UMTS(3G) vs WLAN | difference between UMTS(3G) and WLAN
This page on UMTS(3G) vs WLAN describes difference between UMTS(3G) and WLAN. The useful links to difference between various terms are provided here.
UMTS-3G-Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
The first deployment of UMTS was as per R99 architecture. Broadly UMTS architecture consists of UE, UTRAN(consists of Node B and RNC) and CN(core network). There are various UMTS releases standardized and published by 3GPP with various feature upgrades. The UMTS was designed to support both voice as well as high speed data internet. RNC takes care of usage and reliability of radio resources. RNC is similar to BSC of GSM system and Node B is similar to BTS of GSM. Refer UMTS tutorial for more information.
WLAN-Wireless Local Area Network
Originally WLAN was developed to support wireless connectivity with LAN. The traditional LAN with wireless support is known as WLAN. WLAN has become very popular in homes, offices, public places and college campuses as it supports wireless communication.
WLAN allows little mobility while connected with the internet. WLAN uses unlicensed ISM band. IEEE 802.11 family of standards have been retified to support the development of WLAN products. Refer WLAN tutorial for more information.
| Specifications | UMTS | WLAN |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3GPP R99 | IEEE 802.11 series |
| Network elements | UE, NodeB(base station) | AP(i.e. Access Point), STA(i.e. Station or client) |
| Signaling type | Out of band signaling | In band signaling |
| Coverage distance | About 16Km(max) | About 30meters(max) |
| Data rate | 2 Mbps(static uses), 144Kbps(Mobile) | 54 Mbps (as per IEEE 802.11a, 11 Mbps as per 11b |
| Connection to core network | Mobile node or terminal is connected to core network(CN) via BSS using CS and VCS methods | Mobile Node is connected to CN via Access Point |
| Protocol layers | control as well as user protocol stacks are different | control packets and user data packets are processed through same protocol stacks. |
| Downlink Flow control | Supported | Not supported |
| QoS | Supported | Not supported, Discussion under upcoming standard versions |
| Frequency of operation | Various bands country wide | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
| Topology | Supports TDD and FDD | Supports only TDD |
UMTS WLAN related links
UMTS Tutorial UMTS architecture UMTS Stack UMTS channels WiFi router Vendors what is WLAN what is wifi and mifi WLAN tutorial
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