SMSDirect FAQ 

Aeris supports SMS for M2M messages of 150+ bytes. Depending on the application’s needs for delivery speed and reliability, you can use generic SMS or Aeris’s ruggedized, low-latency SMSDirect, which is designed specifically for M2M applications.

The primary advantages of SMSDirect are delivery speed and reliability. Generic SMS is the service provided by other wireless carriers. It is prone to delivery delays and sometimes messages are not delivered at all. SMSDirect is an optimized form of the protocol that ensures low latency and reliable acknowledged delivery.

SMSDirect typically takes 3-12 seconds for Mobile Terminated (MT) messages. MT means that the message was sent to a deployed device. For Mobile Originated (MO) messages, which are messages originated by a deployed device, 3-6 seconds are typical.

Based on our testing, Aeris has observed 99% reliability in the delivery of SMSDirect messages. Other cellular operators experience an average delivery success rate for generic SMS ranges from 87% to 95%. This statistic does not incorporate latency. The largest risk in using generic SMS is indeterminate delivery time, if it is delivered at all.

SMSDirect leverages network signaling and control channel technology to ensure reliable delivery, whereas generic SMS messages pass through gateways and other store and forward infrastructure, which can introduce delays. Depending on traffic conditions, delivery time for generic SMS may vary from seconds to hours, or they may not be delivered at all.

If a device is not available to receive an SMSDirect message, Aeris sends a notification of the failure to the commercial application. In this way, the application remains informed and can respond accordingly.

MO (Mobile Originated) and MT (Mobile Terminated) messages are supported. Verification of message delivery is also available via Delivery Receipt messages. MO means that a device in the field sends a message. MT means that a commercial application sends a message to a device.

With 7-bit encoding, 160 bytes.
With 8-bit encoding, 140 bytes.

No.

SMSDirect is best suited for applications that require low latency and high delivery reliability. Examples include but are not limited to: security and alarm, emergency response, vehicle or container tracking, status reporting, and real-time remote control. For more information, download the SMSDirect technical datasheet.

Aeris provides SMS and SMSDirect coverage throughout North America.