Overview of GSM/GPRS Modules

Introduction

GSM/GPRS Modules are similar to modems, but there's one difference: A GSM/GPRS Modem is an external equipment, whereas the GSM/GPRS Module is a module that can be integrated within an equipment. It is an embedded piece of hardware.

A GSM modem is a wireless modem that works with GSM networks. A wireless modem behaves like a Hayes compatible dial-up modem. The main difference between a standard Hayes modem and a GSM modem is that a hayes modem sends and receives data through a fixed telephone line while a GSM modem sends and receives data through radio waves.

A GSM modem can be an external unit or a PCMCIA card (also called PC Card). An external GSM modem is connected to a PC through a serial cable, a USB cable, Bluetooth or Infrared. Like a GSM mobile phone, a GSM modem requires a SIM card from a wireless carrier in order to operate.

PC'suse AT commands to control a modem. GSM modems and normal Hayes modems support a common set of AT commands. You can use a GSM modem just like a hayes compatible modem.
GSM modems support an extended set of AT commands. These extended AT commands are defined in the GSM standards. With the extended AT commands, you can do things like:

Read, write and delete SMS messages.
Send SMS messages.
Monitor the signal strength.
Monitor the charging status and charge level of the battery.
Read, write and searche phone book entries.

The number of SMS messages that can be processed by a GSM modem is pretty low, approx six messages per minute.

GPRS Modules are similar to modems, but there's one difference: A GRPS Modem is an external equipment, whereas the GPRS Module is a module that can be integrated within an equipment. It is an embedded piece of hardware.

A GPRS modem is a GSM modem with additional support for GPRS technology for data transmission. GPRS means: 'General Packet Radio Service'. It is based on a packet-switched technology, as an extension to GSM (note thatGSM is a circuit-switched). An advantage of GPRS over GSM is that GPRS has a much higher data transmission speed.

GPRS can be used as the bearer of SMS. If SMS over GPRS is used, an SMS transmission speed of about 30 SMS messages per minute may be achieved. This is much faster than SMS over GSM. A GPRS modem is required to send and receive SMS via GPRS. Some wireless carriers do not support the sending and receiving of SMS via GPRS. A GPRS modem is typically required for MMS.

List of GSM/GPRS wireless modules

  Cinterion AC65/AC75 Modules »
  Cinterion AC65i/AC75i Modules »
  Cinterion BGS3 Wireless module »
  Cinterion EES3 Wireless module »
  Cinterion EGS3 Wireless module »
  Cinterion EGS5 Wireless module »
  Cinterion HC25 HSDPA module »
  Cinterion HC28 HSDPA module »
  Cinterion MC55i wireless module »
  Cinterion Wireless Module XT75/65 wireless module »
  eDmod300 GPRS/GSM Module »
  Enfora Enabler III product families »
  Motorola G24-Edge cellular wireless module »
  Motorola G30 GSM/GPRS wireless module »
  Multi-Tech SocketModem CDMA »
  Multi-Tech SocketModem Cell »
  Multi-Tech SocketModem EDGE »
  MultiTech Socket Modem GPRS »
  Multi-Tech SocketModem HSDPA »
  Multi-Tech SocketModem iCell »
  NeonSeven N709Q »
  Siemens A20 Cellular Engine »
  Siemens DECT Engine MD32 »
  Siemens M20 Cellular Engine »
  Siemens MC35 Cellular Engine »
  Siemens MC55 and MC56 Modules »
  Siemens MC75 »
  Siemens TC35 Cellular Engine »
  Telit GC864-QUAD Module »
  Telit GM862-GPS, GM862- Quad-PY Modules »
  Telit GM863-GPS, GM863-Quad-PY Modules »
  Telit GM863-SIM, GM863-Pro Modules »
  Telit GM864-Quad-PY, GM864-Quad-Automotive Modules »
  Telit GM864-Quad-Antenna, GM864-Quad-Antex Modules »
  Telit GM865-Quad Module »
  WaveCom Q24 »
  WaveCom Q26 »
  WaveCom Q26 Extreme »
  WaveCom Q52 Omni »
  WaveCom Q64 »
  WaveCom Q2438 »
  WaveCom Q2686 »
  WaveCom Q2687 »
  WaveCom Q2687 Classic »
  WaveCom Wismo Quick Q2400 Series »
  WaveCom Wismo Quick Q2501 Series »
  WaveCom Wismo Quick Q2686 Series »
  WaveCom Wismo 218 »
  WaveCom Wismo 228 »