How Text Messaging & SMS Works
Messages can be sent to pagers, cell phones or other devices any number of ways. We've detailed some of the more common ways below.
PageGate — Network Messaging
PageGate is extremely powerful, flexible and modular!
Server
Carrier
Device
GUI Client — Network Workstations
SMS or text messages can be sent from a client on network workstations.
Web Interface — Web Pages
Text or SMS messages can be easily sent from Internet or intranet web pages. Web pages can be created to include drop down lists of users or groups, or if you prefer each mobile device can have its own personalized web page.
Commandline / ASCII Interface — Commandline & Existing Applications
SMS or text messages can be sent from a commandline or by scanning a predetermined file for text messages. This interface is commonly used to add a level of notification to existing applications.
Serial Port
Text or SMS Messages can be initiated by monitoring a serial port. The message can then be forwarded to mobile devices. This interface is frequently used to add a layer of wireless notification to alarm systems or legacy building control systems.
TAP (Terminal)
Messages that come into the engine via the TAP interface can be redistributed to other devices. (TAP is the protocol used to dial out via modem to the terminal).
Email messages or notification of newly received email messages can be easily forwarded to pagers, cell phones, SMS devices or other wireless devices.
NotePager Pro — Standalone Messaging
Messages are created on a computer and then can be sent to mobile phones or pagers.
An individual, group or multiple recipients are selected from a list. The message is then sent to the mobile phone, sms device or pagers.
The SMS or text messages can be sent via the Internet to the paging or wireless carrier. There are two new protocols SNPP and WCTP which are supported by many of the larger carriers. If your carrier supports these protocols this is probably the easiest way to send messages! Check the list to see if your carrier supports them! SNPP Support or WCTP Support
If you have a traditional modem, messages can be sent by dialing out and connecting to the modem at the paging terminal. The software will then send the message in a format that the terminal understands. The terminal then broadcasts the message to the appropriate wireless device.
In many cases messages can also be sent to the paging carrier via email. This is the least reliable delivery method. The SMTP email protocol was not designed for paging or "instant" delivery, depending on the routing of the email there can be significant time delays. If you are using messaging for critical applications we would encourage you to utilize one of the other delivery methods.