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NowSMS Support Forums ⬆ NowSMS Support - MMS & Advanced Issues ⬆ Archive through October 14, 2015 ⬆ |
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| Author | Message | |||
| Jim Shattuck New member Username: Jims5555 Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2012 |
Hello, when using a modem to receive MMS messages with Now SMS/MMS, what is the limit of messages the modem can receive per second or per minute? Do the modems buffer? We need to implement a service that could receive multiple mms messages (with image) per minute on occasion during busy periods. We'd prefer to have a single modem/10 digit number. Thank you, Jim | |||
| Des - NowSMS Support Board Administrator Username: Desosms Post Number: 3830 Registered: 08-2008 |
Hi Jim, I wish I could give you a clear answer. There are just too many variables. Message size / Data speed / network performance being the primary factors. All this said, receiving MMS on a modem tends to be inefficient. The reason for this is a required ... what we call "mode switching". What this refers to is how the GSM modem interface needs to be in AT command mode to receive MMS notifications (they arrive via SMS), and on-line data mode to retrieve the MMS content. The typical scenario is that the MMS notification arrives via SMS. NowSMS exits command mode and initiates a data session to retrieve the MMS content. NowSMS can't see any new MMS notifications until it terminates the data session and re-enters command mode. The modem needs to buffer the notifications while NowSMS has a data session active. How many messages the modem can buffer will vary. For some reason, I want to say 30 is a frequent limit (that's an SMS buffering limit, 2 MMS per SMS). This mode switching tends to be inefficient. There are some modems that provide more that one virtual COM port so that NowSMS can keep a command mode session open on one and a data session open on the other. I've seen this primarily on Sierra Wireless modems. When I saw your message earlier, I reacquainted myself with the setup. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee that all Sierra Wireless modems work this way. However, I suspect most do ... we used to recommend them 8 or 9 years ago when they were PC Card modems because of this capability. And I say it with some confidence with regard to newer modems, because Sierra Wireless modems tend to be a pain to configure with NowSMS. I frequently refer people to the following article: http://www.nowsms.com/sms-and-mms-with-the-sierra-wireless-compass-885-usb-modem The configuration issue that makes them difficult to setup is what makes them better for the scenario that you describe. When you install the modem, the installation routine installs a modem driver for a modem port that can be used for data connections only. It cannot be used to send or receive SMS (recall that the MMS receiving process is triggered by an SMS). As a result, NowSMS complains that the modem cannot be used because it does not support SMS. You need to dig through your PC configuration using the details in the article I referenced to find and configure the modem port that can be used for SMS. Once you do, you can use the other port for data connectivity sending/receiving MMS content. For testing earlier today, I used an Sierra Wireless 885. Unfortunately, I don't have any other models handy to confirm with. But I can say that I refer people trying to configure NowSMS to use a Sierra Wireless modem to that article frequently because the software does not setup a modem driver for the modem interface that supports SMS. -- Des NowSMS Support | |||
| Jim Shattuck New member Username: Jims5555 Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2012 |
Thanks Des - I'm concerned about the throughput of the modems I looked at. I've been looking at MMS providers in the US but there seem to be so few, none advertise their pricing, and the information is vague. Too bad. We currently use Twilio in our application which is great but they don't support MMS either and our customers are demanding to be able to send text messages with pictures to our application and I just can't believe we can't find a solution anywhere. Jim | |||
| Des - NowSMS Support Board Administrator Username: Desosms Post Number: 3833 Registered: 08-2008 |
Hi Jim, One of the reasons we publish a 60-day trial is so that people can try it, experiment with it, and see if it meets their needs. Since you are in the US, I believe your best bet when using a modem is with AT&T. T-Mobile tends to block 3G modems from being able to send/receive MMS (even if you move a SIM from a phone to an unlocked modem). Operators always assume that modems are used from broadband internet access from computers, and that they do not support MMS. As such, moving a SIM from a phone account to an unlocked modem tends to be the best solution. There are a variety of vendors that sell unlocked USB stick modems. Avoid LTE, stick with 3G/HSPA for now (SMS doesn't seem to be fully baked in LTE modem implementations yet, and that impacts your ability to receive MMS). Although I don't normally recommend Sierra Wireless modems, in the case of receiving MMS messages, the ability to avoid "mode switching" is a big deal. NowSMS can keep the data channel active and keep receiving MMS notifications while the data channel is active. This means the modem is not relied on to buffer them. -- Des NowSMS Support | |||
| adonis dimaandal New member Username: Donis Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2014 |
Hello NowSMS Support Des, I'm from the Philippines and I am using your API to send MMS Message to mobile phone. but I am wondering is Smart broadband and Globe Broadband Plug and Play Modem Support GSM function? I see in the Globe Broadband there is an option GSM network, GSM preffered, only 3g and 3g preffered.. I'v tried using globe broadband unfortunately there's an error message. Connection failed and Unable to connect to wap gateway. in sending sms it works fine but not in MMS. your Immediate response is highly appreciated.. Thankyou. Please take some attention to me I really need your help. Thanks. | |||
