Do you pay dearly for outgoing communications when calling clients? Then this article is for you!

Organizing office or home telephony may require access to cellular networks. This is necessary to make cheap and even free local and long-distance calls. Many tariffs from cellular operators require an intranet unlimited limit, which allows you to use almost free communications from IP phones and landline devices.

To connect an IP network and a cellular network, you need to purchase a VOIP-GSM gateway. What is this device and how does it work?

What is a VOIP-GSM gateway

Calls from IP phones to landline landlines are inexpensive. If you call mobile numbers, the costs can be quite high. This statement is true for intraregional calls to cell phones, where it is most profitable to use unlimited and package tariff plans.

It is inconvenient to keep several mobile and IP phones in your office. Therefore, the easiest way is to organize a bunch of existing IP phones and mobile numbers. This is done using a device called a VOIP-GSM gateway. It will reduce the cost of making intranet and local calls to cell phones. A GSM-SIP gateway is a communication device to which telephones are connected .

The device itself connects to IP operators and to networks of cellular operators - for this there are slots for installing SIM cards. GSM gateways allow you to route calls in the following directions:

• From IP network phones to cell phones;
• From IP phones to any other phones in Russia and in the world (via the Internet);
• From cell phones to internal IP phones.

For example, a VOIP-GSM gateway can be configured so that when dialing cellular numbers it will dial through the GSM network, and when dialing any other numbers - through the IP network. All this allows you to significantly save on making long-distance and international calls .

Also, some models can work with virtual PBXs, providing call routing and additional services:

• Call distribution;
• Working with SMS mailings;
• Call forwarding;
• Assigning call distribution rules;
• Supports multiple SIP accounts and SIP lines;
• Sending USSD commands;
• Telephone line emulation;
• Support for blacklists;
• Call holding and waiting.

The number of SIM cards in VOIP-GSM gateways can reach several dozen - such gateways are necessary for mass work with clients (they are aimed at corporate use). At home, simple and inexpensive gateways with one SIM card slot are used.

Oktell SIP GSM Gateway or how to get a SIP GSM gateway 3-5 times cheaper!

In this article I will talk about how to independently assemble a universal SIP GSM gateway, which in its capabilities will be in no way inferior to expensive models from well-known manufacturers.

The idea of ​​such a gateway is based on the use of very inexpensive Huawei E1550 GSM modems, which have a voice transmission function.

With standard use of this modem (along with Internet access), the user puts on a headset, installs the modem in the USB port of the computer, loads the driver and makes calls through the modem, just like through a regular GSM phone. However, in the case of a SIP GSM gateway, you need to force the modem to do the same, but “on command” from the 3CX Phone System SIP server. And there were talented people who managed to do it!

The program that implements the specified functionality is called Oktell SIP GSM Gateway. The software gateway operates as a Windows OS service “on top” of the Windows modem driver on the one hand (ATA commands are used) and acts as a standard SIP gateway on the other hand. 3CX Phone System interacts with it as with a standard SIP gateway ( Generic SIP Gateway ), receiving and transmitting voice calls to the GSM network and back.

Along with the very low cost, which, in fact, consists of the cost of a GSM modem and a license for the Oktell SIP GMS Gateway software (it is very inexpensive), the described solution has a number of remarkable advantages:

• The modems used are officially supplied to Ukraine, and, therefore, are on the “white” list of Ukrfrequency Supervision . Unfortunately, many “hardware” gateways have problems with registration with Ukrfrequency Supervision.
• You can precisely increase or distribute the number of GSM channels by simply adding new Huawei E1550 modems. “Hardware” gateways always come with a fixed number of ports; in addition, these ports cannot be “spaced” in different places if the network topology requires it.
• The gateway is very reliable and unpretentious in operation . For example, if a “hardware” gateway port fails, the entire gateway must be repaired. In the case of a software solution, it is enough to simply replace one modem!
• The gateway does not take up much space and does not require external power , although external power is recommended in some cases. More will be said about this.
• The SIP GMS Gateway program is installed on the same Windows computer on which 3CX Phone System is installed . Thus, the number of system components is reduced, and, consequently, the reliability of the system as a whole increases !

Let's look at how to get started using this great solution.

To get started, download the gateway and read the documentation. You can try the gateway for 14 days (one GSM channel)! In our example, the gateway will be installed on the same server on which 3CX Phone System is installed.

Let's create a new Generic Gateway in 3CX. For demonstration purposes, I made one channel. Once you have purchased an Oktell SIP GMS Gateway license for the required number of GSM channels, you can easily recreate the gateway in 3CX with the required number of lines, or create new gateways. Please note that Oktell SIP GMS Gateway uses a local address and SIP port number 5070 ! Also pay attention to the Virtual Extension number, which, in my case, is 10002 . In the future, it will be used when configuring Oktell SIP GSM Gateway.

In the Advanced , check the Support Replaces .

Attention! In the Inbound Parameters , set the values ​​of the SIP fields as shown in the figure.

This completes the setup on the 3CX Phone System side. Let's move on to setting up the gateway.

Insert the modem into the USB port of your computer and install Oktell SIP GMS Gateway. This will also install the modem drivers necessary for normal operation of the gateway. Do not install drivers that come with the modem!

Launch Oktell SIP GMS Gateway and activate the license, or use the Trial license.

Click Continue and launch SIP GMS Gateway Manager again. The application should detect the inserted modem.

Click the Configure and specify the parameters as shown in the figure. Most parameters, except for the connection data to 3CX (Virtual Extension numbers) and codec priority, do not need to be changed!

Click the Save and then Apply. Oktell SIP GMS Gateway must connect to 3CX.

This completes the creation of a software SIP GSM gateway!

And now some tips.

They will be especially useful for those who use a large number of GMS ports (modems). Please note that you should only follow them if you are experiencing problems with the stability of the GSM gateway!

1. I recommend restarting the Oktell SIP GMS Gateway service once a day. The batch file is extremely simple.

net stop sipgsmservice net start sipgsmservice

2. Issues of “unlocking” the modem are not discussed in this article, but certain recommendations are given to our clients.

And finally, let's talk about the cost of the solution.

Let's assume you need to build an 8-port SIP GSM gateway.

Draw your conclusions!

Your feedback and comments are welcome on the Oktell SIP GMS Gateway forum.

Popular gateways

As examples, we will look at the three most popular models of VOIP-GSM gateways.

Yeastar NeoGate TG400

The list of popular VOIP-GSM gateways includes the Yeastar NeoGate TG400 model. The gateway is aimed at office applications where you need to make frequent calls to mobile phones. Especially for this, the device was equipped with four slots for SIM cards. The gateway can work with SIP providers and can connect to office PBXs .

To improve the quality of communication with GSM networks, it is possible to connect external antennas. Work with GSM networks in the Yeastar NeoGate TG400 gateway is presented in full - the device can work with SMS mailings, receive text messages, send USSD commands and inform about the balance on the numbers used. If necessary, installed SIM cards can be replaced without rebooting the device.

Yeastar TG100

This miniature VOIP-GSM gateway is equipped with one GSM module and a built-in SIP proxy for routing calls from IP phones. A LAN port is provided for connecting to external equipment. The device can route both incoming and outgoing calls, allows you to check your balance and warn about its decline, can suppress echoes and work with SMS messages via a web interface. SMS messaging is also supported.

GoIP 1

The miniature GSM-SIP gateway GoIP 1 can be used both at home and in a small office . It is equipped with one SIM card slot, and IP phones are connected via IP PBX or switches. Also, the use of soft phones is allowed. Thanks to its small size, affordable price and good performance, the device is an ideal solution for routing calls between IP phones and GSM networks.

This VOIP-GSM gateway is available in several modifications, differing in the number of installed SIM cards.

Earning money on termination using inexpensive GSM gateways

When starting a business in GSM termination, an entrepreneur immediately faces the problem of purchasing equipment. With a small initial capital, it will not be possible to buy expensive gateways and SIM banks, and the possibility of purchasing cheap devices causes concern among the terminator. Does it make sense to buy equipment from the cheap gsm gateway category, or is the benefit from this questionable?

The most inexpensive VoIP equipment today are devices made in China. Many people doubt the quality of Chinese products, but in reality, it is quite possible to terminate using such gateways. Moreover, you can conduct business in GSM termination quite efficiently without spending money on expensive equipment.

There are inexpensive devices from two brands on the market that have the best balance of price, quality and functionality - GoIP and Skyline. The approximate price range of GoIP products is from $90 to $2000 (the line includes gateways for 1,4,8,16,32 channels and SIM banks for 32/128 SIM cards). The cost of China Skyline equipment is from $500 to $3000 (gateways for 8, 16, 32 channels, SIM boxes for 128/256 cards)

Corporate Solution from GoAntiFraud is an advantageous offer for GSM termination professionals! A comprehensive solution for corporate clients of the service will increase the profitability of your business significantly! At your disposal are professional advice from GoAntiFraud technical specialists, tools for effective protection against SIM block, SBO traffic optimization and other service capabilities.

GoIP GSM gateways, despite their low price, are quite suitable for starting a traffic termination business. Of course, their functionality is somewhat limited; in addition, they have an inconvenient interface, so it will be difficult for a beginner to understand the devices. By connecting the inexpensive hybertone goip 4 gateway to the GoAntiFraud service, you can terminate effectively and receive a solid income. A comprehensive solution for GSM termination will unlock the full potential of Chinese equipment and expand existing capabilities. The service provides remote control of all VoIP system devices, automation of processes for working with SIM cards, as well as reliable camouflage from AntiFraud. To start a business, a four-channel gateway or hybertone goip 8 is optimal. With continuous operation of one device on 8 ports for 8 hours, you will be able to terminate 3840 minutes daily.

Equipment from the manufacturer China Skyline is somewhat more expensive compared to GoIP, but the product line includes devices with a larger number of channels. In turn, SIM banks are designed to store a larger number of SIM cards (128/256). In addition, Skyline gateways are more functional - they are equipped with additional slots for SIM cards. Thus, you can store from 32 to 128 cards in them, depending on the model, that is, use them as a kind of SIM box. Good functionality is also evidenced by the “channel rotation” feature provided in the gateways, which allows you to rotate SIM cards. True, the manufacturer Skyline uses SIM Server from Hybertone for its devices, which is difficult to configure and inconvenient to use. Also among the disadvantages of inexpensive Chinese equipment, it is worth noting weak technical support and a language barrier between the buyer of the gateways and the manufacturer. According to terminators, if malfunctions occur with the gateways, it is very difficult to get advice from Chinese representatives.

All the disadvantages of cheap equipment can be minimized thanks to the GoAntiFraud service. By connecting GoIP and China Skyline devices, you will have access to the built-in SIM server and SMS server, thereby expanding the capabilities of your gateways. Our qualified technicians will help you quickly set them up, and within a couple of hours you can start terminating. In addition to the GoAntiFraud service itself, we offer GoIP, EjoinTech & China Skyline equipment. These manufacturers are our direct partners, so gateways and SIM banks can be purchased from us at the lowest price. By ordering VoIP equipment, you will receive competent technical support - the customer support service works around the clock.

Increase your business income in GSM termination by ordering Corporate Solution from GoAntiFraud! Choose the optimal package for yourself - Start Up, DeLuxe or Ultimate, and get a profitable opportunity to evaluate all the capabilities of the service! You can also buy GoIP, EjoinTech & ChinaSkyline equipment from us at low prices.

Which GSM gateway to choose

The choice of gateway depends on the functional requirements. If you need a simple and reliable VOIP-GSM gateway, you should take a closer look at simple models with one SIM card. If you don’t have a PBX, you need to take a closer look at models with FXO ports - telephone sets are connected directly to them . To organize support services and work with a large number of clients, it is recommended to take a closer look at expensive multi-channel VOIP-GSM gateways equipped with PBX support and multiple slots for SIM cards.

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