EVDO Intro - 3GPP2

Evolutionary Data-Optimized 1x (1xEVDO) is a data optimized evolution of CDMA2000 developed by the 3GPP2. In a 1.25 MHz channel 1xEVDO offers peak data rates of 2.4 Mbps (Rev 0) / 3.1 Mbps (Rev A) in the downlink (DL) and 153.6 kbps (Rev 0) / 1.8 Mbps (Rev A) in the uplink (UL). EVDO-Rev B, which is still in the process of standardization, adds further DL capacity enhancements and is expected to increase the DL peak data rate to 4.9 Mbps in a 1.25 MHz channel.

So what is EVDO?

* EV-DO - Evolution Data Optimized
* Personal broadband wireless service for a wide range of customers.
* Always on - - similar to DSL (wherever 3G capability is available)
* Rides on CDMA signal- 1x data capability available everywhere CDMA voice service available
* Up to 10 times the peak data rate of the next best public wireless solution - 800 - 1,000 Kbps (kilobits per second) average download speeds, comparable to DSL speeds
* Allows the user to be connected herever they are are not only for email, but for downloads, large files, photos, spreadsheets, etc.
* Advantages over WiFi:
o Always on with seamless roaming.
o Signal can travel on same cell sites as cell phones
o No 300-ft range from the cell tower or "hotspot"
o Customers can access their corporate VPN (virtual private network) anywhere they can get a cellular signal via a secure, encrypted signal
o Can download and run video clips in real time
o Can provide service to customers outside of cable-modem or DSL areas
* Relatively low cost with high capacity - allows rich web browsing and application usage
* 1xRTT: 50Kbps - 100Kbps Upload and Download (bursts to 144Kbps)
* EVDO Rev 0: 400kbps-1000kbps Download (bursts up to 2.0Mbps), 50kbps-100kbps Upload (bursts to 144Kbps)
* EVDO Rev A: 600Kbps-1,400Kbps Download (bursts to 3.1Mbps), 500Kbps-800Kbps Upload (bursts to 1.8Mbps)

How does it work?

EVDO works similarly to the way cell phone operates in that it relies on signal from a wireless tower rather than a physical connection like a phone line or cable. An EVDO modem receives the signal and allows users to connect to the internet. EVDO modems come in several formats: USB dongle, ExpressCard, and PCMCIA card and you can use them either directly in your computer OR in a 3G router.

How does EVDO compare to other technologies?

The best aspect of EVDO (to most users) is the mobility it offers, but EVDO is also FAST! With a good signal, EVDO Rev A averages about 600-1400Kbps download with upload speeds averaging between 500-800Kbps. Here is how it stacks up to other common internet technologies:

* EVDO Rev A: 600Kbps - 1,400Kbps Down (with bursts to 3.1Mbps); 500Kbps-800Kbps Up (with bursts to 1.8Mbps)
* EVDO Rev 0: 400 - 1000Kbps Down (with bursts to 2.0 Mbps); 50 - 100Kbps Up (with bursts to 144Kbps)
* 1xRTT (2G):50Kbps - 100Kbps with bursts up to 144kbps Down/Up
* EDGE (2G): 50Kbps - 100Kbps Down/Up
* HSPA (3G): 700-1700kbps Down; 500-1200kbps upload
* DSL: Varies based on provider. Average appoximately 1500Kbps Down; 128Kbps Up
* Cable: Varies based on provider. Average appoximately 1000-5000Kbps Down; 200-800Kbps Up
* Satellite: 512Kbps - 1500Kbps Down; 128 - 256Kbps Up
* Dial-Up: 56Kbps Down/Up