GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the second generation (2G) digital cellular standard developed in Europe in the 1980s. It uses TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) to allow multiple users to access the network simultaneously. The key components of a GSM network are the base station, base station controller, mobile switching center, home location register, and visitor location register. GSM networks operate on various frequency bands and use logical channels to transmit different types of information like voice calls, SMS messages, and signaling data. GSM became the most widely used 2G standard globally due to its widespread adoption in Europe and other regions.