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Can somebody please explain GSM vs WCDMA vs UMTS for the bands?
My impression is GSM is 2G and UMTS is 3G and both can supply regular phone service? What's WCDMA then?
T-mobile USA is GSM 850/1900 and what else?
I was thinking if I specify what network and band to use it'll use less batter (ie. no 3g unless I really need it).
this is a really easy google search... or just go to wikipedia....really any search you would try will answer your question.
(you're half right, but mostly wrong)...here's some links for you
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=wcdma+wiki&l=1
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=gsm+wiki
Well I did google already, but still is over my head when I look at the band settings in the TMO HD2.
If WCDMA = UMTS why is there a separate GSM/WCDMA network selection, both allowing bands in GSM and UMTS.
Sounds like GSM is older tech, meaning 2g, whereas 3g is the newer GSM, which is UMTS, which = WCDMA. Therefore, how can you choose UMTS band frequencies on a old GSM network?
Perhaps I'm not phrasing my question correctly. I'm asking these because of the phone settings. I'm trying to figure out if it's more efficient to just tell the phone to look for specific network/band for TMOUSA thereby saving time and battery.
is this just too simple of a question or not many people understand. anyone?
ok, instead of giving you a bunch of info, let me give you just what I think you need.
I'm guessing you're going to Settings>Wireless Controls> Phone>Band and that's where the confusion is coming from. This screen is wrong and the Bands listed there are wrong (they're from previous devices, and htc didn't bother to update that screen).
So, you have 3 main choices there that should be of interest to you as long as you're in the US on Tmobile's network: Auto, WCDMA, GSM (under Network Type).
Auto: switches automatically between GPRS/EDGE/3G (HSDPA, HSPDA+)
WCDMA: 3G (HSDPA, HSPDA+)
GSM: EDGE/GPRS
The only way that playing with the band frequencies could help you would be if you're just interested in Edge/GPRS since tmobile uses two different frequencies there (native 1900 and 850 roaming). For 3g however, Tmobile uses only (and concurrently....as in you need to use both to get 3g and not just one or the other) 1700/2100 frequency.
Long story short, if you're trying to keep the phone from switching between 3g and Edge and you're in an area that has constant 3g, set it to WCDMA. (but note that if you loose 3g but are in an area with Edge, it will not switch to Edge, it will just be 0 bars/reception).
thanks alot, that really clears it up. I don't have data connection besides mms so I figure I may set it to no 3g and save some battery.
I keep noticing the data status going from 3G and HSPDA every now and then even when I have full bars. This can't be good...
Anyone else experience this?
Is there a fix?
I also get the switching thing on my phone but only when the HSPA signal is weak and it's not that often. Is this affecting the battery life on your cell phone?
It's normal. If you have issues just set it to use 2g only mode as that saves a heap of power
Sent from my Apple Newton 2100
ickyboo said:
It's normal. If you have issues just set it to use 2g only mode as that saves a heap of power
Sent from my Apple Newton 2100
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Click to collapse
How do I set this? I checked in settings->wireless and network->mobile networks-> network mode, but see only an option for GSM only, WCDMA only.
If you're with Bell in Canada, there is no option for 2g only as there is no 2g network. Don't worry about the 3g/H switch, this is a common occurrence on most phones on most carriers. My GF's HTC Magic on Rogers did this too.
Gsm only is the 2g mode you want
Sent from my Apple Newton 2100
thanks! I see the option now.
GSM stands for 2G
HSPDA stands for 3G
when it changes between 2G/3G (G/H)[Automode] it's sort of Prefer 3G, fall back to 2G if 3G signal is weak.
you can easily change it off Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile Network > Network Mode as you've said
actually my network doesnt support 2G (GSM). Like I said, it bounces between 3G and HSDPA (3.5G). Wonder what this does to battery life?
there is no problem, 3G is not as fast as HSPDA
in perfect reception you get 3.5G (HSPDA)
in not so good reception areas you get 3G
in very poor reception areas you are lucky to get 2G (EDGE)
ChiGGz said:
How do I set this? I checked in settings->wireless and network->mobile networks-> network mode, but see only an option for GSM only, WCDMA only.
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wtf.. when i go to settings->wireless and network->mobile networks i see "data roaming" "access point names" and "network operators".
i have a bell vibrant unlocked and on rogers and id LOVE to force gsm only.. are you running the updated firmware or something?
HI all!
Right now I am using [Build][10.12.2010][NexusHD2-FRG83D V1.8 PPP+RMNET][Kernel: hastarin r8.5.3_oldcam] and that is quite ok for me.
However I havent found anywhere on that build an option to disable HDSPA speed.
What I would like is accept 3G but disable HSPDA. Now I only have a change to disable 3G totally and only get 2G. Basicly area where I live is keeping me a situation that phone is very often trying to connect HSPDA but then changes is 3G speed. It causes me time&battery drain.
I have found a solution to force phone only use 3G but that is what I wanted. 2G and 3G are ok but I want to disable HSPDA.
Anybody could help me?
Up, Up... anybody have same kind of need?
i also need same help regarding this, reason is my data plan only use 3g (umts) and not 3.5g (hsdpa)... but my android always switch 3g to hsdpa back and forth and drain battery much faster
is there any tweak/program/widget/application that can enable 3g (umts) only?
windows doenst have this problem cause in winmo i can switch the option easily (enable/disable hspa)... but android dont have this kind of thing
I have the same problem. I don't even have HSPDA where I live, yet it tries to connect, fails, and then connects to 3G. It's a very time consuming processor to wait for the phone to do this when I am just trying to load a website.
Yes.. maybe it will not drain much memory but.. who wouldn't want a fast internet..
Afaik Hsdpa uses the same radio towers (or whatever the name is) as Umts... just different software. so there should be no battery drain caused by this.
This mite help you
1. Go to your dialer
2. Dial *#*#INFO#*#*
3. Click 'Phone information'
4. Scroll down to the first dropdown selection and set according to your preference below...
For simplicity, there are two main types of cell carriers, GSM and CDMA.
The following popular data communication technology is associated with each cell carrier type:
GSM = GPRS (2g), EDGE(2g), UMTS(3g), WCDMA(3g), HSDPA(3g) {Cell Carrier examples: AT&T and T-Mobile}
CDMA = CDMA*(2/3g) EV-DO(3g) WiMax(3/4g) {Cell Carrier examples: Verizon and Sprint}
Now that the general stuff is out of the way, here's my take on the Preferred Network types:
WCDMA preferred - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 3G is favored more.
GSM only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
WCDMA only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM auto (PRL) - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more. This one is a bit confusing to me since PRL is associated mostly with CDMA technology and not GSM technology.
CDMA auto (PRL) - The CDMA phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
CDMA only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
EvDo only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) - Some phones are equipped with both GSM and CDMA capabilities. This setting appears to just have the phone attempt to stay connected to the data communication type that works the best. (Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S will take advantage of this???)
Unknown - If none of the above fit or the phone is acting weird as far as connecting to the carrier, you will see your preferred network type is set to this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source http://www.google.ie/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=6a327a95211ac789&hl=en
domenukk said:
Afaik Hsdpa uses the same radio towers (or whatever the name is) as Umts... just different software. so there should be no battery drain caused by this.
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uhh... maybe you dont catch what us mean....
when umts change to hspda (icon change from 3g to H) then it use battery power.. in my case i use 3g (umts and not 3.5g or hspda )data plan only... but android keep searching hspda signal and THIS is when battery used the most (the process) and EVEN when my area have 3.5g covered but because i use 3g only data plan... then the back and forth process (3g<->H) will kep coming and rdrain my battery fast
so... we look for any kind of workaround so our android keep stay in 3g (umts) and not drain any unnecessary battery power searching for hspda
btw sorry for my english
agarp said:
This mite help you
1. Go to your dialer
2. Dial *#*#INFO#*#*
3. Click 'Phone information'
4. Scroll down to the first dropdown selection and set according to your preference below...
Source http://www.google.ie/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=6a327a95211ac789&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use this thing before and no luck
i use "wcdma only" as the option and android still process 3g and 3.5 back and forth, maybe android "thinks" 3g/umts and 3.5/hspda as the same?? android categorize umts and hspda as one big fat 3G network
i wonder why newer os like android doesnt have this kind of feature in winmo there is an option :
disable hspa = so hspda disabled.. AKA 2G or UMTS only
enable hspa = enabled hspda, hspa, hsupa etc.. AKA 2G, UMTS and HSPDA
try this settings
CDMA auto (PRL) - The CDMA phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
agarp said:
try this settings
CDMA auto (PRL) - The CDMA phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isnt cdma auto (prl) used exclusively for cdma phones? (those phones with evdo and wimax thing) and not used for our hd2 (GSM)???
C'mon how this is impossible with newer phone software??
This feature has been in WinMo and Symbian in many years!!
It is really frustrating that almost every time my phone is trying to make HSPDA connect and then decide 3G is enough and possible. It causes some delay and sometimes also timed out errors.
agreed
my android keep going back and forth between umts 3G and hspda 3.5G like some clueless kid while 2 experienced guy (symbian & winmo) laugh at him
i know this is a old topic
i have still this issue
my phone is switching to hsdpa an back to 3g after a few seconds
when the phone is connected to my slow wifi connection everything works fine and i can use it for 3 day's
when it is connected to hsdpa my battery is empty after 15 hours and the voip connection is not working properly (i need to start a ping to some server first to keep the connection alive so i can call with voip)
I just came upon this thread, but I don't have this problem, so I can't really test it out this theory. But my thought was, what if you just went into the build.prop file and edited the ro.ril.hsxpa.category settting from ro.ril.hsxpa.category=2 to ro.ril.hsxpa.category=0. I just tested it out and it never jumped from 3g to H. My only concern is that you wouln't get the fastest speed you could be getting. Test it out and let me know though.
at this moment it is not posible to root my phone (SE Xperia pro with latest firmware)
so i am afraid we need to wait to test this
but thanks for the hint
What is the difference between the network modes?
2g/3g +2g
2g/3g only
2g/3g only/3g+2g
i'm guessing the first only uses 2g and the last only 3g but what does the second option select?
thanks.
well, the phone will use 3g where possible, and will drop down to 2g when there is no 3g coverage of your provider.
Eelkede said:
well, the phone will use 3g where possible, and will drop down to 2g when there is no 3g coverage of your provider.
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Click to collapse
then what is the difference between that and the third option of 2g/3g only/3g+2g.
Any way of turning off 4g and enabling 3g while on GSM unlocked?
dragonhart6505 said:
Any way of turning off 4g and enabling 3g while on GSM unlocked?
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Click to collapse
Changing to GSM/UMTS should turn off 4G LTE and read 3g/2g services from the SIM and APNs. For me, to enable 4g as well as GSM, I have to use *#*#INFO#*#* and select LTE/UMTS/GSM from the menu, otherwise setting UMTS/GSM from the standard mobile network menu puts it in GSM Auto (PRL) mode, which is just HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS frequencies. (3.5G, 3G, 2.5G, and 2G respectively). I have my Razr M setup with a Straight Talk AT&T sim for GSM and PagePlus on CDMA, service toggle works flawlessly after setting it up.
But yeah, if you go into the mobile network settings and change it to GSM/UMTS mode and set the proper APNs, you should get 3G without issue and the LTE radio should be off (since it only supports Verizon's LTE band anyway)
Skreelink said:
Changing to GSM/UMTS should turn off 4G LTE and read 3g/2g services from the SIM and APNs. For me, to enable 4g as well as GSM, I have to use *#*#INFO#*#* and select LTE/UMTS/GSM from the menu, otherwise setting UMTS/GSM from the standard mobile network menu puts it in GSM Auto (PRL) mode, which is just HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS frequencies. (3.5G, 3G, 2.5G, and 2G respectively). I have my Razr M setup with a Straight Talk AT&T sim for GSM and PagePlus on CDMA, service toggle works flawlessly after setting it up.
But yeah, if you go into the mobile network settings and change it to GSM/UMTS mode and set the proper APNs, you should get 3G without issue and the LTE radio should be off (since it only supports Verizon's LTE band anyway)
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Dandy, but those options aren't available on my current ROM eclipse v5b3.
dragonhart6505 said:
Dandy, but those options aren't available on my current ROM eclipse v5b3.
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Click to collapse
I've not used that rom, but you should still have access to the secret menu, Open the dialer and type *#*#INFO#*#* (*#*#4636#*#*) > Phone information > Scroll down and select GSM auto (PRL) it's the same thing, GSM/UMTS only based on the SIM.
Skreelink said:
I've not used that rom, but you should still have access to the secret menu, Open the dialer and type *#*#INFO#*#* (*#*#4636#*#*) > Phone information > Scroll down and select GSM auto (PRL) it's the same thing, GSM/UMTS only based on the SIM.
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Click to collapse
WCDMA Preferred would actually be a better choice and is the default choice on normal GSM phones, GSM auto (PRL) uses either 2g or 3g and just chooses whichever has stronger signal, WCDMA Preferred will make it use 3g as long as there is 3g signal and only drop to 2g if it has to.
msnuser111 said:
WCDMA Preferred would actually be a better choice and is the default choice on normal GSM phones, GSM auto (PRL) uses either 2g or 3g and just chooses whichever has stronger signal, WCDMA Preferred will make it use 3g as long as there is 3g signal and only drop to 2g if it has to.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, but in my experience with using verizon global phones on gsm, trying to set this always changes itself back to gsm auto making WCDMA Preferred a moot option.
Skreelink said:
Yeah, but in my experience with using verizon global phones on gsm, trying to set this always changes itself back to gsm auto making WCDMA Preferred a moot option.
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Click to collapse
WCDMA Preferred actually activates the 4g HSPA+ and GSM Auto only connects me to Edge: 2 making both of these options moot :-/
dragonhart6505 said:
WCDMA Preferred actually activates the 4g HSPA+ and GSM Auto only connects me to Edge: 2 making both of these options moot :-/
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Click to collapse
Uhm... HSPA+ is actually 3.5G.. It's based on the UMTS 3G standard and is technically the same thing/catagory. "4G" is a marketing gimmick by AT&T and T-Mobile, they even had apple push an update on the iPhone when they started marketing it as 4g to change 3g to 4g on the phone. Although they did NOTHING to the capabilities of the phone. The phone does not differentiate between 3G UMTS and 3.5G HSPA+ as far as WCDMA/3G connections go, 4G should be referred to only on LTE, but carriers like their money. Remember AT&T used to tout the 'fastest 3g network' now they claim 'the largest 4g network' It's the SAME NETWORK, they just upped the number. T-Mobile actually offers a 42Mbps dual band HSPA+ network, whereas AT&T only has a 21Mbps HSPA+ network, both of them advertise as '4g' but they also have 4gLTE networks.
So in ALL technicality; their "4g" HSPA+ networks are ACTUALLY 3G networks... There is no way to force the phone to use only UMTS as it's the basis for HSPA being the 'same' network type. The only real 4G is LTE, which without a verizon SIM card, is disabled when not using an "LTE/CDMA" option.
Skreelink said:
Uhm... HSPA+ is actually 3.5G.. It's based on the UMTS 3G standard and is technically the same thing/catagory. "4G" is a marketing gimmick by AT&T and T-Mobile, they even had apple push an update on the iPhone when they started marketing it as 4g to change 3g to 4g on the phone. Although they did NOTHING to the capabilities of the phone. The phone does not differentiate between 3G UMTS and 3.5G HSPA+ as far as WCDMA/3G connections go, 4G should be referred to only on LTE, but carriers like their money. Remember AT&T used to tout the 'fastest 3g network' now they claim 'the largest 4g network' It's the SAME NETWORK, they just upped the number. T-Mobile actually offers a 42Mbps dual band HSPA+ network, whereas AT&T only has a 21Mbps HSPA+ network, both of them advertise as '4g' but they also have 4gLTE networks.
So in ALL technicality; their "4g" HSPA+ networks are ACTUALLY 3G networks... There is no way to force the phone to use only UMTS as it's the basis for HSPA being the 'same' network type. The only real 4G is LTE, which without a verizon SIM card, is disabled when not using an "LTE/CDMA" option.
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We need more clarification like yours on the interwebs ^_^ thank you. Either way, my issue appears to be throttle and neither option allows me to get above 8 kbs download speeds.
Still a shame they need to be so crude about their marketing. And I tried so hard not to be a sucker!
Skreelink said:
Uhm... HSPA+ is actually 3.5G.. It's based on the UMTS 3G standard and is technically the same thing/catagory. "4G" is a marketing gimmick by AT&T and T-Mobile, they even had apple push an update on the iPhone when they started marketing it as 4g to change 3g to 4g on the phone. Although they did NOTHING to the capabilities of the phone. The phone does not differentiate between 3G UMTS and 3.5G HSPA+ as far as WCDMA/3G connections go, 4G should be referred to only on LTE, but carriers like their money. Remember AT&T used to tout the 'fastest 3g network' now they claim 'the largest 4g network' It's the SAME NETWORK, they just upped the number. T-Mobile actually offers a 42Mbps dual band HSPA+ network, whereas AT&T only has a 21Mbps HSPA+ network, both of them advertise as '4g' but they also have 4gLTE networks.
So in ALL technicality; their "4g" HSPA+ networks are ACTUALLY 3G networks... There is no way to force the phone to use only UMTS as it's the basis for HSPA being the 'same' network type. The only real 4G is LTE, which without a verizon SIM card, is disabled when not using an "LTE/CDMA" option.
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Click to collapse
Minor correction: AOSP and maybe stock (not sure...) do indicate HSPA+ in the status bar by changing it from 3g to H+
Also, technically LTE isn't 4g either, but it's the closest to 4g you can get.
IIRC it's ~50mbps ideal and ITU 4g standard is like 100. H+ is like 30 or 40. Of course, my numbers may be way off... It's something like that though
Also, there's no GSM/LTE option? Could've sworn there was one...
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4
sloosecannon said:
Minor correction: AOSP and maybe stock (not sure...) do indicate HSPA+ in the status bar by changing it from 3g to H+
Also, technically LTE isn't 4g either, but it's the closest to 4g you can get.
IIRC it's ~50mbps ideal and ITU 4g standard is like 100. H+ is like 30 or 40. Of course, my numbers may be way off... It's something like that though
Also, there's no GSM/LTE option? Could've sworn there was one...
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4
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The stock rom shows H+ and next gen lte is 300mbps capable, current is ~100mbps. I have seen someone hit 45mbps on a droid 4. Course you won't see anywhere near ideal max. Hspa+ is 21Mbps dual band hspa is 42Mbps. As I recall they are working on a 1Gbit lte, but that will be a long way out. There is an lte/gsm option, but since the M doesn't support lte bands besides verizon, kinda useless. Lte sim will be lte/cdma verizon.
While on cdma my phone shows 3g for evdo and H+ for hspap. (I have pageplus and att sim straight talk on my M).
Skreelink said:
The stock rom shows H+ and next gen lte is 300mbps capable, current is ~100mbps. I have seen someone hit 45mbps on a droid 4. Course you won't see anywhere near ideal max. Hspa+ is 21Mbps dual band hspa is 42Mbps. As I recall they are working on a 1Gbit lte, but that will be a long way out. There is an lte/gsm option, but since the M doesn't support lte bands besides verizon, kinda useless. Lte sim will be lte/cdma verizon.
While on cdma my phone shows 3g for evdo and H+ for hspap. (I have pageplus and att sim straight talk on my M).
Click to expand...
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Gotcha.
1gbit? So you can burn up a 10 GB data plan in 40 seconds! YAY! I WANT ONE!
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4