The difference between a "word" and the difference and connection between GPS and GPRS

The difference between GPS and GPRS is only one word, so many people always confuse the two. Especially friends who are new to GPS always ask: What is the difference and contact between it and GPRS? So, first let us clarify the exact definition of these two.

What is GPS?

The English name of GPS is GlobalPositionSystem. After a simple translation, we got the result: "Global Satellite Positioning System". Since the late 1950s, Americans spent 30 years and spent more than 30 billion US dollars to build such a brilliant and huge system, which can be said to be a glorious sum in the history of aerospace.

The inspiration for the initial establishment of the GPS global positioning system was born from the meridian satellite navigation system, and the shortcomings of the meridian satellite navigation system that could not display the fixed point elevation, positioning accuracy and positioning time were unsatisfactory prompted the birth of GPS.

This system is composed of 24 satellites, and it rotates around the earth uninterruptedly in 11 hours and 58 minutes, providing us with pictures and data. Although at a height of 12,000 kilometers, it can provide insight into every corner of the earth. Therefore, at first, this set of equipment was only used in the military and civil fields involving important national interests. In view of its great value, it was later used for civilian purposes and was completely free. Nowadays, GPS products are emerging one after another. GPS mobile phones, vehicle-mounted GPS, GPS modules ... So, the concept of latitude and longitude has also been mentioned more and more, so we are more and more relaxed on the earth.

What is GPRS?

GPRS is the English abbreviation of GeneralPackerRadioService, and Chinese is translated into general wireless packet service. At present, the domestic GPRS operator is China Mobile Communications. In fact, we often use it when sending MMS messages. Simply put, it is a transmission tool for unlimited data.

Specifically, GPRS is a new packet data bearing service developed on the existing GSM system. The most fundamental difference between GPRS and GSM systems is that GSM is a circuit-switched system, and GPRS is a packet-switched system. GPRS is particularly suitable for intermittent, sudden or frequent, small amounts of data transmission, but also for occasional large data transmission. We can understand GPRS as a higher level of GSM.

The charging method of GPRS is also very different from the traditional GSM. It only charges according to the data flow rate, which is based on the amount of data transmitted by the user. For example, when we download information on the Internet, we do not charge according to the time spent online. As long as data transmission is not performed, there is no need to pay even if it is “online”. Let's take another example of "calling". When using the GSM + WAP mobile phone to access the Internet, it is like charging when the phone is connected. Using GPRE + WAP to access the Internet is much more reasonable, just like there is no charge for connecting the phone. The cost is calculated only during the dialogue.

After figuring out the specific meaning of the two, you will understand without saying that GPS and GPRS are just similar in appearance. However, these two guys who are similar to each other really have some connection, so we have to come up with another concept-AGPS.

On AGPS

AGPS is AssistedGPS, which assists the global satellite positioning system. It is a combination of GSM / GPRS and traditional satellite positioning, using the base station to send auxiliary satellite information to reduce the delay time of the GPS chip to obtain the satellite signal. The covered indoor can also make up for the base station signal and reduce the dependence of the GPS chip on the satellite. Degrees and so on. Therefore, AGPS can provide a wider range, more power-saving, faster positioning service, the ideal error range is within 10 meters.
Even if GPS positioning is achieved, it can be optimized with the help of GPRS network. But to realize the AGPS technology, in addition to adding a GPS receiving module in the mobile phone, it is also necessary to transform the mobile phone antenna, add a location server on the mobile network, a differential GPS reference station, and so on. If you want to improve the positioning timeliness of GPS signal shielding areas, you need to add more technologies. Therefore, it is understandable that we are not providing this service for the time being, and it is unknown when we can use this technology in China.

Finally, summarize in three sentences:

1. GPS means "Global Satellite Positioning System", which is a positioning technology used to confirm the latitude and longitude position of an object. There will be no more advanced positioning technology than GPS for at least ten years.

2. GPRS means "General Packet Wireless Data Service", which is just a data transmission method used to transfer data groups, just like sending mobile phone short messages, without any positioning or anti-theft function.

3. GPRS can be said to be a component in GPS, which plays a function of transmitting data for the application of GPS technology.