An
SMS center (SMSC) is responsible for handling the SMS operations of a
wireless network. When an SMS message is sent from a mobile phone, it
will reach an SMS center first. The SMS center then forwards the SMS
message towards the destination. An SMS message may need to pass
through more than one network entity (e.g. SMSC and SMS gateway)
before reaching the destination. The main duty of an SMSC is to route
SMS messages and regulate the process. If the recipient is
unavailable (for example, when the mobile phone is switched off), the
SMSC will store the SMS message. It will forward the SMS message when
the recipient is available.
Very
often an SMSC is dedicated to handle the SMS traffic of one wireless
network. A network operator usually manages its own SMSC(s) and
locates them inside its wireless network system. However, it is
possible for a network operator to use a third-party SMSC that is
located outside the wireless network system.
You
must know the address of the wireless network operator's SMSC in
order to use SMS messaging with your mobile phone. Typically an SMSC
address is an ordinary phone number in the international format. A
mobile phone should have a menu option that can be used to configure
the SMSC address. Normally, the SMSC address is pre-set in the SIM
card by the wireless network operator, which means you do not need to
make any changes to it.
