Skip to main content

GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSDPA, HSPA+, 4G LTE

While conversing with a friend I was asked the differences between GPRS, EDGE and 3G, decided to share my little knowledge about the topic in case you might be confused about it too.

Before advancing, it should be known that 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G etc refers to the different generations of wireless communication technology characterized by having a defined range of speed.

GPRS(General Packet Radio Service)
GPRS is a packet-based* wireless communication service. It is a 2G technology network that support a download speed of up to 114Kbps.
Limitation of GPRS is that GPRS data cannot be sent while 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 dowmload 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)
HSPA+ is an evolution HSPA(HSDPA&HSUPA). It is a 4G technology that allows download at a rate of up to 168Mbps.

4G LTE(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)

By the way, I posted this using a GPRS connection.

*Packet-based means data is broken into packets before being transmitted.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

iPhone 5 Excitement

Following Apple's official annoucement of the iPhone 5, the internet and smartphone market has been dominated by talks of the iPhone 5. Most people are of the opinion that the iPhone 5 isn't much of a game changer as it still has the same old iPhone look that's getting boring despite the change in screen size and also the fact that the iPhone has no news worthy feature. Verdict: Not buzz worthy iPhone 5 is slated to be released September 21st.
2 comments
Read more

Opera mini unable to connect on Airtel

I notice that the Opera Mini browser app on my phone doesn't connect anymore on the Airtel network. Initially I thought it might have been a problem with the particular browser but later found that the Opera Mini did work on the MTN network. Since I'm currently on a 1 month bundle guess I'd have to go back to using UC Browser or UC Web as it's now known as.
Post a Comment
Read more

Abuja to buy Spy Balloons

Words in the air is that the Administration of Abuja plans on spending about N295 million on Spy Balloons, in a bid to improve security. Wonder why Spy Balloons would be required when cctv are installed in every nook and cranny of the capital city, not forgetting that we also have a functional satelite in space. Spy Balloon is such an obsolete technology, considering that they have been around even before World War I, hence would be a waste of valuable resources.
Post a Comment
Read more