If you have ever wondered about the various Wireless protocols like CDMA and GSM, here they are! I have provided all of the formats that I can think of, as well as a run down on the specifications of each format:
PROTOCOL: 802.11a
- MAIN USE: PC Networking
- FREQUENCY: 5GHz
- RANGE: 25-75ft inside/100ft Outside
- SPEED: ~54Mbps
- NOTES: Not backwardly compatible with 802.11b, 802.11g. Other 5GHz devices may disrupt connection
PROTOCOL: 802.11b
- MAIN USE: PC/PPC Networking
- FREQUENCY: 2.4GHz
- RANGE: ~100ft inside/250 Outside
- SPEED: ~11Mbps
- NOTES: Other 2.4GHz devices may disrupt connection
PROTOCOL: 802.11g
- MAIN USE: PC/PPC Networking
- FREQUENCY: 2.4GHz
- RANGE: ~100ft inside/250ft Outside
- SPEED: ~54Mbps
- NOTES: Other 2.4GHz devices may disrupt connection
PROTOCOL: Bluetooth
- MAIN USE: Connecting Peripherals
- FREQUENCY: 2.4GHz
- RANGE: ~33ft
- SPEED: ~720Kbps
- NOTES: Other 2.4GHz devices may disrupt connection
PROTOCOL: EvDO (Evolution Data Only)
- MAIN USE: Data for Digital Cell Phone Network
- FREQUENCY: 800/1600CDMA, 900/1800GRPS
- RANGE: Provider Coverage Area
- SPEED: Expected 500kbps-800kbps, theoretical 2Mbps.
- NOTES: -none-
PROTOCOL: GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
- MAIN USE: Cell Phone Network
- FREQUENCY: 900MHz/1,800MHz/1,900MHz
- RANGE: Set by Provider
- SPEED: Set by Provider
- NOTES: Incompatible w/CDMA & TDMA networks
PROTOCOL: 3GSM (3rd Generation Global System for Mobile Communications)
- MAIN USE: 3GSM Cell Networks
- FREQUENCY: 1,920MHz to 1,980MHz/2,110-2,170MHz
- RANGE: Set by Provider
- SPEED: 2Mbps
- NOTES: Incompatible w/CDMA networks
PROTOCOL: GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
- MAIN USE: Data for GSM phones
- FREQUENCY: Set by Provider
- RANGE: Set by Provider
- SPEED: ~50Kbps
- NOTES: Incompatible w/CDMA networks
PROTOCOL: CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
- MAIN USE: Digital Cell Network
- FREQUENCY: 800MHz/900MHz/1,700MHz/1,800MHz/1,900MHz
- RANGE: Coverage Area
- SPEED: 14.4Kbps/64Kbps
- NOTES: Not compatible with GSM, TDMA networks
PROTOCOL: CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access, Version 2000)
- MAIN USE: Digital Cell Network
- FREQUENCY: Any bandwidth selected by Provider
- RANGE: Coverage area
- SPEED: 144Kbps/4.8Mbps in the future
- NOTES: Incompatible with GSM, TDMA networks
PROTOCOL: CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data)
- MAIN USE: Analog Cell Data Network
- FREQUENCY: 800MHz, 1,900MHz
- RANGE: Coverage area
- SPEED: 19.2Kbps
- NOTES: -none-
PROTOCOL: TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
- MAIN USE: Digital Cell Network
- FREQUENCY: 800MHz, 1,900MHz
- RANGE: Coverage Area
- SPEED: 64Kbps-120Kbps
- NOTES: Not compatible with GSM, CDMA networks