May 27, 2023 2 min read

Cellular Encryption and Security

Cellular Encryption and Security

Time division multiple access (TDMA)

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is a methodology that was developed for wireless networks which allows a user to share a frequency by subdividing it into several time based slots. Each person on the network is given a time slot which is used to transmit and receive data from during their slot. The TDMA cycles from user to user allowing each one to use the service in their associated time slot. TDMA eliminates frequency interference through logically segmenting each users and their time slot for more effective communication.

CDMA Encoding of Conversations

CDMA is a phone service technology that uses the spread spectrum method of encoding individual cellphone conversations. The spread spectrum method takes individual conversations and uses a multiplex technique to share bandwidth on the same channel. The voice from the speaker is transferred into a digital version which is then converted into a code. CDMA uses a wide frequency range and converted each call into data packets which can be sent over the network.

Spread-spectrum Transmission

The spread spectrum technique is used by Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). The speakers voice is converted into digital packets which are then converted into a special code. This code is transferred over the network using a wide frequency band where users share bandwidth on a channel. CDMA has became more popular in 2010 when cellular providers began to make changes to how data was transferred over the network.

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Encryption

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) uses a type of encryption to protect phone calls and messages from interception and alteration. GSM uses an encryption known as A5 which uses a 64 bit key. This encryption is used to authenticate the mobile phone and its network for each data transfer. The A5 encryption is used in multiple layers and technologies utilized in the operation for GSM. This includes the base station, the mobile device and the core network.

Which major providers offer CDMA, and which PCS?

CDMA uses the spread spectrum method of transmitting phone calls and data which provides each user with a special code which is carried over a wide range. Personal Communications Service (PCS) uses two techniques that take place on a narrow band which are Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). These two techniques divide channel into separate slots or bands which are given to each individual user to transmit phone calls and send data. CDMA is used by Verizon and Boost Mobile. PCS is a technology that was commonly used for 2G and 3G frequencies which are not readily used in the modern world.

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