Difference between GSM and GPS

Key Difference: GSM stands for “Global System for Mobile Communications”. It is a specification of wireless network infrastructure. The system has been developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System”. It is a satellite-based navigation system that was developed by the United States Department of Defense. Both are extensively used in mobile technology. They both are two different types of technologies.

GSM stands for “Global System for Mobile Communications”. It is a specification of wireless network infrastructure. It is also known as “Groupe Special Mobile”. The system has been developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. The system was launched at the end of 1992 as an alternative to the analogue systems. Originally, it was planned to be operational only in the European countries. However, it later started spreading to other parts of the globe. Currently, the GSM network architecture is stable and the system has been updated to work with the latest network elements.

The network architecture of GSM can be broadly divided into these main areas –

Mobile station
Base-station subsystem
Network and switching subsystem
Operation and support subsystem.

Currently, GSM networks operate on the 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz frequency bands. GSM phones use a SIM card as the identity of the user’s account. These SIM cards can be easily switched from one GSM phone to another GSM phone, and thus the phone number remains intact.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a satellite-based navigation system that was developed by the United States Department of Defense. The satellites used for the navigation continuously send signals. A GPS receiver is used to pick up the signal from the satellite, and with the help of this receiver the position of the user on the ground can be calculated with a high accuracy. It is very important to consider that a GPS receiver compares the time of signal transmission with the time it was received. Thus, it provides co-ordinates for any position on earth via satellite.

It comprises of a network of 24 satellites that are placed into orbit. The biggest advantage of using GPS is that it works in any kind of weather condition. Due to the parallel multi-channel design, GPS receivers are highly accurate. A GPS signal contains three different bits of information - a pseudorandom code, ephemeris data and almanac data.

Comparison between GSM and GPS:

	GSM	GPS
Full Form	Global System for Mobile Communications	Global Positioning System
Definition	It is a specification of wireless network infrastructure. The system has been developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute.	GPS stands for “Global positioning System”. It is a satellite-based navigation system that was developed by the United States Department of Defense.
Technology	An object’s position is determined using signal strength and triangulation from base stations.	Triangulation to at least three or four of the 24 satellites that orbit the earth.
Accuracy (in difficult scenario)	Base stations are capable of providing locations in areas like tunnel and dense areas.	Comparatively difficult in area surrounded by tall buildings.
Mobile tracking	Phone’s international mobile equipment identity number, etc. are used to track the location of a cell phone.	Digital maps, etc. are used to track the location in real time.
Advantages	World wide roaming The facilities of GSM are highly protected Reasonable Devices and Facilities The GSM expertise usages five bands of MHz rate; 450, 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.	Provides the exact location Provides the exact latitude and longitude Helps in searching the local area for nearby amenities Assists in improving the accuracy for weather forecasts.
Disadvantages	Released and missed calls Calls made through GSM mobiles can be tampered.	Battery life Inaccuracy in certain scenarios