What is the difference between CDMA and GSM? In the division type. GSM uses time and frequency division, while CDMA uses code division, which has a number of advantages. And they concern both the user and the operator. Now we will understand what is the difference between CDMA and GSM types.
Main differences
GSM phones use time and frequency division. A small frequency band is created for each subscriber. In this case, the "procedure" of data exchange is temporary. The signal is interrupted, but due to the high data rate, this is not noticeable. Communication interruptions can be noticed by a beep from the phone when it is near another device.
CDMA uses more advanced code division. Each subscriber is connected to a base station. It uses the entire frequency resource that is available to all subscribers, and the station communicates with everyone at once. A call or message from a specific subscriber is distinguished by a code: each subscriber has his own unique code, which makes him stand out among other subscribers. These methods of connecting subscribers can be described in one simple example. Let's say there are several people in the room. First partpeople speaks in turn, for 10 seconds - this is a GSM type. The second part speaks out of turn, all at once, but each pair speaks its own language - this is CDMA. In both cases, people can chat, but chatting without a queue in 10 seconds is much more comfortable.
Who has more advantages
The difference lies in the wider bandwidth. For the subscriber, the benefits are:
- better data transmission quality: a larger dedicated line is more stable;
- security: the intercepted CDMA signal looks like noise, it is almost impossible to distinguish the subscriber and hear the voice;
- less power consumption of the communication device: the signal in the CDMA network is less powerful compared to GSM and depends on the distance to the repeater.
The advantage of CDMA for operators is more stations, and hence their larger radius, as well as easier network setup and protection from congestion. CDMA operators can cover a much larger area with minimal equipment costs, unlike GSM.
Then the question arises: "Why is the GSM format more common, if CDMA is better in everything?". There are not so many reasons, and they are simple. When CDMA was created, GSM already existed. In the case of the transition, there was a problem with consumer equipment and equipment for operators. CDMA, due to its features, required more powerful computing power, since the division was coded and each subscriber had to be processed. For development lessthe mainstream network also needed funds, and CDMA-enabled phones cost more.
Besides this, there was also a user-friendliness issue. In the GSM network, you can identify a subscriber by a physical SIM card (it stores information that the operator needs). If the user wanted to change the phone to a new one, he simply had to rearrange the SIM card, and there was no need to notify the operator about this.
CDMA phones do not have slots for a SIM card, the information required by the operator is flashed into the phone itself. Because of this, in order to change the phone, you need to carry it to the communication salon. Also, a CDMA phone cannot be used in roaming. Today there are already phones that can support two network formats at the same time, the problem of a limited choice of devices has been solved. American operators have been the driving force behind this progress and have made the biggest contribution to this technology. Within the Russian market, CDMA operators occupy a much smaller share, the choice of compatible smartphones or phones is less, but if desired, the user can buy a device on the international market.
Given the pros and cons, the choice of network type depends only on the coverage of a particular territory by your operator. The main difference between CDMA and GSM is the presence of a physical card.
How to tell CDMA from GSM?
As we have already found out, the difference between CDMA and GSM is the lack of a physical SIM slot.
- If your phone has a SIM card, most likely your phone uses GSM networks if your device does not have a trayunder the SIM card, most likely you have a CDMA phone.
- By mobile operator.
GSM phones use SIM card, CDMA - E-Sim.
How to determine the type of connection on the iPhone?
You can distinguish a GSM or CDMA iPhone by the number on the back cover.
iPhone 5s and later use LTE. How can I find out the connection type on previous devices?
iPhone 5c:
- A1532, A1507 or A1529 - iPhone 5c GSM;
- A1532 or A1456 - iPhone 5c CDMA;
- A1516, A1526 or A1529 - iPhone 5c GSM China.
iPhone 5:
- A1428 - iPhone 5 GSM;
- A1429 - iPhone 5 GSM and CDMA;
- A1442 - iPhone 5 CDMA, China.
iPhone 4s:
- A1431 - iPhone 4s GSM, China;
- A1387 - iPhone 4s CDMA;
- A1387 - iPhone 4s GSM.
iPhone 4:
- A1349 - CDMA iPhone 4s;
- A1332 - iPhone 4 GSM.
iPhone 3Gs:
- A1325 - iPhone 3GS;
- A1303 - iPhone 3GS.
iPhone 3g:
- A1324 - iPhone 3G;
- A1241 - iPhone 3G.
iPhone only uses 2g format.
In iPhone what is the difference between CDMA and GSM? There is no support for E-Sim in Russia, and therefore the iPhone released to the Russian market does not support this technology. In the rest of the world, when buying, you can choose the type of connection, CDMA or GSM.
