After digging through pages of posts about data speed issues and 2G vs. 3G vs. 4G/LTE, can someone with good expertise and knowledge summarize exactly what the phone supports and how it does it? I am seeing conflicting comments, so it is a little confusing. Also, please clarify a comment I recall seeing from at AT&T person that that the Vivid has one radio that switches between LTE and HSPA+ rather than having as separate 3G radio as earlier LTE phones did.
Or point to a good tutorial.
Thanks
I'll see if I can help!
So in order from slowest to fastest, the GSM data technologies are:
2G:
-GSM
-EDGE
3G:
-UMTS
-HSPA
-HSPA+
4G:
-LTE
Most Android phones display these as G, E, 3G, H, & H+ (don't know what stock Android displays for LTE). The Vivid, however, displays G & E, then displays 4G for 3G, H & H+, then 4GLTE for LTE. So no matter what 3G network your on, it'll show 4G (because AT&T thinks H+ counts as 4G), then when you're on an actual 4G network, it'll show 4GLTE.
As for the single radio, yes, that's true. LTE is a GSM based technology, so a single radio can handle all of the above connections. This is different from Verizon, which uses CDMA for its 2G & 3G networks, then switched to LTE for its 4G network, necessitating two different radios: one for CDMA, one for LTE. AT&T, however, has been GSM from 2G on, so one radio can handle everything. This will most likely continue to be the way it works: Verizon (and eventually Sprint) phones will require two radios for two technologies, AT&T/T-Mo phones will only require one.
This leads to one consequence, however, concerning simultaneous data & voice. No LTE network currently implements voice communications, they're purely data. Even when they do implement it, it'll be VoIP based, so it'll just be more data (This will be called VoLTE for Voice over LTE). Therefore, since this isn't implemented yet, phones must revert to the 3G network to make voice calls. On Verizon, since they're two different radios, you can continue to use LTE data while using CDMA for voice. On AT&T, they're the same radio, so dropping down to 3G drops the LTE connection. You can still use simultaneous voice & data (as you can on just about any GSM based network), but you just don't get LTE speeds.
Make sense? Let me know if that helps!
Thanks, BJG222
That's what I wanted to know. I appreciate the info.
brucegil said:
That's what I wanted to know. I appreciate the info.
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No problem! Glad I could help!
bjg222 said:
I'll see if I can help!
So in order from slowest to fastest, the GSM data technologies are:
2G:
-GSM
-EDGE
3G:
-UMTS
-HSPA
-HSPA+
4G:
-LTE
Most Android phones display these as G, E, 3G, H, & H+ (don't know what stock Android displays for LTE). The Vivid, however, displays G & E, then displays 4G for 3G, H & H+, then 4GLTE for LTE. So no matter what 3G network your on, it'll show 4G (because AT&T thinks H+ counts as 4G), then when you're on an actual 4G network, it'll show 4GLTE.
As for the single radio, yes, that's true. LTE is a GSM based technology, so a single radio can handle all of the above connections. This is different from Verizon, which uses CDMA for its 2G & 3G networks, then switched to LTE for its 4G network, necessitating two different radios: one for CDMA, one for LTE. AT&T, however, has been GSM from 2G on, so one radio can handle everything. This will most likely continue to be the way it works: Verizon (and eventually Sprint) phones will require two radios for two technologies, AT&T/T-Mo phones will only require one.
This leads to one consequence, however, concerning simultaneous data & voice. No LTE network currently implements voice communications, they're purely data. Even when they do implement it, it'll be VoIP based, so it'll just be more data (This will be called VoLTE for Voice over LTE). Therefore, since this isn't implemented yet, phones must revert to the 3G network to make voice calls. On Verizon, since they're two different radios, you can continue to use LTE data while using CDMA for voice. On AT&T, they're the same radio, so dropping down to 3G drops the LTE connection. You can still use simultaneous voice & data (as you can on just about any GSM based network), but you just don't get LTE speeds.
Make sense? Let me know if that helps!
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Wow thanks, a very helpful summary of so much **** otherwise kinda complicated to figure out.. quick question, under the Network menu, my phone always says HSDPA, not any of the other options you listed above. This means..?
Here is an interesting read...Explains alot, considering I bought my White Vivid in Houston and got amazing speeds on LTE, and can barely stay locked on an LTE signal at home here in the SW burbs of Chicago.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393286,00.asp#fbid=ruQf5IEExI0
Actually, HSPA+ is also categorized as 4G.
dizzyraider said:
Actually, HSPA+ is also categorized as 4G.
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Well, AT&T & T-Mobile claim this, but it's not really true. UMTS = 3G; HSPA was an upgrade to that, call it 3.5G; HSPA+ is an upgrade to HSPA that incorporates higher bandwidth behind the scenes, more of a 3.9G. LTE's actually a new protocol. Technically, by the initial ITU standards, that's not even 4G (LTE-Advanced, the next upgrade to that, is the only one that does), but they've since expanded the definition to include LTE, too.
so we don't get a different symbol for 3G...so how do we know when we are using 3G verses HSPA and HSPA+ ? (other than speed)...
sucks...
Related
is there any way to make the phone roam onto a 3g network over the others...i am in sweden where there is a good 3g network, but i am alsways on H & G, hardly 3G.
Thanks
Mina08 said:
is there any way to make the phone roam onto a 3g network over the others...i am in sweden where there is a good 3g network, but i am alsways on H & G, hardly 3G.
Thanks
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You should not complain then, since H means HSPDA, which means 3G+ and is faster than 3G.
Regarding G, it is supposed to mean GPRS, which is indeed the slowest one.
Maybe your carrier didn't not bother to maintain the intermediate services such as (E edge, and 3G umts).
You get either the fastest or the slowest.
G means GSM
And yes, HSPDA is better than 3G
i know its HSPDA, and G means gsm or gprs, but with HSPDA meaning hi speed, i cant get video calls or streaming when its on H.....if you get me, but i can use them when i get a 3G connection
just tried again and now it works, strange....
Any one else loosing LTE data and droping to hspa while on a call. Happening to both my vivid and skyrocket.
Located in Houston, Tx
The reason for this is that, currently, LTE is data-only. Until LTE providers begin to deploy Vo-LTE (Voice over LTE. Basically VoIP, on and LTE network), the only way you will be able to engage the voice stack on your hardware and access data at the same time is if you fall back to UMTS, which has always integrated both services (voice and data) together.
Unlike Verizon lte, art lte uses circuit switch fallback. Can't do hspa and LTE at one time.
Sent from my HP Touchpad using xda premium
THAT SUCKS ATT!!!! I have to talk & use internet on the HDSPA+ network....it seems so slow. Am I the only person this happens to?
It happens to *everyone* because that is the way it works. Notice that every time you make a call the "LTE" tag goes away....and stays gone until you hang up and the phone reselects back.
There will not be any LTE voice until an IMS is up and running...
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
The reason for this is that, currently, LTE is data-only. Until LTE providers begin to deploy Vo-LTE (Voice over LTE. Basically VoIP, on and LTE network), the only way you will be able to engage the voice stack on your hardware and access data at the same time is if you fall back to UMTS, which has always integrated both services (voice and data) together.
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I know its data only. But dont see why it has to drop off. I have been playing with the build.prop. And it has
#device supports simultaneous 1x voice + LTE
#ro.config.svlte1x=true
So i guess at one point we will have this ability.
This phone only has one radio built in and can't run on both UMTS and LTE at the same time.
I think that setting is referring to a Verizon type LTE device. They have two radios and don't do CSFB like the Vivid/Skyrocket.
Each phone type has it's own pros and cons.
Hi,
I noticed at my work my Edge is stronger then my LTE but LTE works better and of course faster then Edge. I am asking if anyone knows how to force only GSM for calls and LTE for data. I go through the options and notice many settings but LTE is always "LTE AUTO" I also use the hidden menu *#*#4636#*#* and set LTE only or CDMA, LTE Unfortunately I am on Rogers and CDMA does not allow my calls to go through and LTE only is exactly that only LTE. Both those options work great but of course drop sporadically which I can live with except the no phone part. What is the point of having a phone if you have no phone reception working on your phone.....
So my question is simple, is there a way to have only GSM and LTE set up or at least GSM and 3G/4G but with out the E network which ever that is.
Thanks
JB
No one?
dudejb said:
No one?
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Are there any Mods to keep LTE active in low reception area.
dudejb said:
Are there any Mods to keep LTE active in low reception area.
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You could force LTE only, but then when the reception drops off, you'll have zero cell service.
It would be nice if there were more options offered for preferred networks. I leave mine on WCDMA preferred, and just do without LTE until I want/need it.
Edit: not sure if this is a switching problem or the way the phone is designed, but sort of figured it out...seems that the Exhibit 4G will auto fallback to UMTS when no HSDPA link is active. Just ran some speed tests and it did in fact hold HSDPA speeds, when done it fell back to UMTS. My GS3 doesn't do this...if I have 4G/ LTE available, it stays with it. Hence the confusion.
I recently purchased a new unlocked Exhibit 4G, have been testing the various roms here...many thanks to the devs...great work! Currently trying AOIP...nice!
My primary usage is on the TMO network, at my RV site on weekends. Unfortunately, 2G is the best I can get in my location, regardless of carrier.
I live in Canada the rest of the time, on Rogers with a GS3.
I was testing out the Exhibit 4G with my Rogers sim, LTE APN's were set up ok, voice & messaging are fine, but data is wonky...I will get the 'H' (aka 4G) icon for a few seconds at a time, but for some reason I keep falling back to 3G speeds. This cycle continues over and over. AFAIK, this phone should support Rogers HPSA+ frequencies (aside from their new 2600), shouldn't it?
So I'm wondering if this is due to an incompatibility with the phone on Rogers, or needing a different baseband, or could the phone's h/w be screwy? This has been happening with all roms I have tried (AOIP, Baked, Slim).
Appreciate any insight.
Apparently the droid turbo can't, which is amazing as far as I'm concerned, and unfortunately a deal breaker for me.
Someone please tell me this phone won't have the same problem?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
On what carrier?
G3
Verizon
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
This will be fixed soon on all the new Verizon phones. Same with the Sony Z3v.
It depends on the network. ATT can data and call.
Verizon phones can. I have a note 4 and can make calls while browsing the web
---------- Post added at 01:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------
I'm not sure about all Verizon phones I guess. I just mean it's possible on their network right now
At first most likely not. Droid life did a video making a call while on Verizon and it dropped data as soon as it started calling and came back once finished.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Wow hopefully that is fixed with the upcoming update being pushed before release.
boynamedstacy said:
Wow hopefully that is fixed with the upcoming update being pushed before release.
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Its not something that is broke ....the oem are making these phones with only one path from modem .... either data or phone can use but not both. ..it's been that way since g2 on sprint ...you can use wifi and phone though
You can when vzw goes VoLTE since it will be using the same network type. This uses same antenna as I phone and other moto devices that do not support simultaneous voice and data
Does Sprint's Spark network support it?
I think Verizon has given the date for the update as mid December. At least for the Turbo, that's the case. Still somewhat mystifying why you would release three major "flagship" phones— Sony zv3, Droid Turbo and the Nexus 6— before your ducks are in a row with simultaneous calls and data.
Cheater912 said:
Does Sprint's Spark network support it?
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No sprint spark phone can do it .... g2 g3 note 4 s5 none of them
VoLTE
I'm confused. I thought the fact that voice was over CDMA is the reason why we can have simultaneous data and voice. Back before Verizon got LTE there was no simultaneous voice and data. Then once LTE came along, suddenly simultaneous voice and data worked (and has worked for me since). The way this was explained to me was that voice uses CMDA and data uses LTE (which is GSM) so they can coexist.
So I guess I'm confused about two things...
1.) Since simultaneous voice and data has been working for years now, what makes these new phones (Turbo & Nexus 6, specifically) any different. Why is this suddenly a concern again? It feels like 2012 all over again.
2.) Whatever the reason is that it supposedly does not work, why will VoLTE fix things? It seems to me that once we have VoLTE we'd have voice and data both trying to use the same pipe and have issues again, just like before LTE existed and we had only CMDA.
Perhaps someone can explain
demarcmj said:
I'm confused. I thought the fact that voice was over CDMA is the reason why we can have simultaneous data and voice. Back before Verizon got LTE there was no simultaneous voice and data. Then once LTE came along, suddenly simultaneous voice and data worked (and has worked for me since). The way this was explained to me was that voice uses CMDA and data uses LTE (which is GSM) so they can coexist.
So I guess I'm confused about two things...
1.) Since simultaneous voice and data has been working for years now, what makes these new phones (Turbo & Nexus 6, specifically) any different. Why is this suddenly a concern again? It feels like 2012 all over again.
2.) Whatever the reason is that it supposedly does not work, why will VoLTE fix things? It seems to me that once we have VoLTE we'd have voice and data both trying to use the same pipe and have issues again, just like before LTE existed and we had only CMDA.
Perhaps someone can explain
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1. some newer VZW phones dont have two radios (ie, one for CDMA voice and the other for CDMA or LTE data).
2. VoLTE with one radio has enough bandwith to simultaneously handle both voice and data. However, VoLTE has a much, much bigger problem as I see it:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/advanced-calling-faqs/
Will my call be handed off automatically when I move from the 3G network to the 4G LTE network and vice versa with Advanced Calling 1.0?
No, calls won t switch between 3G and 4G LTE networks. If your call starts on the 3G network and you move to a 4G LTE coverage area, your call will continue as a 3G/CDMA call. However, if your call starts on the 4G LTE network and you move to a non-4G coverage area, your call will drop.
I live in Houston....presumably a place with lots of LTE coverage. In reality, I am constantly switching between LTE and 3G. with VoLTE, I'll be dropping calls like crazy.
roadratx said:
1. some newer VZW phones dont have two radios (ie, one for CDMA voice and the other for CDMA or LTE data).
2. VoLTE with one radio has enough bandwith to simultaneously handle both voice and data. However, VoLTE has a much, much bigger problem as I see it:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/advanced-calling-faqs/
Will my call be handed off automatically when I move from the 3G network to the 4G LTE network and vice versa with Advanced Calling 1.0?
No, calls won t switch between 3G and 4G LTE networks. If your call starts on the 3G network and you move to a 4G LTE coverage area, your call will continue as a 3G/CDMA call. However, if your call starts on the 4G LTE network and you move to a non-4G coverage area, your call will drop.
I live in Houston....presumably a place with lots of LTE coverage. In reality, I am constantly switching between LTE and 3G. with VoLTE, I'll be dropping calls like crazy.
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I'm in Katy, travel all over Houston working. While T-Mobile has a very large LTE area down here, I do see the signals changing very often depending on part of town I'm in
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app