FAQ: Why is my GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS so slow?

Q: Why is my GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS so slow?

A1: SERIAL PORT BOTTLENECK: Connections between handsets and "tethered"
devices (e.g., notebook computer, PDA) are typically implemented as a serial
port, either real or virtual, and port speed usually defaults to 115 Kbps. (My
own Bluetooth stack is implemented as a virtual serial port that will go as
fast as 921.6 Kbps, but which runs at only 115.2 Kbps by default.) While 115
Kbps is generally fast enough for GPRS and CDMA 1X, it can be a bottleneck for
EDGE, UMTS, and CDMA EV-DO. In general, I recommend port speed* of 230 Kbps
for GPRS and CDMA 1X, 460 Kbps for EDGE, and 920 Kbps for UMTS and CMDA EV-DO.

A2: HANDSET CAPABILITIES: Handsets (and PC Cards) do not all have the same
data performance. In general, all reasonably recent GPRS/EDGE-capable devices
from Ericsson and Sony Ericsson support Class 8 (4+1) and Class 10 (4+2, max
of 5), whereas most Nokia devices are limited to slower Class 2 (2+1), Class 4
(3+1), and Class 6 (3+2, max 4). Motorola has both Class 4 and Class 8
devices. (The first number is the max downlink slots, and the number after the
"+" is the max uplink slots.) This can translate into a substantial difference
in throughput -- if supported by the carrier:
- Class 4 or Class 6 is 50% faster on downlink than Class 2
- Class 8 or Class 10 is 100% faster on downlink than Class 2,
33% faster on downlink than Class 4 or Class 6.
- Class 10 can be 100% faster on uplink than Class 2, Class 4, or Class 8.


* To set cellular serial port speed in Windows XP:
- Open Network Connections
- Right-click on cellular connection, and choose Properties
- In Properties-General, select checked cellular modem, and click Configure
- In Modem Configuration, select desired Maximum Speed.
- Click OK to close all windows.


--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>

In article <PGkwd.12526$_3.138100@typhoon.sonic.net>,
John Navas <spamfilter0@navasgroup.com> wrote:

> Q: Why is my GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS so slow?
>
> A1: SERIAL PORT BOTTLENECK: Connections between handsets and "tethered"
> devices (e.g., notebook computer, PDA) are typically implemented as a serial
> port, either real or virtual, and port speed usually defaults to 115 Kbps. (My
> own Bluetooth stack is implemented as a virtual serial port that will go as
> fast as 921.6 Kbps, but which runs at only 115.2 Kbps by default.) While 115
> Kbps is generally fast enough for GPRS and CDMA 1X, it can be a bottleneck for
> EDGE, UMTS, and CDMA EV-DO. In general, I recommend port speed* of 230 Kbps
> for GPRS and CDMA 1X, 460 Kbps for EDGE, and 920 Kbps for UMTS and CMDA EV-DO.
>
> A2: HANDSET CAPABILITIES: Handsets (and PC Cards) do not all have the same
> data performance. In general, all reasonably recent GPRS/EDGE-capable devices
> from Ericsson and Sony Ericsson support Class 8 (4+1) and Class 10 (4+2, max
> of 5), whereas most Nokia devices are limited to slower Class 2 (2+1), Class 4
> (3+1), and Class 6 (3+2, max 4). Motorola has both Class 4 and Class 8
> devices. (The first number is the max downlink slots, and the number after the
> "+" is the max uplink slots.) This can translate into a substantial difference
> in throughput -- if supported by the carrier:
> - Class 4 or Class 6 is 50% faster on downlink than Class 2
> - Class 8 or Class 10 is 100% faster on downlink than Class 2,
> 33% faster on downlink than Class 4 or Class 6.
> - Class 10 can be 100% faster on uplink than Class 2, Class 4, or Class 8.
>
>
> * To set cellular serial port speed in Windows XP:
> - Open Network Connections
> - Right-click on cellular connection, and choose Properties
> - In Properties-General, select checked cellular modem, and click Configure
> - In Modem Configuration, select desired Maximum Speed.
> - Click OK to close all windows.

Good Post as far as it went.

Other reasons for slow speeds.

= The new higher speed technology doesnt exist in your area yet.
i,.e. no EDGE yet in Pittsburgh or parts of Denver
EDGE coverage on Cingular for instance is shown here:


<http://www.cingular.com/download/GPRS_EDGE_coverage_10_28.pdf>

Cingular states the following:

"GPRS Coverage Areas
Cingular's GPRS service provides the most extensive data coverage area
available without additional roaming charges. All Cingular Wireless
coverage areas offer GPRS service.

EDGE Coverage Area
Cingular's EDGE service provides accelerated GPRS service in select
markets. Please check monthly for updates. "



= Network congestion. More users/data on the network than it can
optimally hold. Should not be an issue at night.



P.S. Nice that Cingular tells you to check their map monthly. Currently
available map is TWO months old.

[POSTED TO alt.cellular.cingular - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]

In <jzwick3-88F097.05504322122004@news1.west.earthlink.net> on Wed, 22 Dec
2004 11:50:49 GMT, Jack Zwick <jzwick3@mindspring.com> wrote:

>In article <PGkwd.12526$_3.138100@typhoon.sonic.net>,
> John Navas <spamfilter0@navasgroup.com> wrote:
>
>> Q: Why is my GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS so slow?
>>
>> A1: SERIAL PORT BOTTLENECK: Connections between handsets and "tethered"
>> ...

>> A2: HANDSET CAPABILITIES: Handsets (and PC Cards) do not all have the same
>> ...

>Good Post as far as it went.
>
>Other reasons for slow speeds.
>
> = The new higher speed technology doesnt exist in your area yet.
> ...
>"GPRS Coverage Areas
> Cingular's GPRS service provides the most extensive data coverage area
>available without additional roaming charges. All Cingular Wireless
>coverage areas offer GPRS service.

In other words, not an issue.

> = Network congestion. More users/data on the network than it can
> optimally hold. Should not be an issue at night.

Not an issue period.

--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>