Paging software for Windows
Pagers are still in use in situations where mobile phone reception is unreliable or where radio transmitters cannot be used. Pagers are reliable, have a long battery life and are a good solution for quick personal or group messaging.
Paging providers offer access points to their paging network to give customers the means to send messages to their pagers. Traditionally most paging providers used access points via the TAP protocol over an analog modem connection but more and more paging providers now offer internet access points. The access points are used by the paging software to send the messages and provide feedback if the message is accepted or rejected. Paging options are available in the basic- and full editions of Diafaan SMS Server.
Paging Gateway
The Paging Gateway in Diafaan SMS Server uses the access points of the paging companies to send the pager messages. Because Diafaan SMS Server supports most of the paging protocols in use today, you can use the access method that is most suitable for your need. And if the paging provider offers more than one access method, you can use the backup gateway option in the paging software to route the message through a different access point if the preferred one is down.
Protocol Connector
The Protocol Connector in Diafaan SMS Server accepts client connections from a variety of paging clients over a modem, serial port or internet connection. The messages from the paging clients are then sent by Diafaan SMS Server to pagers, mobile phones or email.
Paging protocols
Diafaan SMS Server supports the following paging protocols:
Available in the Paging Gateway and the Protocol Connector: | ||
protocol | connection | description |
TAP | Modem Serial port Internet |
Telocator Alphanumeric Protocol (TAP, also known as IXO or PET) is an industry standard and is the main communications protocol for paging over a modem connection in the US, Canada, South America, Australia, and the majority of Europe. |
UCP | Modem Serial port Internet |
Universal Computer Protocol (UCP) is primarily used to connect to short message service centres (SMSC) for mobile phones. In Europe it is also used to send pager messages over a modem, serial port or internet connection. |
SNPP | Internet | Simple Network Paging Protocol (SNPP) is a relatively simple Internet protocol that can be used to send messages to pagers and mobile phones. |
Only available in the Paging Gateway: | ||
protocol | connection | description |
SMTP (email) | Internet | Email is widely used to send messages to pagers and mobile phone. Since the email system is not time sensitive and it is not known if the paging provider received the message, it is not ideal for use with urgent paging or SMS messages. The SMTP service can also be used to send messages to normal email users. |
WCTP | Internet | Wireless Communication Transfer Protocol (WCTP) facilitates sending messages to pagers and mobile phones over a plain (http) or secure (https) HTTP connection. |
Only available in the Protocol Connector: | ||
protocol | connection | description |
ESPA | Serial port Internet |
ESPA 4.4.4 is a serial port protocol for the connection between a telephone system and an on-site paging system. It is also used in nurse call systems, fire alarm systems and access control systems. The Protocol Connector can receive the messages from the telephone system or alarm system and forward them to pagers or mobile phones. |