Why don't SMS messages arrive on WhatsApp - briefly?
WhatsApp is a messaging app that relies solely on an internet connection to send and receive messages. This means that traditional SMS messages, which are sent through cellular networks, do not arrive on WhatsApp.
Why don't SMS messages arrive on WhatsApp - in detail?
The primary reason why SMS messages do not arrive on WhatsApp is due to the fundamental differences in the communication protocols and infrastructure used by both services.
WhatsApp operates as an over-the-top (OTT) messaging service, which means it utilizes the internet to transmit messages, including text, images, videos, and voice calls. This is achieved through the use of the Internet Protocol (IP), specifically IP packets, which are transmitted over Wi-Fi or mobile data networks. WhatsApp encrypts these messages end-to-end, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read them.
In contrast, SMS (Short Message Service) operates on a completely different infrastructure. SMS messages are sent via the cellular network using the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) standards. These messages are transmitted in small packets of data through the Signaling System No. 7 (SS7), which is part of the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). SMS messages are typically unencrypted and have a character limit of 160 characters for a single message.
Due to these fundamental differences, WhatsApp cannot directly receive or process SMS messages. The infrastructure and protocols used by WhatsApp are not designed to interface with the GSM or CDMA networks that handle SMS traffic. As a result, SMS messages remain within the traditional cellular network and do not get routed to WhatsApp's internet-based messaging system.
Additionally, WhatsApp's focus on providing an encrypted and secure messaging platform further underscores the incompatibility with SMS. The unencrypted nature of SMS messages does not align with WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and security.
In summary, the disparity between the communication protocols and infrastructure used by WhatsApp and SMS is the primary reason why SMS messages do not arrive on WhatsApp.