CELLULAR NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

There are two main competing network technologies for wireless cellular services:

- Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)

- Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

CrossBridge provides secure wireless access utilizing the underlying GSM networks of AT&T and Vodafone as well as the underlying CDMA networks of Sprint. Understanding the difference between GSM and CDMA may allow you to choose a carrier that provides the preferable network technology for your needs.

The GSM Association is an international organization dedicated to providing, developing, and overseeing the worldwide wireless standard of GSM. The chief GSM carriers in the United States are AT&T Wireless, and T-Mobile USA.

In the United States only GSM devices use SIM cards. The removable SIM card allows cellular devices to be instantly activated, interchanged, swapped out and upgraded, all without carrier intervention. The SIM itself is tied to the network, rather than the actual wireless device.

CDMA, a proprietary standard designed by Qualcomm in the United States, has been a network standard for North America and parts of Asia. Major CDMA carriers are Sprint and Verizon.

CDMA carriers in the U.S. use proprietary Electronic Serial Numbers (ESN) that are linked to one carrier only and are not yet SIM card enabled. The CDMA SIM card equivalent, a R-UIM card, is only available in parts of Asia and Europe but remains on the horizon for the U.S. market.

What about Coverage?

Coverage is always talked about, bragged about and argued about. The major Carriers pay for television adds, insisting their coverage is the best. Carriers provide coverage maps on their Web sites and in stores where their products are sold. These maps usually carry the disclaimer that they depict approximate service areas for outdoor coverage based on computer-generated radio-frequency coverage projections and information provided by third parties. These maps are never a guarantee of service availability.

Even with the best analysis, it is important to understand that actual coverage may vary based on your cellular device equipment, terrain, nearby structures, electrical interference, weather, temporary network problems and other limitations or conditions. The simple truth is that no network is perfect, and coverage breaks within any published coverage areas are always possible. It is reported that all of the major networks provide coverage for about 99% of the population within the USA.

If you would like to see an example of a coverage map - check out these sites:

Coverage will always be mystical and magical. There will come a time when you will be dismayed because there won't be coverage when you need it the most - even though you are well within a published coverage contour. There will also be times when you find you have coverage when you least expect it.

There are "best practices" when it comes to installing fixed point applications. We can assist you with your coverage analysis as well as the best approach to take while installing new locations.

CrossBridge can help you to plan, pilot, and deploy the most efficient, cost-effective wireless solutions available.

Give us a call, and within minutes of talking with the sales team you will understand -

WE KNOW WIRELESS!