Comparison of GSM, CDMA, and LTE Technologies

A 2G/3G technology that uses time-division multiple access (TDMA) to allocate specific time slots for communication. It is the standard for mobile networks worldwide and is primarily used for voice calls and SMS. It features a TDMA Access Technique (uplink) whose frequency usage allocation is fixed time slots and has data rates of upto 9.6 kbps-(2G)384kbps (3G). It has separate circuits for voice and data integration with high latency and its spectral efficiency is low. It is widely adopted globally because it is more seamless in terms of network handover. Primarily for basic mobile communications in regions with older infrastructure

Advantages

Widespread global adoption.

Easy SIM card swapping for users.

Cheaper infrastructure deployment.

Disadvantages

Lower data transfer speeds compared to modern technologies.

Susceptible to eavesdropping

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)

A 2G/3G technology that uses code-division techniques, allowing multiple users to share the same frequency spectrum simultaneously. It provides better spectral efficiency and security compared to GSM. It features a CDMA Access Technique (uplink) whose frequency usage allocation is Spread spectrum and has data rates of Up to ~3.1 Mbps (3G). It is Fully IP-based network for voice and data with Low (less than 10 ms) latency and its spectral efficiency is Very high. It is Limited to certain regions because it is Efficient but complex in terms of network handover. Used in areas with dense populations requiring efficient spectrum usage.

Advantages

Better spectral efficiency.

Higher security due to unique code assignment per user.

Fewer dropped calls in densely populated areas.

Disadvantages

Less widely adopted globally, limiting device compatibility

Devices are tied to a specific carrier, unlike GSM

LTE (Long Term Evolution)

A 4G technology designed for high-speed data transmission and enhanced network capacity. It is an evolution of GSM and CDMA, primarily focused on internet-based communication (VoIP) rather than traditional voice calls. It features an OFDMA (Downlink), SC-FDMA Access Technique (uplink) whose frequency usage allocation is Dynamic frequency allocation and has data rates of Up to 1 Gbps (4G). It is Integrated for voice and data with high latency and its spectral efficiency is Higher than GSM. It is Global, but dependent on infrastructure because it is Smooth and fast (soft handover in terms of network handover. Dominates modern networks, supporting high-speed data services like streaming, online gaming, and IoT applications.

Advantages

High-speed internet access

Low latency and better support for modern applications like video streaming and gaming.

Scalable and future-ready for 5G migration.

Disadvantages

Requires significant infrastructure investment

Higher power consumption in devices.

GSM and CDMA represent older technologies focused on voice and basic data services, while LTE is the foundation for modern, high-speed, and data-driven communication. The choice of technology depends on the region, infrastructure availability, and specific use cases.