Troubleshooting the Command Status 69 Error in SMS Sending with Node.js and SMPP

Описание: Discover how to resolve the `Command Status 69` error when sending SMS using node-smpp. Follow our guide for effective troubleshooting steps.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/65368349/ asked by the user 'sinpleguy' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14684788/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/65368412/ provided by the user 'Allan Wind' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/9706/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Understanding the Command Status 69 Error in SMS Sending

If you are using the node-smpp library for sending SMS messages and have encountered the Command Status 69 error when attempting to send messages through your transactional SMS account, you might find yourself facing some frustrating moments. Understanding this issue is crucial not only for immediate troubleshooting but also for preventing similar occurrences in the future.

What is the Command Status 69 Error?

The error code 69 (submit_sm or submit_multi failed) signals that the attempt to submit a message for sending has failed. At first glance, this error code doesn't provide clear guidance on what has gone wrong, making it challenging for developers to address the underlying problem efficiently.

The Problem Scenario

Imagine you have two accounts: one for marketing SMS and another for transactional SMS. Everything was functioning smoothly until suddenly you can't send messages through the transactional account, while the promotional account works perfectly. This abrupt change can lead to significant disruptions in your service, especially if you rely on transactional messages for user notifications, confirmations, or alerts.

A typical PDU response when this error occurs looks something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Now, let's delve deeper into the solution to address this problem.

Troubleshooting Steps for Command Status 69 Error

Check Account Status:

The first step is to verify that your transactional SMS account is still in good standing. Sometimes, accounts may be throttled or limited due to failed payments, violations of terms, or exceeding sending limits.

Validate the Command Code:

Ensure that both accounts are using identical command codes. Any discrepancies can lead to unexpected behavior.

Error Handling Logic:

Do you have error handling implemented in your code? Make sure you're capturing and responding to error events correctly. This ensures you can log necessary details when this error occurs.

Message ID Issue:

Take a closer look at the empty message_id in the response. An empty message ID usually indicates that the message was not processed correctly. This may be due to several factors including formatting issues or unknown recipients.

Testing with Different Messages:

Try sending various messages and check if the issue persists across all recipients or only specific ones. If it only fails for certain numbers, the issue could lie with those recipients (e.g., their carrier or number being invalid).

Consult Logs and Monitor Sending Activity:

Check logs related to sending activities for both accounts. Monitoring will provide insights into whether the messages are being queued or if certain patterns appear, indicating throttling.

Contact Support:

If everything appears normal but you still face issues, reach out to your SMPP provider's support team. They often have additional insights and can check your account settings or delivery status from their end.

Conclusion

Facing a Command Status 69 error while sending messages through your transactional SMS account can be concerning, especially when everything was functioning well prior. by following these troubleshooting steps, you can pinpoint the issue effectively and get back on track with your SMS sending process. Ensuring your account's good standing and monitoring for errors can prevent similar scenarios in future.

Don't let a simple error slow down your communication efforts. Equip yourself with the knowledge to tackle these challenges head-on.