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Wireless Definitions
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GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications
Global System for Mobile Communication. Originally developed as a pan-European standard for digital mobile telephony, GSM has become the world's most widely used mobile system. It is used on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies in Europe, Asia and Australia, and the MHz 1900 frequency in North America and Latin America. Based on TDMA technology, specifically developed to provide system compatibility across country boundaries. This compatible network enables GSM cellular users to use a single cellular phone throughout Europe, most of Asia, and parts of North and South America and have every call billed to one account. Countries have been rapidly building GSM networks, resulting in over 160 million fully working subscribers in over 125 countries.
GPRS - General Packet Radio Service
GPRS is a method of enhancing 2G phones to enable them to send and receive data more rapidly. With a GPRS connection, the phone is "always on" and can transfer data immediately, and at higher speeds: typically 32 - 48 kbps . An additional benefit is that data can be transferred at the same time as making a voice call. GPRS is now available on most new phones.
GPRS is part of a series of technologies that are designed to move 2G networks closer to the performance of 3G networks. The key characteristic of a 3G network is its ability to transfer large amounts of data at high speed (up to 2 Mbps), enabling applications like video calling, video downloads, web browsing, email, etc. By increasing the speed of a 2G network, some of these applications become possible, e.g. web browsing and sending or receiving emails with large attachments. These technologies are called 2.5G and include enhancements to the CSD technology, such as HSCSD and EDGE .
EDGE - Enhanced Data rate for Global Evolution
EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) or EGPRS provides data transfer rates significantly faster than GPRS or HSCSD. EDGE increases the speed of each timeslot to 48 kbps and allows the use of up to 8 timeslots, giving a maximum data transfer rate of 384 kbps. In places where an EDGE network is not available, GPRS will automatically be used instead. EDGE offers the best that can be achieved with a 2.5G network, and will eventually be replaced by 3G.
3G
In mobile telephony, third-generation protocols support much higher data rates, measured in Mbps, intended for applications other than voice. 3G networks trials started in Japan in 2001. 3G networks are expected to be starting in Europe and part of Asia/Pacific by 2002, and in the US later. 3G will support bandwidth-hungry applications such as full-motion video, video-conferencing and full Internet access.
UMTS - Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third generation standard with a data capacity of up to 2 Mbit/s, 35 times faster than an ordinary 56k modem and standard telephone line. It is based on the world's most frequently used mobile telephony standard, GSM. In various countries, several mobile operators have paid substantial amounts for UMTS licences
HSDPA - High-Speed Downlink Packet Access
A 3G high-speed digital data service provided by cellular carriers worldwide that use the GSM technology, including AT&T (Cingular) and T-Mobile in the U.S. HSDPA works on HSDPA cellphones as well as laptops and portable devices with HSDPA modems. Users have typically experienced downstream data rates up to 1 Mbps.
HSDPA is a technology upgrade to current UMTS networks.
Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity
Short for ‘wireless fidelity'. A term for certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use specifications conforming to IEEE 802.11b. WiFi has gained acceptance in many environments as an alternative to a wired LAN. Many airports, hotels, and other services offer public access to WiFi networks so people can log onto the Internet and receive emails on the move. These locations are known as hotspots.
HotSpot
A specific geographical location in which an access point provides public wireless broadband network services to mobile visitors through a WLAN. Hotspots are often located in heavily populated places such as airports, train stations, libraries, marinas, convention centers and hotels. Hotspots typically have a short range of success.
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