2G Cellular Networks: GSM and CDMA

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason cellular networks divide geographical areas into 'cells'?

  • To reduce the cost of infrastructure by minimizing the number of antennas.
  • To simplify the process of assigning phone numbers to subscribers.
  • To maintain continuous connectivity as users move throughout the area. (correct)
  • To increase the signal strength in densely populated areas.

Which of the following is a key difference between GSM and CDMA in 2G networks?

  • GSM allowed users to switch phones easily with a SIM card, while CDMA typically locked handsets to specific networks. (correct)
  • GSM used a unique code for each call, while CDMA assigned time slots for each user.
  • GSM was primarily used for data communication, while CDMA focused on voice communication.
  • GSM was more popular in the United States, while CDMA was the global standard.

Which of the following best describes how GSM enables multiple users to communicate simultaneously?

  • Splitting the signal into different codes to allow simultaneous communication.
  • Giving each user a small slice of time to transmit data over the same frequencies. (correct)
  • Assigning a unique frequency to each user for the duration of their call.
  • Utilizing a central server to manage and route all communication.

How did CDMA technology allow multiple users to communicate simultaneously on the same network?

<p>By using a unique code for each call to filter out irrelevant signals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key motivation behind the introduction of 4G LTE technology?

<p>To converge GSM and CDMA standards, creating a unified global standard. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Long Term Evolution' (LTE) in the context of cellular technology?

<p>It signifies a converged standard designed to unify different network technologies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a mobile network advertises 'LTE-Advanced', what improvement can users typically expect over standard LTE?

<p>A doubling of throughput speeds for data transmission. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of 5G networks over previous generations of mobile communication?

<p>Significantly enhanced data speeds and reduced latency. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might the increased data speeds of 5G networks impact the functionality of Internet of Things (IoT) devices?

<p>By potentially enabling more complex and data-intensive applications for IoT devices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a PRL (Preferred Roaming List) update on a mobile device?

<p>To allow the device to identify and connect to the appropriate cellular towers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Your phone is performing an 'OTA' update. What is most likely happening?

<p>The device is updating its list of preferred roaming networks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When you turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot, what is it essentially doing?

<p>Acting as a personal data router using the cellular network for internet access. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A user enables the Wi-Fi hotspot feature on their phone but other devices cannot connect to it. What is the most likely reason?

<p>The cellular provider has restricted the hotspot capability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Your phone is connected to a 5G network, but the data speeds are significantly lower than expected. What could be a potential reason for this?

<p>The 5G network is experiencing congestion or is not fully deployed in your area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A mobile device user is traveling internationally and wants to use their phone for data. Which technology would allow seamless use of compatible devices in other countries?

<p>LTE-A (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A phone user notices that their phone is having trouble holding onto a connection when traveling. Assuming the phone is not damaged, what is the most likely cause?

<p>The PRL installed on the phone is out of date. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did CDMA handle the issue of call privacy compared to GSM?

<p>CDMA used unique codes for each call, filtering out irrelevant signals and improving privacy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A technician connects to a cell tower and notices that the throughput is far below average. What is the most likely reason?

<p>The tower is likely experiencing significant amounts of network congestion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A network technician measures the throughput of a cell phone tower to be 250 megabits per second. What is most likely the technology in that tower?

<p>LTE (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You want to have a data only connection for your laptop while you are traveling. Which of the following is the best method to accomplish this goal?

<p>Turn on the hotspot functionality on your cell phone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cell Phones

Mobile phones using a cellular network, dividing geography into cells with antennas for connectivity.

2G Networks

Early cellular networks with global standards like GSM and CDMA, primarily for voice with limited data support.

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communications, a 2G standard widely used, especially in Europe. Uses a SIM card for phone configuration.

CDMA

Code Division Multiple Access, a 2G standard where calls use different codes to communicate; common in the US.

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3G Technology

Introduced in 1998, it provided enhanced data capabilities and speeds (several megabits per second).

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LTE

Long Term Evolution, a converged 4G standard based on GSM and EDGE, increasing throughput up to 150 Mbps.

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LTE Advanced (LTE-A)

An upgraded version of LTE effectively doubling the throughput on LTE networks up to 300 megabits per second.

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5G Network

Fifth generation cellular networking that introduces greatly enhanced speeds; up to 10 gigabits per second.

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PRL Update

A list that allows phones to identify appropriate network towers, updated over-the-air (OTA).

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Wi-Fi Hotspot

Merging cellular with 802.11, turning a phone into a personal data router using the cellular network.

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Study Notes

  • Mobile phones use a cellular network to maintain connectivity, separating geography into sections or cells with antennas at the edges.

2G Networks

  • Original cellular networks consisted of two global standards: GSM and CDMA.
  • Good for voice communication but had limited data support.
  • Originally circuit switched, requiring upgrades for data connectivity.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

  • Held approximately 90% of the worldwide market share.
  • Standard in the European Union, providing coverage across different regions.
  • In the US, common GSM networks were AT&T and T-Mobile.
  • Phone configurations stored on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.
  • SIM card allowed phone number to transfer between devices.
  • Utilized multiplexing to enable simultaneous communication over the same frequencies.
  • Allowed voice and data communication for multiple people in a geographic area.

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)

  • Enabled multiple people to communicate on the network using distinct codes.
  • Each call used a different code, with handsets filtering out irrelevant codes.
  • In the US, Verizon and Sprint commonly used CDMA.
  • Providers controlled the handsets used on their networks.
  • Wasn't popular outside of the US or with other providers.

3G Technologies

  • Introduced in 1998, offering enhanced data capabilities and speed.
  • Achieved speeds of several megabits per second.
  • Enabled new mobile handset capabilities like GPS, mobile TV, and streaming.

LTE (Long Term Evolution) - 4G Technology

  • Converged GSM and CDMA standards, allowing the use of one standard for data transmission.
  • Based on GSM and EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution).
  • Increased throughput up to 150 megabits per second.
  • LTE Advanced (LTE-A) doubled throughput to 300 megabits per second.

5G (Fifth Generation)

  • Introduced in 2020, offered greatly enhanced speeds.
  • Target speeds of around 10 gigabits per second.
  • Current speeds range from 100 to 900 megabits per second.
  • Could extend functionality of mobile and IoT devices.
  • Would allow for larger file transfers, enhanced applications, and increased cloud data processing.

PRL (Preferred Roaming List) Updates

  • PRL updates in the operating system allow phones recognize appropriate network towers.
  • Updated over-the-air (OTA).

Wi-Fi Hotspot

  • Combines cellular and 802.11 networks.
  • Phone becomes a personal data router using the cellular network for internet.
  • Other devices can use the phone's internet connectivity over 802.11.
  • Providers may limit Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities or charge extra.
  • Data costs may apply in Wi-Fi hotspot mode.

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