text messaging vs. instant messaging: how do they work differently?

[Jimbo1212]

     1. I have seen explanations of how text messaging and instant messages are used differently but my question is more how they operate differently:  what is the techical differences in how each one works?  More specifically, is only one, or both, dependent on having an Internet connection?

     2. Is it possible that one could be somewhere where he or she had insufficient signal to have an Internet connection and yet have sufficient signal to send and receive text messages?

     I do not know if it would make a difference in the answers but I am thinking more of the differences as manifested in a mobile hotspot device (say, for example, the Verizon Five Spot or the AT&T MiFi 2372) connected to a laptop than a smartphone that can also function as a hostpot.

     Thanks.

     Jim

     [5-12-11]

[dmapr ACE - Champion · Accepted solution]

Text messages (SMS) require no internet connection whatsoever. It is not uncommon to be in an area with signal too low to have either data connection or voice, yet SMS will work fine.

AFAIK, all Instant messaging clients require data connection to send/receive instant messages, regardless of how they end up being billed.

[Jimbo1212]

Thank for an informative and fast response.  I'm glad I signed up for these forums.

[dmapr ACE - Champion]

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Jimbo1212 wrote:

Thank for an informative and fast response.  I'm glad I signed up for these forums.

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You're welcome!

[JFizDaWiz]

actually most IM apps use SMS. disable data on the phone itself and see if it still worjs