Cellular Gateways
Cellular gateways bridge GSM or UMTS (3G) cellular network technology to either analog phones or SIP-based VoIP networks.
They have a wide range of uses:
- Cost reduction – leverage cheaper "on-net" mobile to mobile calls
- Fixed line replacement – portable, instant-on communication for remote and temporary sites
- Redundancy – low cost, simple backup of existing PSTN connections
GSM vs UMTS
GSM (Global System for Mobile) is a second generation (2G) cellular communications technology, using 850, 900, 1800 and 1900MHz frequencies, with 850 and 1900MHz being the most commonly used in North America. With the addition of GPRS (General Packet Radio System), this is then known as 2.5G, and supports data rates up to approximately 144kbit/s in ideal network conditions.
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), also referred to as W-CDMA, is a third generation (3G) cellular communications technology, using 850, 900, 1700, 1900 and 2100MHz frequencies, with 850 and 1900MHz being the most commonly used in North America. Through the use of High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), often referred to as 3.5G, data speeds of 21Mbit/s downstream are possible.
The Right Frequency
When selecting a GSM or UMTS gateway, it's important to ensure that you select one with support for the frequencies used by your intended cellular carrier. Most modern GSM equipment supports all frequencies (called quad-band support) for compatibility with all GSM networks, but UMTS (3G) devices often support one of two sets of frequencies (850/1900MHz or 900/2100MHz) so care should be taken in selecting the right model.
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