3 May 2018

GSM technology

In this article, you can learn the full analysis of GSM technology and all useful information about GSM. Now first of all one question arise before you can check detailed information about GSM is what is GSM full form?

Definition of GSM :

Global system for mobile is a world first cellular system to specify digital modulation. It is a second generation system (2G) developed in Europe.

GSM was developed to solve the fragmentation problems of the first generation networks.


The global system for mobile communication is a feature-rich digital wireless technology. It provides subscribers with a high quality digital wireless phone service and clarity and enhanced call security and privacy.


GPRS uses GSM architecture for voice. In order to offer packet data services through GPRS, a new class of network node needs to be introduced as an upgrade to the existing GSM network.

Each GSM user transmits data burst during a time slot that is assigned to it. The transmission of bursts occurs in a particular format called GSM frame.


GSM technology is old technology nowadays many new technologies had been launched but GSM has many impacting features on the newest technology. Let we check feature one by one below :

Features of GSM technology :

  • GSM supports more subscriber capacity in the given spectrum.
  • It supports smaller handsets.
  • Rapid call setup.
  • It supports call forwarding, calls on hold, conference facility.
  • It has the ability to use the same phone in different networks.
  • It allows data transmission and reception across GSM networks at 9600 bps.
  • The encrypted conversions cannot be tapped.
  • It supports calling number identification presentation.
  • The short message service allows the GSM subscriber to transmit and receive a character text message.
  • It supports fully international roaming capability.
  • It has compatibility with ISDN for supplementary services.
  • SIM phonebook management. 
  • Supports fixed dialing number ( FDN ).
  • Real-time clock with alarm management. 
GSM has many impacting features on the newest technology so there are many advantages of GSM technology. We can check some main advantages here. 
  • Internal roaming is not a big problem.
  • High transmission quality.
  • Worldwide connectivity.
  • High data transfer speed.
  • GSM receiver is widely available in mobile phone and GSM model.
GSM network :

GSM operates at a different frequency. A frequency band of GSM is either the 900 MHz or much high-frequency band 1800 MHz. 


UMTS R4 techniques are preferred mobile operator, especially those with GSM legacy network. UMTS R4 techniques to evolve their existing 2G GSM network. It provides a smooth path to bridge legacy TDM based network to an IP based soft switch network.


The proposed evolution path In UMTS R4 suggests three layers of structure solution to seamless coverage UMTS R4 core network with a GSM core network. So can achieve the all IP version and its capable of coverage with EPC and IMS.

GSM networks types :

  • T-Mobile
  • AT&T
  • Indigo wireless 
  • Pine cellular
  • TerreStar
This network is maintained by different types of GSM channels.

There are two main types of GSM channel :
  • Traffic channel 
  • Control channel 
GSM frequency band listed below :

1.  GSM 850 :
  • Channel - 128-251
  • Up-link frequency - 824-849 MHz
  • Down-link frequency - 869-894 MHz
2. GSM 1800 :
  • Channel - 512-885
  • Up-link frequency - 1710-1785 MHz
  • Down-link frequency - 1805-1880 MHz

3. GSM 1900 :
  • Channel - 512-810
  • Up-link frequency - 1850-1910 MHz
  • Down-link frequency - 1930-1990 MHz
4. GSM 450/480 :
  • Up-link frequency - 450-458 MHz, 479-486 MHz
  • Down-link frequency - 460-468 MHz, 489-496 MHz
Application of GSM technology :
  • Home automation.
  • Mobile telephony.
  • Automatic meter reading.
  • Toll collection.
  • A user can control in case of forgetting to do so while leaving for some other place.
  • Value added services.
  • Fleet management.
  • Energy conversion.
  • Personal communication using GSM.
  • Irrigation system.
  • It will also help to control while attending the other work.
  • It is used to improve the security of our home and office.
  • Office automation.
  • Remote sensing and monitoring of electrical fault in a pump or motor.
Some application while combining with GSM techniques including  W-CDMA, LTE, EDGE :
  • Measuring multi-standard radio base station.
  • Including EDGE evolution with GSM to change in radio interface.
  • Machine to machine communication is about integrated real-time data from remote assets with a business process to gain more business advantages.

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