SMS Center

An SMS center (SMSC) is a facility responsible for handling the SMS operations of a wireless network. When an SMS message is sent from a mobile phone or other device, it goes to an SMS center first, where it is forwarded toward its destination. An SMS message may need to pass through more than one network entity (e.g., SMSCs and SMS gateways) before reaching its destination. The main obligation of an SMSC is to route SMS messages. If the recipient is unavailable, the SMSC will store the SMS message and forward it to the recipient when the recipient's mobile phone or other device is available.