The language of business communications
Short definitions for channels, integration, delivery, authentication and common requirements before you design a flow.
View informationTechnical terms in context
The practical meaning of a term can vary by country, operator and channel. This glossary is a starting point and links to pages where each topic is explained in greater depth.
Concepts you will find at Afilnet
A2P SMS
A message sent from an application or business to a person, usually for alerts, campaigns, authentication or service information.
Sender or alias
An alphanumeric name or number identifying the SMS origin. Prior registration may be required by the country or operator.
DLR
A delivery receipt returned by the network with the status available for a message.
GSM-7 and Unicode
Encodings that determine which characters an SMS supports and how many segments a long message uses.
OTP
A one-time code generated to verify an operation, login or possession of a device or channel.
Two-factor authentication
Protection combining two different factors, such as a password and an OTP sent through another channel.
HLR Lookup
A network query returning available technical information about a number to help validate databases or routes.
SMPP
A protocol used to exchange large volumes of SMS between applications and messaging platforms.
HTTP API
An interface for requesting sends, checking status and managing resources from an application through web requests.
Webhook or callback
A notification sent to a customer URL when an event occurs, such as a status change or response.
Virtual number
A number rented to receive or manage SMS or calls according to its capabilities, country and configuration.
Certified communication
A send that produces an evidence document covering content, parties and recorded communication events.
Three details to remember
Country and service documentation always takes precedence over a general definition.
Characters affect cost
Using characters outside GSM-7 may trigger Unicode and reduce the length available in each SMS segment.
Sender behaviour depends on destination
An alias may be displayed, replaced or require registration depending on regulation, route and recipient operator rules.
Delivery does not always mean read
A delivery receipt reflects channel information; by itself it does not prove a person read the content.
Related services and guides
Go deeper with guides and articles
The training section contains practical content about channels, campaigns, integration and good practice.