GSM & GPRS Modems

GSM and GPRS modems are network hardware devices that send and receive data through radio waves.

GSM and GPRS modems can be PC cards or external units. An external unit is connected to a PC through a serial cable, USB cable, Infrared or Bluetooth. Like GSM and GPRS phones, they require a SIM card from a wireless network provider to operate.

How do GSM and GPRS modems work?

GSM and GPRS modems support an extended set of AT command sets (Attention command sets) used to activate certain features on the modem. The command sets are machine instructions which allow you to do things like:

• Read, write and delete Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages
• Monitor signal strength
• Monitor the charge level and charging status of the battery
• Send SMS and MMS messages
• Read, write and search phonebook entries

What are GSM and GPRS modems used for?

GSM and GPRS modems are used to remotely manage installed equipment such as traffic counters and fire alarm panels. Other examples of applications include:

• Automated meter reading
• Oil pressure monitoring
• Vending machines
• Cable replacement