GPRS networks were part of the early days of mobile communications technology. GPRS was introduced in the early 2000s as an extension of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and was primarily used to provide mobile data services.
Although GPRS has lower transmission speeds and performance compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, it laid the foundation for the popularization of the mobile Internet at the time. In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of GPRS network, functional features and basics of GPRS Module.
What is GPRS？
GPRS network(General Packet Radio Service) is the abbreviation of General Packet Radio Service technology. It is a mobile data service available to GSM mobile phone users and belongs to the data transmission technology in the second generation of mobile communications.
GPRS can be said to be the continuation of GSM. GPRS is different from the previous continuous channel transmission method. It is transmitted in packets. Therefore, the cost borne by the user is calculated based on the unit of data transmitted, rather than using the entire channel. In theory, it is cheaper. The transmission rate of GPRS can be increased to 56 or even 114Kbps.
GPRS general packet wireless service is a set of wireless data transmission methods developed using the concept of “packet switching”. The GSM system uses the same circuit switching method as voice when transmitting data. A continuous connection from the sending end to the receiving end needs to be established in advance. During the communication process, the channel is always occupied regardless of whether there is data outgoing or not.
The packet switching of GPRS divides the data into several small data packets and transmits them simultaneously or successively through different paths. GPRS does not exclusively occupy fixed circuits. Instead, one user can occupy multiple channels, and multiple users can occupy one channel.
Therefore, GPRS can achieve “always online” without wasting network resources. Compared with the original GSM dial-up method, Internet access is much more convenient. More importantly, GPRS can achieve high-speed data transmission.
GPRS functions and characteristics
(1)High-speed transmission
(2)Real-time online
(3) Only billed based on data traffic
GPRS itself is not a service, but a better network carrying method. Therefore, even the same application will be improved due to the above characteristics of GPRS. Of course, due to the technical characteristics of GPRS itself, there are also some application services that are particularly suitable for GPRS networks, such as remote monitoring, remote counting and other small traffic and high frequency transmission of data. business.
GPRS module introduction
A GPRS module is a hardware component that enables devices to communicate using the GPRS network. It allows microcontrollers and other devices to send and receive data over the Internet.
The GPRS module communication interface usually supports UART (serial communication), which makes it easy to connect to a microcontroller such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi. It usually supports sending and receiving SMS messages.
GPRS modules are often applied in various devices such as IoT devices, GPS trackers, smart home devices, security cameras, telemedicine devices, and so on. Helps them with remote monitoring and data transfer.
What is a GPRS DTU?
GPRS DTU is an embedded GPRS module with rich interfaces and easy integration. Supports TCP/UDP transparent transmission, HTTP two-way communication, automatic data collection, automatic control switch; supports WEB remote configuration, FOTA firmware upgrade, simple and convenient, allowing your device to easily connect to the Internet wirelessly. It can be widely used in power systems, industrial monitoring, traffic management, environmental monitoring, meteorology, water conservancy, coal mines, petroleum, new energy and many other industrial and civil fields that require real-time data transmission.
GPRS networks are still used in some remote areas and for specific applications, but most modern mobile communication systems have moved to faster technologies such as 3G, 4G and 5G. GPRS is a relatively early technology, but is still significant in the evolution of mobile communications.