What is SMPP (Short Message Peer to Peer)?

SMPP (Short Message Peer to Peer) Introduction

SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer) is a flexible data communications interface for the exchange of short message data between External Short Message Entities (ESME), Routing Entities (RE), and Message Centers (MC).

How Does the SMPP Work?

When an SMS-enabled device or application wishes to text another device, it starts an SMPP session with the Message Center (MC) of the cellular carrier.

The SMPP protocol is used by both the device and the Message Center during the session to send and receive requests (or commands). These requests and responses are condensed into "Protocol Data Units" (PDUs). It's how they specify whether an External Short Message Entity (ESME) will transmit or receive an SMS transmission (or do both), as well as how they relay the information itself.

The SMS transmission is accepted or rejected on behalf of the recipient by the Message Center of the cellular carrier, which first determines which entity is sending or receiving. If one of the parties has to use a gateway for SMS communication, the gateway also serves as a middleman, transmitting data to and from the Message Center. 

What are SMPP Specifications?

The SMPP protocol standard has three iterations. The specification's first release to the general public, SMPP v3.3, came out in 1997. This was upgraded to SMPP v3.4 in 1999. The latest version, SMPP v5, was made available in 2003.

What is the SMPP used for?

Modern SMS communications rely heavily on the SMPP, which is used in a wide variety of contexts. Here are some use cases:

• Business
  With business texting, text messages can be sent from a computer program to a single phone number or a large group of phone numbers using the SMPP protocol. This can be used for everything from marketing communications, information services, rescheduled appointment notifications, chatbot services, and even password reset requests.
• Cellular IoT devices
  Smart meters and other cellular Internet of Things devices use the SMPP to send updates on resource use and location status. A smart alarm system uses the SMPP to contact the building owner after an incident, such as a fire or break-in and may include a link to a video feed.