Difference between GSM and GPRS

1. Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) :
GSM is a cellular standard for mobile phone communications to cater to voice services and data delivery using digital modulation where SMS has a profound effect on society. It is the standard-bearer of the 2G technologies. GSM is a circuit-switched network. In GSM billing is based on the duration of the connection. It does not allow direct connection to the internet. SMS (Short Messaging Service) is one of the popular features. It is used in almost all countries and provides its services to a large set of users.

The main use of GSM is for voice communication. GSM is designed to provide high-quality voice calls and is widely used for mobile phones and landline phones. GSM is also used for sending and receiving short text messages (SMS), which is a popular form of communication.

2. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) :
GPRS is an up-gradation of GSM features over the basic features to obtain much higher data speeds and simple wireless access to packet data networks than standard GSM. It is the standard-bearer of the 2.5G technologies. GPRS is a packet-switched network. In GPRS, billing is based on the amount of data transferred. It allows direct connection to the internet. MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is one of the popular features. It can not be offered to all countries as it is confined to developed areas with a proper network connection.

GPRS is mainly used for data communication. GPRS is an extension of GSM and is used for sending and receiving data over mobile networks. With GPRS, users can access the internet, send and receive emails, and use other data-intensive applications such as mobile banking and online gaming.

GPRS is particularly useful for mobile internet access as it allows for faster data transfer rates than GSM. GPRS also allows for an “always-on” data connection, meaning that users do not need to connect and disconnect every time they want to access the internet or send/receive data.

Another important use of GPRS is for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. This involves devices such as sensors, meters, and other machines communicating with each other over mobile networks. GPRS provides a reliable and cost-effective means of M2M communication, allowing for remote monitoring and control of devices in real-time.

Similarities between GSM and GPRS :

• Both are based on radio communication technology: Both GSM and GPRS use radio waves to transmit information wirelessly over the air.
• Both use SIM cards: Both GSM and GPRS use SIM cards to identify and authenticate users on the network. This allows users to have a unique mobile phone number and access to network services.
• Both use packet switching: Both GSM and GPRS use packet switching technology to transmit data. This means that data is split into small packets and sent over the network to the destination, where it is reassembled into its original form.
• Both support international roaming: Both GSM and GPRS are designed to support international roaming, meaning that users can use their mobile phones in different countries without needing to change their phone number or SIM card.
• Both are widely used: Both GSM and GPRS are widely used in mobile networks around the world, making them a common technology for wireless communication.
• Both are supported by many devices: Both GSM and GPRS are supported by a wide range of mobile devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and other connected devices.

Difference between GSM and GPRS :

S.No.	GSM	GPRS
1.	GSM stands for Global Systems for Mobile.	GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service.
2.	GSM is a cellular standard for mobile phone communications to cater to voice services and data delivery using digital modulation where SMS has a profound effect on society.	GPRS is an up-gradation of GSM features over the basic features to obtain much higher data speeds and simple wireless access to packet data networks than standard GSM.
3.	System generation is 2G.	System generation is 2.5G.
4.	The frequency bands used in the GSM system are 900 and 1800 MHz.	The frequency bands used in the system are 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHZ.
5.	The type of connection is a circuit-switched network.	Here the type of connection is a packet-switched network.
6.	It provides data rates of 9.6 kbps.	It provides data rates of 14.4 to 115.2 kbps.
7.	In GSM billing is based on the duration of the connection.	In GPRS billing is based on the features amount of data transferred.
8.	It does not allow direct connection to the internet.	It allows direct connection to the internet.
9.	It is based on system TDMA.	It is based on system GSM.
10.	In GSM, single time slot is allotted to a single user.	In GPRS, multiple time slots can be allotted to a single user.
11.	It takes long time to connect.	It provides faster connection.
12.	In this location area concept is used.	In this routing area concept is used.
13.	SMS (Short Messaging Service) is one of the popular features.	MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is one of the popular features.

Conclusion : 

GSM and GPRS are used for wireless communication, they are designed for different purposes and have distinct differences in terms of speed, transmission methods, and use of radio spectrum. While GSM is primarily used for voice communication, GPRS is specifically designed for data communication and can achieve much higher data transfer rates than GSM.