Difference between GSM and UMTS

GSM and UMTS are two prime technologies that form the backbone of cell phone communication. It is both mobile and network technology. Global system for mobile communication(GSM) is a second-generation (2G) cellular technology. Universal mobile telecommunication system(UMTS) is a third-generation (3G) mobile cellular technology. Here this article gives information about the difference between GSM and UMTS to know more details about it. 

What is Global Positioning System(GSM)?

The Global system for mobile communication(GSM) is a worldwide, mobile communication is mostly supported by this technology.  Secondgeneration|(2G) digital mobile systems are represented by the GSM standard set, which was created by the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI). After the third generation(3G) UMTS standard, developed by the 3GPP was developed, The GSM standard was further developed.

What is a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System(UMTS)?

Universal Mobile Telecommunication System(UMTS) is referred to as UMTS. Third-generation mobile cellular technology, or UMTS, is dependent on the GSM standard for networks. The third generation partnership project(3GPP) produces it. UMTS is a part of the IMT-2000 standard set by the International Telecommunication Union, for networks using CDMA technology. It is evaluated using the CDMA2000 standard set.

Difference between GSM and UMTS

  1. Full meaning: GSM  stands for global system for mobile communication. UMTS stands for universal mobile telecommunication system.
  2. Developed: GSM was developed in 1991-92, while the UMTA was developed in 2000.
  3. Frequency band: GSM uses frequencies like 850 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz while UMTS uses frequency. the band is like a various band from band to band, each band specifies frequency and UARFCN.
  4. Multiple access techniques: GSM is used in multiple access techniques like FDMA/TDMA Whereas In CDMA multiple access techniques can be used. 
  5. Carrier frequency: GSM used a carrier frequency of 200 KHz. On the other hand, UMTS used carrier frequency is 1230 KHz.
  6. Frame: GSM - frame duration is about 4.615 ms. In contrast, UMTS - frame duration is about 10 ms.
  7. Enhancement: GSM is enhanced to GPRS and EDGE, while UMTS is enhanced to HSPA and HSPA+.
  8. Channel rate: GSM - 270.833 Kbps. UMTS  - 1228.8 Kbps.
  9. Peak data rate: In GSM peak data rate is 384 kbps with EGDE, On the other hand, UMTS's peak data rate is 42 MBPS with HSPA+.
  10. Modulation efficiency: GSM - 1.35b/s/Hz. UMTS - 1.0b/s/Hz.
  11. Standard version: GSM use various versions such as R99, R5, R6, etc.  In UMTS there is various documents, especially by ETSI and 3GPP, 3GPP TS series.
Summary :
  • GSM is 2G and 2.5 G while UMTS is already 3G.
  • GSM is rather old technology while UMTS is newer.
  • UMTS has a faster data transfer rate compared to GSM.
  • GSM is typically based on FDMA/TDMA multiple access techniques while UMTS is mainly CDMA-based. 
  • GSM is still the most widely used technology today while UMTS is still in its infancy, slowly creeping forward.
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