GSM vs CDMA vs LTE – Comparing different networking technologies

 Network technologies determine how different data types are shared within information systems. Here is our comparison review of some of the most popular cellular networking technologies, GSM vs. CDMA vs. LTE, take a look.

Before we permanently make the switch to faster, more reliable cellular networking technologies, it is important to reflect on how far telecommunications tech has come. If fact, understanding the foundations of network technologies will not only help users gain a greater understanding on what this are, but also help more people transition smoothly into newer generation cellular networking techs.

For this reason, we take on GSM vs. CDMA vs. LTE, where we not only highlight the history and features of these three techs but also differentiate them for you. Take a look.

What are the differences between GSM, CDMA and LTE?

	GSM	CDMA	LTE (Winner)
In full	GSM ­-Global System for Mobile Communication	Code Division Multiple Access	Long Term Evolution
Transmission technology	TDMA, FDAM	CDMA	OFDMA
Networking generation	2G	2G-3G	3G-4G
Hand off	Hard	Soft	Hard
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

 

GSM vs. CDMA vs. LTE- How these compare

Coverage

Overall, GSM is more available compared to CDMA and LTE technologies. You can access GSM connection infrastructure worldwide, with many users still invested in GSM, and GSM based cellular networking solutions. CDMA and LTE on the other hand are limited in terms of availability. Speaking strictly on a global scale, GMS has by far the best coverage. In fact, since LTE tech is still relatively new, it is unavailable in many parts of the world, including sections of rural America.

Popularity

While many vendors, and carriers rely on GSM, and CDMA technologies or principles to drive their networks, many users are oblivious to the type of technology their devices. Currently, LTE is overwhelmingly popular compared to the rest. This is mostly because it is advertized as the worlds’ fastest connection tech, at least currently anyway.

Data transfer

The rate at which technologies allow data transference is important to many users. This speed is indicative of the kind of performance users can expect from these technologies. Overall, LTE provides users the fastest data transfer speeds with theoretical download speeds at 1Gbps, and download speeds of 500Mbps. Even in real Time, LTE is quite fast compared to CDMA, and GSM whose transfer rates are comparatively slower. Notably, CDMA offers faster transfer raters compared to GSM. Additionally, there are different data transfer methods across these technologies. These contribute to the staggering difference in the data transfer rates we’ve discussed.

Relevance

It is important to learn about older generation technology, this information helps users understand and appreciate newer generations. Similarly, we must acknowledge relevance of said technology in telecommunications today. As it stands, many carries plan on completely phasing out 2G, and 3G networks, only accommodating 4G. In telecommunications today, many carries plan on completely phasing out 2G, and 3G networks, only accommodating 4G. This makes LTE tech more relevant than GSM or CMDA. Granted these technologies were foundational in evolving cellular networks, they are no longer needed.

GSM vs CDMA vs LTE- A comparison review

GSM

Since GSM broadband connections are widely popular, it is important that users understand the inner workings of GSM technology. Known in full as the Global System for Mobile communications, this networking tech is designed based off TDMA technologies. Before we get into reliability and usefulness of GSM tech, let’s review some of this tech’s history.

Firstly, GSM was designed as s solution to minimized scalability in addition to high quality performance. This tech forms an integral part of the evolution of wireless communication standards. GSM networks are founded on different parts working together, but deliver performance as a whole. With these connections, different users share a single frequency band. These networks make provisions for a SIM-Subscriber identity network , compared to other technologies which are device based.

With this technology, 2G networks were able to support even faster connection and deployment. Moreover, GSM allows for overall improved quality in addition to flexibility within the network.

AT&T

Among the most popular vendors in the USA, AT&T relies on GSM technology to provide users nationwide with wireless phone connections. There are many levels of service available for home, business and even personal use.

AT&T offers extensive plans with good rates for a wide use spectrum.

Pros

• Widely available
• Enables great voice quality and global roaming capabilities

Cons

CDMA

Code division Multiple Access as known is full is a second generation series protocol. Since its developments, CDMA has evolved into different standards, each better than the last. CDMA2000 and WCDMA are currently the most popular cellular networking technologies for 3G networks.

With these, users have seen a tremendous improvement in voice and packet data. In fact, these technologies are responsible for some of the benefits seen on 3G networks including improved data speeds, improved streaming capabilities, better cellular text, voice and MMS services, among others.

Early 3G networks depended on CMDA which allows separation of individual voice and data packets over multiple frequencies. This efficiency in spectrum use improves connection speeds compared to older generation technologies. No wonder networking tech saw a growth in terms of capacity and handover.

Additionally, this spread spectrum technology effectively avoids interference since ever transmitter has an assigned code. Among the benefits of CDMA include the use of wider bandwidth, with more access. Moreover, CMDA technologies improve on the design codes used, security within the network and supports multiple aces.

Sprint

Sprint are a CDMA based carrier, although not exclusively.  The services feature great connections, especially with the kind of infrastructure laid for CDMA based networking.

Notably, many vendors including sprint have set sunset dates to retire their CDMA based networking solutions for faster and more reliable connectivity options.

Pros

• Great connection speeds
• Budget friendly plans

Cons

• Coverage could be better

LTE

LTE is categorized as a 4G technology, and even marketed as 4LTE, currently the fastest networking standard available that offers reliable speeds, with overall improved mobile internet access and applications.

Developed as part of the 3GPP evolution of wireless communication tech, Long Term Evolution standards are now the most popular cellular standard on the telecommunications market. Interestingly, LTE is based on the features and evolution of GSM, and HSPA technologies. Using these as a base, LTE has evolved

This technology relies on OFDM which introduces flexibility in deployment across many frequency nads. With this, users can access connections with minimal interference from other mobiles within the same cellular system.

While widely more complex than CDMA, OFDM allows for even more spectral efficiency on its respective networks using MINO compared to CMDA’s RAKE receiver. Overall, LTE is an advanced addition to networking technologies.

Verizon

As the nation’s number one LTE service provider, Verizon has done a good job to ensure more users access faster internet speeds for even more extensive applications and device usage.

Over this 4G LTE service, users can share all types of files, and enjoy fast upload and download speeds in addition to online streaming and gaming services.

Pros

• Best coverage
• Fast connection speeds

Cons

• None so far

Now, Let’s compare AT&T to Sprint and Verizon

	AT&T	Sprint	Verizon
Coverage	Great	Okay	1st in 4GLTE nationwide
Speeds	Great	Good	Great
Sustainability	Good	Sunset plans for CDMA technologies set	Highly sustainable, for the foreseeable future
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Conclusion

Overall, networking technologies are quite interesting with long evolution histories. GSM and CDMA are foundational to wireless phone technologies and are the basis upon which many other technologies including LTE are built.

Verdict: So, which one is better: GSM, CDMA or LTE?

All things considered, LTE is better than GSM or CDMA technologies. This technology is not only the newest of the three but also has the most to offer in terms of speed, capacity, and overall performance. While GSM and CDMA have served us well, and continue to do so, LTE is the networking tech of the future.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between GSM and LTE?

GSM is an older networking technology that supports cellular and data. LTE on the other hand is a newer, faster type of broadband technology that only supports data.

Is 4g LTE CDMA or GSM?

4G LTE is built on OFDMA transmission technologies that are based on CDMA standards and many older generation features.