GSM and CDMA Technology

by Amudhavalli

In cellular service there are two main competing network technologies:

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

Cellular carriers including Sprint PCS, Cingular Wireless, Verizon and T-Mobile use one or the other.

Understanding the difference between GSM and CDMA will allow you to choose a carrier that uses the preferable network technology for your needs.

The GSM Association is an international organization founded in 1987, dedicated to providing, developing, and overseeing the worldwide wireless standard of GSM.

CDMA, a proprietary standard designed by Qualcomm in the United States, has been the dominant network standard for North America and parts of Asia. However, GSM networks continue to make inroads in the United States, as CDMA networks make progress in other parts of the world.

GSM: History Developed by Group Spéciale Mobile (founded 1982) which was an initiative of CEPT ( Conference of European Post and Telecommunication )

Aim : to replace the incompatible analog system

Presently the responsibility of GSM standardization resides with special mobile group under ETSI ( European telecommunication Standards Institute )

Full set of specifications phase-I became available in 1990

Under ETSI, GSM is named as “ Global System for Mobile communication “.

CDMA: HistoryIn July 1985, seven industry veterans, decided they

wanted to build “Quality Communications” and outlined a plan that has evolved into one of the telecommunications industry’s greatest start-up success stories: Qualcomm Incorporated.

Introduction in 1988, OmniTRACS has grown into the largest satellite-based commercial mobile system for the transportation industry today.

In 1989, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) endorsed a digital technology called Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA ).

Qualcomm introduced Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a superior technology for wireless and data products that changed the global face of wireless communications forever.

Coverage:

The most important factor is getting service in the areas you will be using your phone.

Upon viewing competitors' coverage maps you may discover that only GSM or CDMA carriers offer cellular service in your area.

If so, there is no decision to be made, but most people will find that they do have a choice.

Data Transfer Speed:

With the advent of cellular phones doing double and triple duty as streaming video devices, podcast receivers and email devices, speed is important to those who use the phone for more than making calls.CDMA has been traditionally faster than GSM, though both technologies continue to rapidly leapfrog along this path.

Both boast "3G" standards, or 3rd generation technologies.

What is 2G ?

Second Generation (2G) wireless cellular mobile services was a step ahead of First Generation( 1G) services by providing the facility of short message service(SMS) unlike 1G that had its prime focus on verbal communication. A typical 2G G.S.M network service ranges from 800/900MHz or 1800/1900 spectrum.

How is 2G different from 3G?

In comparison to 2G customers will have to pay a relatively high license fee for 3G.

The network construction and maintenance for 3G is much expensive than 2G.

From the point of view of customers, expenditure will be excessively high if they make access to various facets of 3G.

How 3G Works

3G technology is the modified form of second generation it is better to say that all the best features of different versions of 2nd generation are combined into third generation.

Resultantly 3G Technology is known as Smartphone with high data transfer rate, WiFi hotspots connectivity and multimedia features.

Three important technologies which make the 3G standard are CDMA 2000, WCDMA (UMTS), and TD-SCDMA.

Main 3G Services

The point to be noted is that 3G gives clarity of voice as well can talk with out any disturbance.

Not only these but also have entertainments such as Fast Communication, Internet, Mobile T.V, Video Conferencing, Video Calls, Multi Media Messaging Service (MMS), 3D gaming, Multi-Gaming etc are also available with 3G phones.

Main 4G Features

Technology has come up with the latest of its type namely 4G

Fourth Generation that is 4G in addition to that of the services of 3G some additional features such as Multi-Media Newspapers, also to watch T.V programs with the clarity as to that of an ordinary T.V. In addition, we can send Data much faster that that of the previous generations.

EVDO, also known as CDMA2000, is CDMA's answer to the need for speed with a downstream rate of about 2 megabits per second, though some reports suggest real world speeds are closer to 300-700 kilobits per second (kbps).This is comparable to basic DSL. As of fall 2005,EVDO is in the process of being deployed. It is not available everywhere and requires a phone that is CDMA 2000 ready.

GSM's answer is EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which boasts data rates of up to 384 kbps with real world speeds reported closer to 70-140 kbps.

With added technologies still in the works that include UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Standard) and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), speeds reportedly increase to about 275—380 kbps.

This technology is also known as W-CDMA, but is incompatible with CDMA networks.

An EDGE-ready phone is required.

In the case of EVDO, theoretical high traffic can degrade speed and performance, while the EDGE network is more susceptible to interference.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards:

Only GSM phones use SIM cards.

The removable SIM card allows phones to be instantly activated, interchanged, swapped out and upgraded, all without carrier intervention.

The SIM itself is tied to the network, rather than the actual phone.

Phones that are card-enabled can be used with any GSM carrier.

Some CDMA2000 cell phones support R-UIM cards (Removable User Identity Module) which are used to store account information and contact lists.

If you want to change your phone, you have to contact your carrier and have them reprogram your new phone.

Also need to re-enter your contact list and calendar information into your new phone.

 CDMA phones are slowly catching up with R-UIM cards, but cell phones that make use of this technology as still rare.

Outline

CDMA TECHNOLOGY

outline

Roaming: 

 For the most part, both networks have fairly concentrated coverage in major cities and along major highways.

GSM carriers, however, have roaming contracts with other GSM carriers, allowing wider coverage of more rural areas, generally speaking, often without roaming charges to the customer. CDMA networks may not cover rural areas as well as GSM carriers, and though they may contract with GSM cells for roaming in more rural areas, the charge to the customer will generally be significantly higher.

Which technology is the best ? If you travel a lot to foreign countries, you might want

to opt for a GSM phone for a better coverage.

If you intend to use the phone for mobile web browsing, watching television or downloading MP3s, you might be better off with a CDMA phone.

If you do, a GSM phone is best for you since you can swap the SIM card to a new device without having to re-enter your personal data.

Today, CDMA and its core principles provide the backbone for wireless communications.

“Films have a certain place in a certain time period, but technology is forever.” - Hedy Lamarr

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