GSM Gateway is a hardware device that acts as a bridge between a cellular GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network and other communication systems, primarily traditional landline telephone systems (PSTN/PBX) or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks.
what it is and how it works:
What it is:
- Hardware Device: It's a physical piece of equipment.
- Contains SIM Cards: Just like a mobile phone, it has slots for one or more SIM cards from different mobile operators.
- Network Bridge: Its main function is to connect different communication networks.
- Also known as: GSM VoIP Gateway, Fixed Cellular Terminal (FCT), or SIM Box.
How it works:
- SIM Card Integration: Active SIM cards are inserted into the gateway. These SIMs provide access to the mobile cellular network.
- Signal Conversion: The gateway converts signals between the GSM network and the other connected network (e.g., VoIP or PSTN).
- VoIP to GSM: When a call originates from a VoIP system (like an IP PBX), the GSM gateway receives the call as data packets. It then converts these data packets into a GSM signal and routes the call through one of its SIM cards to the mobile network, effectively making it a mobile-to-mobile call.
- GSM to VoIP/PSTN: Conversely, when a call comes in from the mobile network to one of the gateway's SIM cards, it converts the GSM signal into data packets (for VoIP) or analog/digital signals (for PSTN) and routes it to the connected phone system.
- Intelligent Routing: Many GSM gateways offer "Least Cost Routing (LCR)" capabilities. This means they can automatically select the most cost-effective SIM card and mobile operator for outgoing calls based on factors like destination, time of day, and tariff plans. This is a primary driver for businesses to use them.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Cost Reduction: By routing calls to mobile numbers or international destinations through mobile networks, businesses can leverage cheaper mobile tariffs or bundled minutes, significantly reducing communication costs compared to traditional landline rates.
- Network Bridging and Protocol Conversion: Seamlessly connects cellular networks to other telephony systems (PSTN, PBX, VoIP/SIP).
- Multi-SIM Management: Can hold and manage multiple SIM cards from various mobile operators, enabling capacity, redundancy, and cost optimization.
Common Applications:
- Call Centers: To reduce the cost of high volumes of outbound calls to mobile numbers.
- Businesses with High Call Volumes: Especially those making frequent calls to mobile or international destinations.
- Remote Offices/Locations: Where traditional wired infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
- SMS Marketing: For sending bulk SMS messages.
Learn More: https://medium.com/@callcentersolutionccs/best-gsm-voip-gateway-provider-in-india-8939a2c61d46
