GSM Module and GPRS Module: All You Need To Know

A GSM or GPRS module is a chip or circuit that allows a mobile device or a computer to communicate with a GPRS or GSM system.

What is GPRS?

The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a packet-oriented mobile data service available on the worldwide system for mobile communications for 2G and 3G cellular communication systems (GSM). The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) first standardized GPRS in response to the previous CDPD and i-mode packet-switched cellular technologies. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project is currently in charge of maintaining it (3GPP).

What is GSM?

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) produced the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, previously Groupe Spécial Mobile) standard (ETSI).

It was established to specify the protocols for mobile phones’ second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks, and it is currently the worldwide standard for mobile communications, with over 90% market share and operations in 219 countries and territories.

What is GSM Module?

A GSM or GPRS module is a chip or circuit that allows a mobile device or a computer to communicate with a GSM or GPRS system. The modem (modulator-demodulator) is an important component in this process.

These modules include a GSM module or GPRS modem that is powered by a power supply circuit as well as computer connection interfaces (such as RS-232, USB 2.0, and others). A GSM modem might be a standalone modem with a serial, USB, or Bluetooth connection, or it can be a mobile phone with GSM modem functionality.

They can perform all of the functions of a mobile phone through a computer, including making and receiving calls, sending and receiving SMS, and sending and receiving MMS. Typically, they are used for computer-based SMS and MMS services.

The AT commands are demonstrated in the GSM/GPRS module. They can perform all of the functions of a mobile phone through a computer, including making and receiving calls, sending and receiving SMS, and sending and receiving MMS. Typically, they are used for computer-based SMS and MMS services.

Applications of GSM GPRS Modems

The AT commands are demonstrated in the GSM/GPRS module. They can perform all of the functions of a mobile phone through a computer, including making and receiving calls, sending and receiving SMS, and sending and receiving MMS. Typically, they are used for computer-based SMS and MMS services.

Machine-to-Machine Communications

M2M, Machine-to-machine, is a general term that refers to any technology that allows networked devices to communicate data and conduct operations without the need for human intervention. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) make it easier for systems to communicate with one another and make their own decisions.

M2M technology was originally used in manufacturing and industrial settings, where other technologies like SCADA and remote monitoring assisted in the remote management and control of data from equipment. This M2M has subsequently found use in a variety of fields, including healthcare, business, and insurance. So, M2M is also the backbone of the internet of things (IoT) (IoT).

How M2M works

Machine-to-machine technology’s main goal is to collect sensor data and communicate it to a network. Unlike SCADA or other remote monitoring tools, M2M systems frequently rely on public networks and access methods, such as cellular or Ethernet, to save money.

Sensors, RFID, a Wi-Fi or cellular communications link, and autonomic computing software built to help a network device understand data and make choices are the primary components of an M2M system. The data is translated by these M2M apps, which can then activate preprogrammed, automatic actions.

Telemetry has been used to send operational data since the early twentieth century. And it is one of the most well-known kinds of machine-to-machine communication. Telemetrics pioneers originally utilized telephone lines, then radio waves, to broadcast performance measures collected from remote monitoring sensors.

Telemetry’s function has evolved from pure research, engineering, and manufacturing to daily application in items like heating units, electric meters, and internet-connected devices like appliances, thanks to the Internet and better wireless technology standards.

M2M applications

Adalm2000 Remote monitoring frequently employs machine-to-machine communication. When it comes to product refilling, a vending machine, for example, can send a message to the distributor’s network, or machine, when a certain item is running short and a refill is needed. M2M is critical in warehouse management systems (WMS) and supply chain management since it enables asset tracking and monitoring (SCM).

Therefore, M2M devices and apps are frequently used by utilities businesses to not only collect energy, such as oil and gas, but also to bill consumers (through smart meters) and detect workplace parameters such as pressure, temperature, and equipment condition.

M2M vs. IoT

M2M and IoT are not the same thing, despite the fact that many people use the phrases interchangeably. M2M requires IoT, while IoT does not require M2M.

Although both names refer to the communication of linked devices, M2M systems are frequently isolated, stand-alone networked devices. M2M is taken to the next level with IoT technologies, which integrate different systems into one vast, connected ecosystem.

M2M systems utilize cellular or wired networks to transport data gathered from IoT-connected devices to gateways, the cloud, or middleware platforms. Whereas IoT systems use IP-based networks to deliver data collected from IoT-connected devices to gateways, the cloud, or middleware platforms.

Modems, Modules and Mobile

A GSM module, also known as a GPRS module, is comparable to a modem with one exception. A GSM/GPRS modem is a piece of external equipment. Whereas a GSM/GPRS module is a piece of internal equipment. It’s a piece of embedded hardware.

A GSM phone, on the other hand, is a full system in and of itself, with embedded processors specialized to providing a user-to-mobile network interface.

To establish communication, wireless modems create, transmit, or decode data from a cellular network.

A GSM/GPRS modem is a type of wireless modem that is intended for use on the GSM and GPRS networks. To communicate with the network, it requires a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, exactly as mobile phones. They also have an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number for identification, similar to mobile phones.

Mobile Phone vs. GSM/GPRS Modem

In general, a GSM/GPRS modem is suggested for sending and receiving messages with a computer. This is due to the fact that some mobile phones have limits when compared to GSM/GPRS modems.

Some mobile phone models are unable to receive concatenated SMS messages while connected to a computer. For example, the Ericsson R380.

A message with more than 140 bytes is referred to as a concatenated SMS message. (A standard SMS message can only be 140 bytes long.) Concatenated SMS works by breaking a message larger than 140 bytes into smaller chunks on the sender’s mobile handset. After then, each of these components is combined into a single SMS message and delivered to the receiver. When these SMS messages arrive at their destination, the recipient’s phone will merge them into a single message.

Many mobile phone types are unable to receive MMS messages when connected to a computer. Because they automatically handle MMS notifications rather than transmitting them to the computer when they arrive.

Some AT commands, command arguments, and parameter values may not be supported by a mobile phone. Some mobile phones, for example, may not enable sending and receiving SMS messages in text mode. As a result, the AT command “AT+CMGF=1” will result in an error message. GSM/GPRS modems often support a larger number of AT commands than mobile phones.

Next Post: A Basic Definition of SoC (System on Chip)