What is SMSC: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you experiencing significant delays in delivering messages? Or you might be struggling to handle the volume of messages due to network congestion. In both cases, SMSC or Short Message Service Center is the perfect solution. 📧

SMS is vulnerable to various security threats💀, such as spoofing, phishing, and other malware attacks. SMSC can provide essential security features to protect against these threats by safeguarding sensitive data and information through proper encryption, authentication, and access control mechanisms.

This blog has covered detailed information about the SMSC, its importance, working procedure, SMSC numbers, and other related topics.

What is SMSC?

SMSC, also known as the Short Message Service Center, is a crucial cloud telecommunication network infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of short text messages (SMS) between mobile devices. It is a vital hub for storing, processing, and forwarding SMS messages.

SMSC’s primary function is to properly route, track, and deliver messages. This lets users receive SMS notifications, see message status, generate delivery reports, and filter messages properly.

The SMSC Infrastructure is designed for higher reliability and availability to ensure continuous service availability and message delivery. It is scalable and capable of handling large volumes of text messages, and it has robust security measures.

What is SMSC Number?

SMSC Number is a specific phone number assigned to a mobile network service. Also known as an SMSC address, it is a central hub for handling all SMS text message delivery, routing, and storage.

The SMSC Number is the destination address for outgoing SMS messages. It’s stored in the settings of the specific mobile device. Cell phones use this number to route messages to the appropriate SMSC for delivery and processing.

The SMSC Number varies depending on the user’s mobile operator and geographical location. Users don’t necessarily have to interact with this number unless they troubleshoot SMS-related problems or configure advanced SMS messaging settings.

The characteristics of SMSC Number are as follows:

• Network-Specific
• Security
• Configurability
• Global Reach

How does SMSC Work?

SMSC is an important mobile or cell phone telecommunication feature that is responsible for routing and delivering SMS properly and efficiently. If you are searching for the working procedure of SMSC or Short Message Service Center, then here is the detailed information on how SMSC works:

1. Send SMS

Whenever the user sends text messages, the SMS is first transmitted to the nearest base station and then forwarded to the mobile network’s SMSC.

2. Validation of SMS

After the SMS is in the receiving stage, the SMSC validates it to ensure it complies with SMS network protocols and network-specific requirements. This includes checking the address, message length, and formatting of both the senders and recipients.

3. Store Messages

The SMSC temporarily stores the message in its message queue and remains in it until the recipient’s device becomes reachable, and then the SMSC attempts to deliver or forward it.

4. Route Messages

The SMSC determines the most efficient route for message delivery to the recipient’s mobile device and checks whether the recipient is on the same network as the sender. Then, it sends the message through the appropriate channels, such as signaling IP networks or links, to reach the recipient’s network.

5. Delivery Attempt and Confirmation

Once the route is determined, SMSC attempts to forward the message. It sends the message using signaling links or IP networks to reach the recipient’s network. If the delivery is successful, the SMSC updates the message status accordingly.

6. Handling Errors

SMSC generates an error report if delivery fails due to network congestion, an invalid recipient phone number, or an unreachable recipient. After a certain interval, it retries delivering the message or informs the sender about the delivery failure.

Importance of SMSC (Short Message Service Center)

If you have gone through the definition of SMS Center, SMSC number, and its characteristics, you better not overlook the importance of SMSCs, which play vital roles in learning more about the topic.

Some of the significant points that play a pivotal role in the importance of SMSC are as follows:

Traffic Routing

Traffic routing is essential as it helps direct messages to the recipient efficiently. It first determines the recipient’s network and location. Then, it analyzes the recipient’s phone number by identifying the destination network or appropriate route for the message, significantly reducing processing time and ensuring faster delivery.

Delivery Management

Delivery Management is another vital function that ensures smooth and reliable SMS delivery. It tracks the message and sends reports to the sender to determine whether it has been delivered successfully. 

If a recipient’s number is switched off or the network is unavailable, the message is temporarily stored in SMSC. This contributes to a better user experience for both the sender and receiver, who can be confident about their messages’ status.

Internetwork Communication

SMSCs act as network bridges that allow messages to flow seamlessly between senders and recipients. Internetwork communication allows multiple SMSCs to connect with one another through different networks and countries.

Internetwork Communication allows the SMSC to integrate with RCS (Rich Communication Services), an IP-based messaging service that enables features such as enhanced messaging with file transfers, read receipts, and more.

Security and Spam Filtering

Security and Spam Filtering play an important role in SMSC by protecting users and networks from network threats. Proper encryption, authorization, and authentication help SMSC verify the sender’s identity and mitigate spoofing attempts to ensure messages come from legitimate sources. It can help identify and potentially block messages containing malicious links or malware. 

With the Spam Filtering technique, users can reduce unwanted messages associated with spam, such as sender information and suspicious content. SMSC helps ensure users receive only desired and relevant messages. 

How to View & Modify SMSC Numbers on Android?

SMSC Number is an important feature that determines the destination where your device sends outgoing SMS messages for delivery. There are various ways to view and modify SMSC numbers on an Android device:

Using the Messaging App

The users can view the SMSC number on Android through the messaging app. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Messaging App.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon or settings gear account in the top right corner.
3. Search for “SMS Settings” or “Advanced Settings”.
4. Tap the option to view or edit the SMSC number within the Settings menu.

Using the Phone’s Settings

Another way of viewing SMSC numbers on Android is through the Phone’s Settings. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the “Network and Internet” option.
3. Select the “SIM Card” or “Mobile Network” option under it.
4. Tap on “Advanced Settings”, then search for “SMSC” or “Message Center”.
5. Then Click on the “SMSC” option to edit the number and save the changes if you’ve made any edits.

Send SMS Text Messages to Clients Effortlessly Through KrispCall

You can effortlessly send SMS text messages to your clients and customers through KrispCall without worry signal issues. SMS Center ensures your SMS is sent to your recipients without any hassle. Some of the main reasons you should choose KrispCall for sending SMS are its flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, cloud storage, analytics and reporting, and easy-to-use interface.

With higher conversion and open rates, the SMS Text Message feature is a reliable option for sending important business emails, personalized messages, promotional campaigns, etc. KrispCall costs just $15 per month per user.

Book a free KrispCall demo to see whether your business meets the requirements. If you want to send several messages simultaneously, you can also try using the Bulk SMS feature.

Wrapping up …

SMSC is an important factor for smooth SMS delivery. The process of making the senders and receivers satisfied with the SMS status displayed in front of them is the main motive or aim of SMS centers.

SMS Centers serve as proper infrastructure in mobile telecommunication networks. They are responsible for routing, processing, and delivering SMS messages between mobile devices. It handles the routing of SMS messages, ensuring they are delivered efficiently and reliably to the recipients or receivers. 

FAQs

Where is the SMSC Number located on my phone?

You can view or modify the SMSC Number through Phone Settings or Messaging app.

Is SMSC secured?

Yes, SMSC is secured. It ensures message confidentiality and integrity throughout the network, including encryption, authentication, and proper support to protect against possible network threats.

Can I change my SMSC Number?

You don’t need to manually change the SMSC number, as the mobile network provider configures it automatically.

Arun Chaudhary

Arun is SEO Analyst at KrispCall. He has written in extensively in the field of cloud telephony and call center solutions.