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NowSMS Support Forums ⬆ NowSMS Support - SMS Issues ⬆ Archive through December 09, 2003 ⬆ |
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| Author | Message | |||
| Olaf |
When setting up a gateway, there seems to be two ways to send/receive messages: via GSM modem or via a tcp/ip link to an operator. The operator connection seems to be rather expensive, according to info received from potential customers. Using a GSM modem give a very limited capacity. Is it possible to use more than one GSM modem on the same computer? Are there other types of hardware that may be used to provide more capacity when doing a "stand-alone" system? | |||
| Bryce Norwood - NowSMS Support (Bryce) |
Absolutely! We don't have a pre-defined limit on the number of GSM modems that can be attached to a system. (Well, actually a further check reveals that the configuration program won't let you add more than 200. J) The limitation here is the number of modems that you can reliably connect to a system. You'd want to look at multiport serial cards, like the ones from www.digi.com and others. 4 port and 8 port cards can be found at reasonable prices, once you get beyond that prices go up. -bn | |||
| Milan |
Hi Olaf, did i understand you correctly? You say using a GSM modem is cheaper than connecting via tcp/ip to an operator? But a GSM modem needs an SIM-card and still will connect to an (expensive) operator to send, won't it? Or don't you have to pay for each message that you send out with through an GSM modem? Sorry for this lame question, but i'm quite new to these topics... | |||
| Bryce Norwood - NowSMS Support (Bryce) |
Milan, Operator TCP/IP connections generally require a setup fee that can be quite expensive, and there are usually monthly minimum commitments that you have to make for the number of messages that you are going to send ... which you pay for whether you use them or not. Prices can vary quite a bit, but for lower volume, the GSM modem approach makes sense. (Especially if you can get a plan that includes some number of messages per month built into the plan.) Don't forget about independent service providers ... they buy SMS at bulk rates from the operators in large quantities ... and resell. -bn | |||
| Zhang Xiu Hua |
To get an operator connection in Mainland China, you need 1,000,000RMB (about 125,000USD) in deposited capital (bank) to qualify for the contract. Not that much money, but enough to make one consider using a modem/phone until usage demands the higher throughput. | |||
