We adapted the solution for Apache Kafka and added support for SRI queries. Now EW SMS Firewall enables the operator to fully control traffic, protect the network, and monetize A2P SMS.



This is not our first project with this partner. The SMS aggregator prioritizes network integrity, so before entering a new market it ensures fraud protection with our solution. Previously, we deployed EW SMS Firewall for an operator in Mozambique, and this time—for an operator in Burundi.
 

Project Features: Apache Kafka and SRI Queries

The mobile operator’s messaging system is built on Apache Kafka instead of the standard SS7 protocol. We had already implemented a similar integration in Mozambique, but this time we had to address additional requirements:

— ensure high SMS processing speed—no more than 250 milliseconds (ms)

— implement SRI (Send Routing Information) queries, a mechanism that allows the system to obtain routing information about the recipient in advance and control the message delivery cycle. By default, Apache Kafka does not support such queries

To meet these requirements, we optimized the EW SMS Firewall system. This allowed us to increase message processing speed fourfold—from 1 second down to 250 ms, as requested by the client. We also adapted the solution to support SRI queries, ensuring full transparency in message delivery.

Before deployment, we model the system with regard to the infrastructure and planned network load. In this project:

— the expected load was 2,200 TPS (transactions per second)

— testing showed stable performance at loads exceeding 3,500 TPS, ensuring resilience as traffic grows

Comprehensive SMS Traffic Protection for Telecom Operators: 5 Indicators of an Effective SMS Firewall
 

Initial Results

We are implementing this project in the managed services format—a fully managed service from Eastwind. Our team analyzes traffic, updates filters and blacklists to deliver the expected results.

A month and a half after launch, the results are as follows:

— network load reached 800 TPS (≈24,000 messages every 30 seconds)

— international A2P SMS traffic increased 3.5 times, from 6,028 to 21,182 messages per day


International A2P Traffic Volume via "White" Routes Before and After EW SMS Firewall Deployment


After deploying EW SMS Firewall, the volume of legitimate international A2P traffic in the operator’s network increased

For comprehensive protection against spam and fraud, the SMS aggregator also decided to deploy additional EW SMS Firewall modules:

— AI module—for deep SMS traffic analysis and fast updates to filtering rules

— Voice Firewall module—to protect A2P SMS from leaking into voice channels, for example, through flash calls

— modules for blocking unwanted messages

EW SMS Firewall helped the mobile operator strengthen network security and enabled the SMS aggregator to monetize international A2P traffic.

If you are facing similar challenges, schedule a consultation with us. We will help you ensure reliable protection against spam and fraud while creating a new revenue stream through A2P message monetization.