Case Study on CDMA and GSM Based Mobile Phones
1. CDMA Based Mobile Phones
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is a technology used in mobile phone networks
that allows multiple users to share the same frequency spectrum by assigning unique codes to
each call or data transmission. It's one of the key technologies used for cellular communication
alongside GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and others like LTE.
Working Principle:
In CDMA-based systems, instead of dividing the frequency spectrum into channels (as
GSM does), all users transmit at the same time and on the same frequency, but each call or data
stream is assigned a unique code. These codes act as identifiers, allowing the network to separate
and recognize each individual signal. The system uses spread-spectrum techniques, which means
that the data is spread over a wide range of frequencies, making it more resistant to interference
and eavesdropping. Key to CDMA is the concept of "spreading": a user's signal is multiplied by
a unique, complex code (called a "chip" sequence), which spreads the signal over a wide
frequency band. The receiver knows the code, so it can separate out the signal even though many
others are using the same frequencies.
Features and Implications:
i) Increased Capacity: CDMA allows more users to occupy the same bandwidth. This is
because the system can distinguish between different signals even if they overlap in frequency,
using the unique codes.
ii) Efficient Spectrum Usage: Unlike GSM, which divides the available bandwidth into distinct
channels, CDMA uses the entire spectrum for all users, which leads to more efficient use of
available radio frequencies.
iii) Better Call Quality: CDMA can handle interference better due to the spread-spectrum
technique, leading to potentially better sound quality and fewer dropped calls in congested areas.
iv) Higher Data Speeds: CDMA can support both voice and data traffic more efficiently.
Technologies like CDMA2000, which is a 3G technology, support high-speed data transmission.
v) Soft Handoff: In CDMA, phones can maintain a connection as they move between towers.
This "soft handoff" reduces the likelihood of dropped calls compared to GSM's "hard handoff”,
where the call is switched between towers at a specific point.
Examples of CDMA Mobile Phones
Attributes LG Tribute Motorola Moto G
Images
Descriptions The LG Tribute was a budget-friendly CDMA The LG Tribute was a budget-friendly CDMA
smartphone, primarily available on Sprint's network. It smartphone, primarily available on Sprint's network. It
featured a 4.5-inch display, a modest processor, and featured a 4.5-inch display, a modest processor, and basic
basic camera capabilities. As a CDMA phone, it camera capabilities. As a CDMA phone, it operated on
operated on Sprint's 3G and later 4G LTE networks, Sprint's 3G and later 4G LTE networks, providing
providing essential smartphone functions for users essential smartphone functions for users looking for an
looking for an affordable device. affordable device.
Specifics Display: 4.5 inches Display: 4.5 inches
Processor: 1.2 GHz quad-core Processor: 1.2 GHz quad-core
RAM: 1 GB RAM: 1 GB
Storage: 4 GB (Expandable up to 32 GB) Storage: 8 GB or 16 GB (Expandable up to 32 GB)
Camera: 5 MP rear, 1.3 MP front Camera: 5 MP rear, 1.3 MP front
Battery: 1,900 mAh Battery: 2,070 mAh
OS: Android 4.4 (KitKat) OS: Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) upgradable to later versions
CDMA Network: Sprint, 3G/4G LTE support CDMA Network: Verizon/Sprint, 3G/4G LTE support
Dimensions: 5.02 x 2.56 x 0.39 inches Dimensions: 5.11 x 2.63 x 0.46 inches
Weight: 4.41 oz Weight: 5.29 oz
Functioning The LG Tribute operates on Sprint’s CDMA network, The Motorola Moto G supports CDMA networks from
meaning it does not use a SIM card for network both Verizon and Sprint, offering more flexibility. While it
authentication. Instead, the phone is directly linked to also uses unique digital codes for communication, some
Sprint’s system through its internal hardware. Calls, versions of the Moto G include a SIM card slot, allowing
texts, and data are managed by Sprint’s towers using it to work on both CDMA and GSM networks. This
unique digital codes, ensuring secure and efficient makes it easier to switch carriers if the phone is unlocked
communication. However, because it is tied to Sprint’s and supports the right network bands.
network, switching to another carrier is difficult unless
the phone is unlocked and compatible with GSM
networks.
2. GSM Based Mobile Phones
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is a network technology that uses
SIM cards to connect phones to mobile networks. Unlike CDMA, which links a phone directly to
a carrier, GSM allows users to switch carriers easily by changing the SIM card, making it more
flexible for international use but inefficient for domestic use at the same time.
Working Principle:
In GSM-based systems, the frequency spectrum is divided into separate channels using a
method called Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). Instead of all users transmitting at the
same time on the same frequency (as in CDMA), GSM assigns each call or data stream a specific
time slot within a frequency channel. This ensures that multiple users can share the same
frequency without interfering with each other. GSM operates by breaking down communication
into small time slots and transmitting them in sequence. Each user's voice or data is digitized,
compressed, and sent in short bursts during their assigned time slot. The receiving end
reassembles these bursts to create a continuous conversation. Key to GSM is the concept of
SIM-based authentication: a user's identity and network access are stored in a SIM card, which
can be transferred to different devices. This makes switching phones or carriers easier compared
to CDMA. Because GSM networks are standardized worldwide, they are widely used and allow
seamless international roaming with compatible SIM cards.
Features and Implications:
i) SIM-Based Authentication: Users can switch phones or carriers easily by changing the SIM
card.
ii) International Roaming: GSM networks are standardized globally, enabling easy connectivity
across different countries.
iii) More Carrier Flexibility: Users can switch networks easily, promoting competition among
carriers.
iv) Security & Encryption: Calls and data are encrypted for privacy, but GSM networks are still
vulnerable to advanced hacking techniques.
v) Scalability: GSM supports a high number of users efficiently, making it ideal for densely
populated areas.
Attributes Sony Xperia Z Toshiba TG
Images
Descriptions The Sony Xperia Z is a GSM smartphone that uses a The Toshiba TG is an older GSM phone that also relies on
SIM card to connect to mobile networks. It supports a SIM card for network access. It mainly supports 2G and
3G and 4G LTE, allowing fast internet, calls, and 3G networks, providing calls, text messaging, and basic
messaging. With GSM technology, users can switch mobile internet. Like other GSM devices, it allows users
carriers easily by replacing the SIM card. It also to change networks by swapping SIM cards, making it
supports international roaming, making it useful for flexible for different carriers and regions.
travelers.
Specifics Display: 5-inch Full HD Display: 4.1-inch touchscreen
Processor: 1.5 GHz quad-core Processor: 1 GHz processor
RAM: 2 GB RAM: 256 MB
Storage: 16 GB internal, expandable up to 64 GB Storage: 512 MB internal, expandable
Camera: 13 MP rear, 2.2 MP front Camera: 3.2 MP rear
Battery: 2,330 mAhe Battery: 1,000 mAh
OS: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), upgradable OS: Windows Mobile 6.1
Network: GSM-based, supports 3G and 4G LTE Network: GSM-based, supports 2G and 3G
Dimensions: 5.47 x 2.80 x 0.31 inches Dimensions: 4.88 x 2.44 x 0.39 inches
Weight: 5.15 oz Weight: 4.94 oz
Functioning The Sony Xperia Z connects to mobile networks using The Toshiba TG also relies on GSM technology with a
a SIM card, which stores the user’s identity and SIM card to connect to mobile networks. However, since
network credentials. When making a call or using it primarily supports 2G and 3G, it operates at slower
mobile data, the phone sends signals to the nearest cell speeds compared to modern smartphones. The phone
tower. GSM divides the available frequency into time transmits signals to the nearest GSM cell tower, where its
slots, allowing multiple users to share the network calls and data are processed using time-division
without interference. The Xperia Z also supports 3G multiplexing (TDMA) to separate different users on the
and 4G LTE, meaning it can handle faster data speeds same frequency. Like the Xperia Z, the Toshiba TG
and clearer voice calls compared to older GSM allows carrier flexibility by swapping SIM cards, but its
phones. Because it uses GSM, users can easily switch older network compatibility limits its usability in regions
carriers by replacing the SIM card, making it useful that have phased out 2G and 3G services.
for international travel.
Conclusion
This case study highlights the key differences between CDMA and GSM technologies
and how they impact mobile phone functionality. CDMA phones like the LG Tribute and
Motorola Moto G rely on unique digital codes for communication, eliminating the need for SIM
cards and allowing more efficient spectrum usage. However, they are often locked to specific
carriers, making it difficult to switch networks. In contrast, GSM phones such as the Sony Xperia
Z and Toshiba TG use SIM-based authentication, enabling greater carrier flexibility and
international roaming. GSM technology also follows a structured time-slot system to ensure
multiple users can share the same frequency without interference.
Both technologies have their advantages and limitations. CDMA offers better security, call
quality, and efficient bandwidth usage, while GSM provides flexibility, global compatibility, and
easier device upgrades. As mobile networks evolve, CDMA is being phased out in favor of GSM
and LTE-based networks, which combine the strengths of both technologies for improved
communication.
