Operating principles of cellular gateways
A GSM/UMTS/LTE gateway can be thought of as a mobile phone connected to a public landline network or the internet. The gateway routes calls from a mobile phone to a landline through the local telephone network, thus reducing any conversation to a common denominator called an "intranet call," the per-minute cost of which is almost always less than the actual call (to a "foreign" network).
GSM/UMTS/LTE gateways are most often multi-channel. A multi-channel gateway is a device in which each channel is a separate mobile phone with its own number and belongs to any mobile operator. The gateway checks all outgoing calls and, if the subscriber's number using the gateway is in the device's predefined list, routes the connection either to a gateway of another operator (via a phone included in a corporate group) or to the incoming capacity of the local PBX. Roughly speaking, the connection is established between two SIM cards of the same operator, not between a mobile phone and a landline.
Modern GSM/UMTS/LTE gateways typically include multiple SIM cards connected to different operators' networks to provide the overall system with flexibility in routing voice traffic. Therefore, if a user needs to call a phone not connected to the corporate mobile or landline network, they dial one of the GSM gateway's channels and then, usually after a special signal, dial the number of the called party. This call is billed as an on-net call. This simple operation significantly reduces the call cost. The only drawback of this method is the need to enter the final subscriber's number, which requires remembering the phone number, rather than using the device's phone book.
When making an incoming call, the device checks whether the called party is in the specified list and routes the call to one of the SIM cards of the appropriate operator. In both cases, the connection is established between two mobile phones, not between a mobile and a landline, reducing the connection cost several times.
The volume of on-net and off-net voice traffic is usually disproportionate: more call minutes are sent to home networks. However, the total cost of off-net calls significantly exceeds that of on-net calls. The entire "gimmick" of gateway devices is based on allowing subscribers to save on off-net calls by replacing them with calls to the subscriber's native network.
This savings is especially noticeable in large corporations, where employees actively use mobile phones. Using gateways reduces the cost of such calls by routing them through the GSM/UMTS/LTE module, thus equating employee communication costs to on-net rates. Moreover, the savings are especially noticeable if the phones are grouped together in a corporate group.
Some models can simulate external telephone lines. Simply connect one or more landline telephones or an external line from a PBX to the gateway, and your office, apartment, or country house will be connected to a telephone network. In this case, external subscribers dial the gateway number, and calls are routed to the user's internal phones. With a PBX, external subscribers can dial the internal number after a special signal and connect to the specific internal network subscriber they need. Conversely, corporate subscribers can call from landlines just as they would with a regular landline. The fundamental principle of cost savings remains intact.
During various operating modes, the clients served by the gateway can save up to 70% on calls! The minimum savings are estimated at approximately 25%.
The costs associated with the gateway are limited to the one-time payment for the equipment itself and the recurring bills for the SIM cards installed in the device and the landline networks used.
The purchase of this device typically pays for itself within a few months. The specific period depends on the gateway model, the activity of corporate subscribers (the more calls, the greater the savings), and the difference in the cost per minute of calls within and outside the network.
Modern gateways consist of a switching board connected via a digital interface to the mobile module itself.
Some models have software that can be configured to provide itemized bills without operators.
With the ability to receive itemized bills from operators, and using a PC, you can access a full range of billing information within a single corporate network.
The wide variety of gateway models and models differs in the method of connection to the PBX (to an internal or external line), integration and remote management capabilities, and the use of GSM, 3G, 4G or CDMA modules.
In addition to its intended purpose gateway can perform many other applications.
A gateway can be used to connect alarm signals from electronic security systems. If the inputs to which the systems are connected are activated, the device will automatically call phone numbers or send SMS notifications. Connected to an electronic security system, a gateway allows you to monitor locations or facilities not connected to a direct telephone line. Some models even allow you to connect a fire alarm system to the gateway. In short, the capabilities of modern communication devices are truly limitless