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Mechanics of 3G Broadband

Posted on January 14, 2010
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Broadband Definition
The term broadband has undergone various alterations in definition probably due to the advancement of technology and the emergent new businesses that have been formed as a result of its creation. The term broadband can basically be defined as the various technologies that are associated with computer networks and internet access. It is one of the technologies used to access the internet especially by people who are on the move. The most used type of broadband technology is the 3G (third generation) which are installed in mobile phones to access the internet. There are two major 3G standards that have proven to be very efficient: GSM and W-CDMA.

3G functionalities
As mentioned earlier, 3g technology uses CDMA and GSM. GSM is used in most parts of Europe while CDMA is used in most states of US. CDMA implements the evolution data optimized technology which is used as the major component for handling transmitted signals and data from mobile phones. On the other hand, GSM is capable of handling voice signals and is often referred to as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). Implementing both these technologies in mobile phones ensures that users are able to browse the internet while receiving a phone call.

Features, Costs and Trends
3G technology offers high internet speeds for instance it can attain download speeds of up to 14.4 mbps and upload speeds of 5.8 mbps. However, these speeds vary from individual to individual and company to company. Mobile service providers offer different 3G packages at different prices. 3G broadband technology is installed in a number of devices for instance dongles for those who want to access the internet via computers, mobile phones like smart phones and data cards. Internet speeds are affected by factors such as data traffic and weather conditions.
3G technology has paved way for many new broadband technologies including the 4G which is the successor of 3G. bredbånd