What is the difference between EDGE, WiFi, GPS, GPRS, 2G etc?

Question

I always hear about these on mobiles, but I have no idea what they are. Which one is 'better' and what do they all do?

Answer 1

2G is very slow Internet access

GPRS is slightly faster.

Edge is usable.

3G is a decent speed.

WiFi is very fast, but doesn't use cell phone networks and is very short range (you have to be within about 75m of the base station).

GPS identifies your location via satellite positioning (useful for finding yourself on a map so you can get directions).

Modern phones that focus on Internet access (such as the iPhone) tend to have support for GPS, WiFi, 3G (when out of range of a WiFi base station) and GPRS (when out of range of 3G).

Answer 2

You really don't need to know the workings of each or what they stand for.

To put it simple

2G is like dialup. You pay for the amount of time online. SLOW

2.5G/3G is like broadband. You pay for what you download, or else a flat rate per month. FAST/FASTER

2G networks are based on GSM

GPRS is a data service that runs ontop of GSM. Also called 2.5G

EDGE is a modified faster version GPRS

3G are based on UMTS

WCDMA a data service that runs ontop of UMTS. This is what 3G phones use to connect.

HSDPA is faster and also runs on UMTS. also called 3.5G. Only some phones currently support this

You really don't want anything less than 3G.

3.5G is a bonus but only high end phones will have it

All the above are mobile technologies.

WiFi is more local. You would connect to it at home/work/coffee shop for example. No too important in my opinion but nice to have

GPS is for tracking your current position and navigating using mapping software

Answer 3

WiFi is wireless internet on your phone.

GPS is like a navigation system on your phone that connects to the internet on your phone or any wireless network around you.

2G is second generation or GSM wireless and thats what we use now with our phones or you can get 3G which is the latest wireless that we use in 2day's time.

GPRS is packet data in the phone which transfers data to other phones etc.

have no idea what EDGE is sorry!