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What is EVDO?

 

Evolution Data Optimized, also known as Evolution Data Only or EVDO (EV-DO) is a type of broadband data transfer standard designed for cellular networks. It was adopted primarily by Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network providers as one of the major components of the CDMA2000 standards family. EVDO is currently the primary competitor for HSDPA, or High-Speed Downlink Packet Access. Like HSDPA, EVDO is a third generation cellular technology (3G) which can be used to download various bits of data, voice, and television shows from the cellular network to an EVDO device. EVDO in the United States is currently offered by Sprint, Alltel, and Verizon Wireless providers. One of the limitations of transmitting and receiving mobile data is the lack of bandwidth. EVDO technology was created to overcome this limitation and deliver large amounts of data to and from mobile devices.

It should be noted that CDMA is a technology that allows multiple devices to transmit wireless on the same frequency. For this process to work, each devices is assigned a specific signature, once a signature is assigned, CDMA modifies the original signal with the new, modified signature to allow transmission on the same frequency with other devices.

EVDO was originally developed in 1999 as a method to allow download speeds in excess of 2 Megabits per second. Since then, it has gone on to include downlink speeds of 3.1 Megabits per second with its first revision and uplink speeds of as much as 1.8 Megabits per second. While its speeds are impressive for cellular downlink networks, its real world performance is actually a bit lower than the theoretical numbers listed above.

The Future Of Evdo

There are currently two new revisions planned for EVDO, aptly named Rev. B and Rev. C.

  • EVDO Rev. B is the next form of the technology to hit the market, and will feature enhanced speeds for both downloading and uploading in addition to longer talk times and less interference than previous revisions. The downlink rate is expected to reach 4.9 Megabits per second with a peak downlink rate of as much as 14.7 Megabits per second. Furthermore, the Rev. B EVDO format is expected to allow for more efficient file transfers, download of multimedia content, and web browsing.
  • EVDO Rev. C, the first fourth generation (4G) of EVDO, is planned to take place at some time after Rev. B. Known as Ultra Mobile Broadband or UMB, the most advanced form of EVDO in the works will be able to provide peak downlink rates of as much as 280 Megabits per second and uplink rates that are expected to reach higher than 75 Megabits per second. EVDO Rev. C is expected to hit the retail marketplace as early as the summer of 2009.

    • Evdo Enabled Devices

    In the United States, EVDO service is currently offered by Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and Alltel, with Sprint leading the way in terms of having the largest EVDO network (by coverage), although Verizon Wireless is looking to quickly close the gap by the end of the year 2007.

    If you wish to access one of the EVDO networks, it is required that you have a phone, notebook computer, or other device with EVDO capabilities embedded. The cellular phone marketplace for devices with EVDO capabilities include models from manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, and Research in Motion's Blackberry. Furthermore, various computers from manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and Sony all feature options to include embedded EVDO support.



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