messaging capabilities into their software applications. This use scenario is suitable for businesses that need to send automated text messages, such as transactional messages or SMS alerts. Developers can use the API to send messages programmatically from their applications or systems.

Email to SMS

With Email to SMS, users can send SMS messages from their email accounts. This use scenario is suitable for businesses that need to send text messages from their email clients, such as Outlook. Users can send messages by composing an email and sending it to a specific email address associated with the SMS gateway. The service will then convert the email to an SMS message and send it to the recipient’s phone number.

Where SMS gateway hardware can be used?

IT Professionals:
Send alerts and tokens from
IT infrastructure

Government:
Send information to employees with full data confidentiality

Building Automation:
Send immediate alerts on infrastructure failures from BMS

Factories:
Send important equipment updates to employees

Healthcare:
Remind patients about upcoming appointments

Customer Service:
Inform customers about sales, offers and order status

Schools:
Inform about closures and emergencies

Transportation:
Communicate with drivers of public and private vehicles while on the road

What is the difference between models of SMS gateway hardware?

SMS Throughput: SMS throughput refers to the rate at which an SMS gateway can send SMS texts and receive SMS. It is measured in SMS messages per minute. The higher the SMS throughput, the more messages can be handled at a given time. SMS throughput is determined by the capacity of the SMS gateway, the speed of its communication channels, and the processing power of the device.

Technology (3G/4G/5G): 3G/4G/5G are mobile network technologies used for wireless communication. The main difference between them is the speed and bandwidth they offer. 4G technology is newer and offers a greater range. 3G technology is slowly being phased out.

Modem Failover: Modem Failover is a feature that allows to switch to a backup modem in case the primary modem fails. This feature ensures continuous operation of the SMS gateway hardware and minimizes the risk of downtime or message delivery failure. With Modem Failover, businesses can ensure that their device is always operational, even if one of the modems fails.

Check a detailed comparison of different SMSEagle gateway models

Do you want to learn more?

Your obstacles are unique, and the solutions for them should be too. SMSEagle devices allows you to incorporate SMS/MMS communications into your workflow in a way that makes sense to you. To find out how SMSEagle will allow you to create the solution you need, get in touch with our team.