Since there is no new access points for a broad band connection in my area where I currently located, I am forced to choose a data card. Tried many networks for a speed and at last got Airtel connection with a corporate offer.
On using the data card in main page sometimes I see HSPA and some times I see Edge and confused on how it works..
After surfing through many websites to know the difference
between GPRS, EDGE and 3G, decided to share my little knowledge about the topic
in case you might be confused about it too.
Before we get the advanced technology, it was known as 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G,
5G etc refers to the dissimilar generations of wire-free communication
technology branded by having a defined range of speed.
GPRS:
What is GPRS? General Packet Radio Service... It’s just a packet-based
wireless communication service. It is otherwise known as 2G technology network
that supports a download speed of up to 114Kbps.
Limitation of GPRS ends up when a voice call is in progress.
EDGE:
Enhanced Data GSM Evolution... GPRS and EDGE are both 2G technology but
EDGE is significantly faster with a download speed of up to 384Kbps. EDGE is
sometimes called a 2.5G network as it also has some characteristics of a 3G
network but it doesn't satisfy the specification.
3G:
Introduction of 3G network made video calling and seamless streaming of
video possible, with download speed of up to 3.1Mbps.
HSDPA:
High-Speed Down-link Packet Access... It is based on the 3G network and
an enhancement to 3G. Thus has a faster speed, download speed can be up to
14Mbps. HSDPA is sometimes called 3.5G.
HSPA+:
Evolved High-Speed Packet Access!!! It’s an evolution HSPA (HSDPA&HSUPA).
It is a 4G technology that allows download at a rate of up to 168Mbps.
4G LTE:
4th Generation - Long Term Evolution... LTE is a 4G communication
standard that supports HD video streaming, download speed as high as 299.6Mbps.
Summary:
GPRS(114Kbps) < EGDE(368Kbps) < 3G(3.1Mbps) < HSDPA(14Mbps)
< HSPA+(168Mbps) < 4G/LTE(299.6Mbps)
You have only said speed differences and one usage. All that you have mentioned has lots of differences.
ReplyDeleteFor e.g 3G has two types of calls CS (Call - Voice vall) - PS (Data services). LTE has only one type of service (i.e Data, even voice comes under Data call i.e you will charged based on the data transfered for voice call and not based on seconds or minutes). LTE is based on a technology called OFDMA. Specifications wise 3G is the most complex. Whereas LTE is relatively less simple compared with 3G (because of the wisdom gained from 3G)
In between there was one more technology WIMAX. LTE was developed much later in competition with WIMAX.But 3GPP group (the one which develops 2G, 3G, 4G-LTE specifications - controlled by many companies who sponsor the group) literally killed WIMAX.