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CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) is a packet-based network that is typically isolated within major metro cities throughout North America. The CDPD network has an optimal bandwidth of 19.2K, and is run in the same spectrum as the AMPS networks.
**Verizon, AT&T Wireless, and I believe Cingular run CDPD networks**

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) can be either packet based or circuit based, depending on the method of access and version of the technology. cdmaOne (the version before CDMA2000) uses circuit switch data, that runs at 14.4, and acts as a dial-up connection. CDMA2000 is packet based, and has a maximum of 144kbps (for the currently deployed version in the US/Canada, which is 1xRTT), and delivers 50-120kbps in real world usage. Future CDMA2000 versions will provide a maximum of 384kbps (1xRTT rev. A), then 2.4mbps (1xEV-DO), and then 4.8mbps (1xEV-DV). It is capable of up to 56kbps for the dial-up version, which lets you use your own ISP.
**Verizon, Bell Mobility, TELUS PCS, and Sprint PCS are the major US/Canada CDMA networks**

GSM (Global System Mobile Communication) is the predominant network outside of North America including Europe, parts of Asia, South America, etc. GSM (excluding GPRS and EDGE) is a circuit-based network, which means that the user must make a dial-up connection to access the network. The GSM network has an optimal bandwidth of 14.4 K.
**AT&T Wireless's Next Generation network/mMode, Fido/Microcell, Cingular (in some areas, including California, Nevada, Washington state, and South Carolina), Rogers AT&T's newer network, and T-Mobile use GSM**

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a packet-based wireless communication service that promises data rates from 56 up to 114 Kbps and continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and computer users, but delivers in the 30-50kbps in real world usage. GPRS is added on top of GSM networks and will complement existing services such circuit-switched cellular phone connections and the Short Message Service (SMS). GPRS is NOT related to GPS (the Global Positioning System).
**AT&T Wireless's Next Generation network/mMode, Cingular in GSM areas, Fido/Microcell, Rogers AT&T's newer network, and T-Mobile use GPRS**

TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) as a standard (not the concept, which GSM and iDEN also use) is a technology used in digital cellular telephone communication to divide each traditional AMPS cellular channel into three time slots in order to increase the amount of information that can be carried. TDMA is a circuit-switched network that allows for 14.4kbps speeds.
**Cingular (excluding their Washington state, California, Nevada, and South Carolina markets), AT&T Wireless's older network (Digital PCS), and Rogers AT&T's older network use TDMA**

iDEN (integrated Digital Enhanced Network) can be used in either a packet based form or circuit switched form. In circuit switched, it runs are 9.6kbps, in packet based mode, it runs at 19.2kbps, and can use compression on the network to increase effective speeds.
**Nextel and TELUS Mike are the major iDEN networks in the US/Canada**


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by djdanska See Profile edited by Optimized See Profile
last modified: 2004-06-10 18:35:15