TETRA vs GSM | difference between TETRA and GSM

This page on TETRA vs GSM describes basic difference between TETRA and GSM technologies. The difference between various terms are also provided here.

TETRA System

This technology is defined by ETSI. The full form of TETRA is Trans-European Trunked Radio System. It suppors 36Kbps maximum data transmission rate with π/4-DQPSK modulation type. It operates in both star and mesh configurations.
Refer TETRA tutorial which explains TETRA basic features, network interfaces and frame structure.

GSM System

The full form of GSM is Global System for Mobile Communication. It supports both circuit switching and packet switching. This system always work in star configuration via base station. Hence when two mobiles need to communicate, the call setup and processing take place through base station.
Refer complete GSM tutorial which explains GSM system features, architecture, frame structure, GSM channels, GSM physical layer, protocol stack and more.

Basic comparison between TETRA and GSM

Following table mentions basic comparison between TETRA and GSM technologies.


Specifications TETRA GSM
Access technique digital TDMA FDMA, TDMA
Frequency of operation 400 MHz 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz
Bandwidth 6.25KHz 25KHz, 12.5KHz(1/2 rate codec)
Call setup time <1 sec <10 sec
Data support available available
Group calls supported Not supported (available in conference mode)
WAN communication Possible Available
handover/roaming supported supported
authentication and encryption supported supported

What is Difference between

difference between FDM and OFDM
Difference between SC-FDMA and OFDM
Difference between SISO and MIMO
Difference between TDD and FDD
Difference between 802.11 standards viz.11-a,11-b,11-g and 11-n
OFDM vs OFDMA
CDMA vs GSM
Bluetooth vs zigbee
Fixed wimax vs mobile
wibro vs mobile wimax

RF and Wireless Terminologies