Published: Andreas Wiebe, 20 January 2010 - 05:12

Mobitex

• Two-way packet-switch network
• Originally designed for text pagers
• Used by the BlackBerry
• 95x, 85x
• Network coverage is limited to metropolitan areas
• Radio uses very little power, allowing batteries to remain charged for several weeks
• Mobitex devices are being phased out by Research in Motion

GSM

• Global System for Mobile Communications
• Provides basic data services
• Provides voice service through digital network
• Time division to support more devices:
  • TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
  • FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)
• SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module card) stores phone number, connection information, and may store an address book.
• This allows a user to switch devices without needing to contact the service provider.

Note: BlackBerry’s can not send / receive email, PIN’s, or browse the internet with only GSM (GPRS is required).

GPRS

• General Packet Radio Service
• Extends the GSM network
• Allows for advanced data services
  • Use device as Modem
  • Use device as web
  • browser
  • Etc.
• Data transmission is significantly faster than GSM
  • Up to 54 kbps

EDGE

• Enhanced Data for Global Evolution
• An extension to the GSM / GPRS networks
  • More than three times faster than GPRS
  • Average download speed of 100 – 130 kbps
  • Burst speeds up to 200 kbps

HSDPA

• High Speed Downlink Packet Access
• Maximum data rates up to 7.2 Mbps

CDMA

• Code Division Multiple Access
• Technology is patented by Qualcomm
  • As such all CDMA BlackBerry’s use Qualcomm processors and network technology.
  • More expensive to build then GSM / GPRS devices
  • Processor is slower than on the GSM / GPRS devices
•  RTT 
  • Provides maximum data rates up to 300 kbps

EV-DO

• Evolution-Data Optimized
• Builds on CDMA & TDMA technologies
• Provides maximum data rates up to 1,400Kbps