SMPP Router

Features

Key features include:

• ESME authentication for bind control
• Advanced routing for MT and MO traffic
• MSISDN lookups (HTTP and ENUM)
• Bridging ESME-to-ESME and SMSC-to-SMSC
• Load balancing between ESMEs and target SMSCs
• Modification of message content and other fields
• Rejection of messages based on PDU fields and schedules
• Proxy and multiplex modes for flexible deployment
• Monitoring via Prometheus and Grafana
• Multipart message reassembly and automatic retry on NAK

Feature availability may vary by release version.

With configurable routing tables and support for operator-aware logic using either NDC or MNC, SMPP Router is engineered to perform where it matters most. It’s built for backend integration, prioritising efficiency, throughput, and reliability—ideal for environments demanding industrial-grade SMS routing without compromise.

Articles, posts and tutorials

To support adoption and deepen technical understanding, we are launching a series of educational articles highlighting the capabilities of the SMPP Router—beginning with a deep dive into MO SMS routing. These resources will benefit messaging engineers, operators, and integration specialists alike. A free, limited-time licence will be available to allow hands-on evaluation. Topics covered will include authentication, routing strategy, load balancing, monitoring, credit control, and more. Join us as we demonstrate how SMPP Router redefines intelligent SMS routing in today’s messaging networks.

Melrose Labs SMPP Router – Article Series

• Introduction to SMPP Router
  An overview of the platform’s purpose, design philosophy, and deployment scenarios.
• Routing Mobile Originated (MO) SMS
  How MO SMS is routed to customer ESMEs using session and PDU fields.
• Routing Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS to SMSC Targets
  Techniques for routing MT SMS using destination address, country code, NDC, and MNC.
• Authenticating Customer ESME Binds
  Optional authentication strategies for securing ESME connections.
• MSISDN Lookup Integration
  Using HTTP-based lookups to enrich routing logic.
• Message Content Modification at Runtime
  When and how to alter message payloads based on defined rules.
• Rejecting Messages Based on PDU Fields and Time Rules
  Implementing conditional logic for traffic rejection.
• Load Balancing for ESME-to-Target and Target-to-ESME Flows
  Ensuring optimal distribution of messaging load.
• Proxy and Multiplex Modes Explained
  Deployment considerations and use cases for each mode.
• Monitoring and Observability with Prometheus and Grafana
  Metrics, dashboards, and operational insights.
• Multipart Message Handling and Reassembly
  Ensuring completeness and consistency in multi-part messaging.
• Handling SubmitSMResp NAKs with Automatic Resubmission
  Reliability features that enhance delivery success rates.
• CDR Generation and Credit Control
  Capturing detailed delivery records and enforcing usage policies.
• Load Testing SMPP Router: Achieving 5000 TPS
  Best practices for performance testing and benchmarking.
• Routing Logic Configuration: NDC vs MNC and Operator Awareness
  Choosing the right approach for accurate and efficient routing.

Trial

SMPP Router can either be installed using the instructions below or you can request that Melrose Labs provide you with a pre-installed SMPP Router on an AWS EC2 server.

Download

The Debian 12 build of SMPP Router can be downloaded below. Alternatively, it can be downloaded during the "automatic" installation process.

Installation

Option 1: Automatic Installation

Run the following command on your Debian 12 server. It will update the system, install required dependencies, download the latest version of SMPP Router, install it as a systemd service, and start it:

			sudo apt update && \
			sudo apt install -y tar apache2-utils && \
			wget https://melroselabs.com/repo/smpprouter/opMLSMPPRouter_1a98a28.tar.gz && \
			tar -xzf opMLSMPPRouter_1a98a28.tar.gz && \
			sudo ./install.sh
			  

Option 2: Manual Installation

Alternatively, you may download the SMPP Router package and install it manually, configuring it according to your requirements and operating using tools such as systemd, screen, or tmux.

Documentation

Documentation can be found at the following link: SMPP Router documentation