08 Dec 08 GSM Modem
an External device that we can insert a GSM SIM card is called a GSM Modem.
This device can be an external modem device like Wavecom FASTRACK modem, Itegno, Solomon GSM Modem, or it can be an ordinary mobile phone like the very popular Nokia or Siemens.
You can connect this GSM Modem to your PC, Laptop or Server through serial port or USB port. it depends on the devices.
To use our software we always recommends a dedicated external GSM Modem than mobile phone. We are considering some compatibility issues and stability of mobile phone.
Some gsm modem has its power from a USB cable, like iTegno 3000. And some GSM Modem use separete power source like Wavecom fastrack.
What ever devices you choose, you need a proper Driver in order to be able to use the device.
When you are correctly install the driver, you can access the device using a COM port, like COM1, COM2 etc.
Please understand each device differ from each other in terms of support AT Command. AT commands is a command. in a simple way, AT command is de facto language to control a modem.
Oh before i forget, the terms GSM can replace with CDMA. Yes,… if you are going to use a CDMA sim card, than you need a CDMA modem. 
Here are a list of GSM / CDMA Modem :
iTegno 38xx series
The iTegno 38XX GPRS Modem is specially designed for corporate and industrial usage. Supporting GSM/GPRS networks, iTegno 38XX offers wireless data connectivity to mobile professionals and can be deployed in various Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications. The iTegno 38XX modem is compatible with Windows 98 SE/ 2000/ ME/ XP and Vista Operating Systems. Drivers for Linux and Macintosh OS are also available for development purposes. General Features:
• Small size : 94.2 x 66.0 x 14.5 mm Weight: 58 grams
• Quad-band (GSM850 / EGSM900 / DCS1800 / PCS1900)
• Stable and high data transmission speeds of up to 85.6 kbps
• Available in different interfaces to suit different applications
Wavecom Fastrack GSM Modem
It is a heavy duty GSM Modem that very popular.
WAVECOM FASTRACK M1306B Package:
* GSM 900/1800 & GPRS Class 10 -SIRIM & IDA Approved
* Power Supply with 4 pin connector - PS-003
* Modem Serial cable with RJ11 plug - WMSER-2
* GSM Dual Band antenna - ANT-HTGM-02
* With optional IP Connectivity stack
* AT Command Support
Applications :
* Appliance
* SMS Gateway
* Alert System
* Electronic Voucher GSM & CDMA
* Autorefill System
* GPRS or GPS
* ATM Terminals
* Automotive
* Data Collections
* Gas Pumps
* Industrial and Medical Remote monitoring system
* Remote Diagnosis
* Remote Metering
* Security System
* Vending/Gaming Machines
* Other devices requiring wireless connectivity
* Etc.
Other GSM Modem Models :
Multitech CDMA Modem
External Wireless Modem
Benefits
• Rugged industrial chassis design
• Desktop or panel mounting
• Carrier approved
• RS-232 interfaces
The MultiModem® CDMA wireless modem offers standards-based multi-band CDMA2000 1xRTT performance.
This ready-to-deploy, standalone modem provides wireless data communication and integrates seamlessly with
virtually any application. It is available with a broad range of interface options including RS-232
and Ethernet as well as GPS capabilities to cover all of your application needs. The MultiModem CDMA wireless
modem is based on industry-standard open interfaces and can be desktop or panel mounted.
Features
• CDMA2000 1xRTT
• Qualcomm® MSM6050 chipset
• CDMA IS-95A, IS-95B backwards compatible
• Dual-band 800/1900 MHz CDMA
• 800 MHz with R-UIM support
• Packet data up to 153.6K bps forward and reverse
• 14.4K bps circuit switched data
• Class 2.0 Group 3 Fax
• Short Message Services (SMS)
• RS-232, USB, Bluetooth and Ethernet interfaces
• Models available with a complete TCP/IP stack
• SMA antenna connector
• Serial interface supports DTE speeds to 230K bps
• 12-channel GPS functionality
• AT command compatible
• Numerous LEDs provide operational status
• Over-the-Air activation
• Desktop or panel mounting
• CDG 1 and 2 network certi.ed
• Carrier approved
Highlights
Applications. With packet data speeds up to 153.6K bps,
the MultiModem CDMA wireless modem is targeted at
applications which periodically need to send or receive data
over a wireless network. It is ideal for:
• Automated machine-to-machine (M2M)
• Public Safety/Emergency Services
• Public Transit
• Remote Industrial, Medical, Environmental, Monitoring
• Remote diagnostics
• Security Systems
• Telemetry/Remote Metering
• Vehicle Tracking/Fleet Management/AVL
Specifications
Packet Data Features
CDMA2000 1xRTT, up to 153.6K bps forward &
reverse channels
Circuit Switched Data/Fax Features
IS-95A, IS-95B up to 14.4K bps, Group 3 Fax, Class 2.0
SMS Features
ASCII Text & UCS-2, Point-to-Point, cell broadcast
Internet Protocols Supported
Dial-in PPP, DNS, FTP, HTTP, ICMP, IP, IPCP, LCP, POP3,
PPP, SMTP, SNMP, SNTP, TCP, Telnet, TFTP, & UDP
protocols
Antenna Connectors
RF Antenna: 50 ohm SMA (Female connector)
Bluetooth & GPS Antenna: 50 ohm SMA (Male
Connector)
SIM Connector
Standard 3V SIM receptable
Interface Connectors
RS-232 Model: DE-15
USB Model: USB Type B
Bluetooth Model: DB-9
Ethernet Model: RJ-45, 10BaseT/100BaseTX, 802.3
GPS Model: (2) DB-9
Power Connectors
RS-232, Bluetooth, Ethernet, & GPS Models: 2.5mm
miniature screw
USB Model: Bus Powered
Voice Connectors
RS-232 Model: Optional Y-cable
USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, & GPS Models: RJ-9 4-pos
modjack
Power Requirements
5V to 32VDC
GPS Features
General: 12-channel, continuous tracking receiver
Protocols: NEMA 0183, TSIP, TAIP, DGPS, Aided GPS
through TSIP
Physical Description
RS-232, & USB Models:
4.3″ L x 2.4″ W x 0.94″ H; 4.2 oz.
(11 cm x 6.1 cm x 2.4 cm: 119g)
You can browse other great GSM modem on Amazon,
and here is one of our best recommendation for US/Canada citizen :
Quad-band Gprs Modem RS-232 for Us/canada
Reader's Comments
Leave a Comment
This is Abhishek from India. I need a GSM Modem in which I can insert my sim card and connect it to my computer through USB port on Linux operating system. I came to know about “EDGE GPRS GSM modem–VG500” after googling a bit. I want to know that does this device support Linux OS and AT Commands to send and receive sms.
1) What is the cost of the device?
Please reply me with all the necessary details and requirements as soon as possible.
Thanks in advance.
We use i-tegno on linux.
It connects using USB …
the device is cheap, you can get it a round 200$.
Thanks
Yuan
Hello,
i wanted to receive sms messages from cellphone and this will automatically stored to a website were i can read the message.Also it can send reply automatically.
Please advise what will i need to do this to perform this functionality.
thanks,
Bong j.