Cellular Standards - CompTIA A+ 220-1101 - 1.4

Summary

This video script takes viewers through the evolution of mobile communication technologies, from the early 2G networks like GSM and CDMA, which were focused on voice communication, to the introduction of faster data speeds with 3G. It highlights the development of LTE (4G) and LTE-A, offering faster connectivity and better compatibility, and the rise of 5G networks with speeds potentially reaching 10 Gbps. The script also explains mobile device updates like PRL and features like Wi-Fi hotspots, shedding light on how mobile networks have significantly enhanced data transmission and device capabilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mobile phones use cellular networks, dividing areas into cells with antennas to ensure connectivity.
• 😀 2G networks included GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), primarily used for voice communication.
• 😀 GSM was dominant worldwide, especially in the EU, allowing users to carry phone configurations on a SIM card for global connectivity.
• 😀 CDMA, used by Verizon and Sprint in the U.S., allowed multiple users to share a network by using unique codes for communication.
• 😀 3G networks, introduced in 1998, enabled faster data speeds, supporting features like GPS, mobile TV, and streaming.
• 😀 LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks unified GSM and CDMA, offering speeds of up to 150 Mbps, with LTE-A doubling that to 300 Mbps.
• 😀 5G networks, introduced in 2020, promise speeds up to 10 Gbps, benefiting mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
• 😀 5G will enhance data-intensive applications, including larger file transfers, powerful cloud computing, and improved IoT connectivity.
• 😀 Mobile devices can act as Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing other devices to share cellular data, though providers may impose restrictions or charges.
• 😀 PRL (Preferred Roaming List) updates ensure phones can connect to appropriate network towers, and these updates are done over-the-air (OTA).

Q & A

What is the primary reason we call our mobile phones 'cell phones'?

We call them 'cell phones' because they use a cellular network, which divides an area into cells with antennas at the edges to maintain connectivity.

What are the two global standards for the original 2G networks?

The two global standards for the original 2G networks were GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).

How did GSM and CDMA support mobile communication?

GSM supported voice communication and data transmission by allocating slices of time for users, while CDMA allowed communication by assigning unique codes to each call, filtering out irrelevant data.

What was the major limitation of 2G networks like GSM and CDMA?

The major limitation of 2G networks like GSM and CDMA was their very limited ability to support data transmission, as they were initially designed for voice communication.

What additional capabilities did 3G networks introduce?

3G networks introduced significantly faster data speeds, enabling features like GPS, mobile television, streaming video and audio, and video on demand.

Why was the separation between GSM and CDMA problematic for users?

The separation between GSM and CDMA created challenges for users who wanted to switch between different providers or use networks that were available in their areas, as each standard had compatibility issues.

What is LTE, and how did it improve mobile networks?

LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a 4G technology that merged the GSM and CDMA networks into one standard, increasing data throughput and enabling faster mobile connections, with speeds up to 150 megabits per second.

How did LTE Advanced (LTE-A) enhance LTE networks?

LTE Advanced (LTE-A) doubled the data throughput of regular LTE networks, reaching speeds up to 300 megabits per second.

What is the main benefit of 5G networks?

The main benefit of 5G networks is greatly enhanced data speeds, with potential to reach up to 10 gigabits per second, which can significantly improve mobile data services and enable faster, more efficient Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

What is a PRL update, and why is it important for mobile devices?

A PRL (Preferred Roaming List) update helps mobile phones understand the location of network towers and ensures the phone connects to the most appropriate tower. This update is typically performed over-the-air (OTA).