EvDO High-Speed Wireless vs. 802.11

willll writes "The Washington Post is running a story about EvDO (Evolution Data Only), a high-speed wireless technology. It can work anywhere that a mobile phone can work, one of its main advantages over WiFi. Companies such as Verizon and Lucent are looking into the technology." From the article, I'm not sure that EvDO can be directly compared to WiFi connections (and the article does not mention current long-range 802.11 ISPs), but it's still interesting.

Comments

Reliability

[M.C. Hampster]

In addition to being far faster than WiFi, EvDO can work over existing cell phone networks and deliver a connection anywhere there is a mobile phone signal. In contrast, WiFi users must be within 300 feet or so of a base station or "hot spot."

You have to wonder about the reliability of an internet connection that works over cell phone networks. Yes, many of the disconnections you experience with cell phones are due to moving, I've experienced plenty of disconnects without any movement, and that's just the few times I've used someone elses cell phone (since I don't own one).

Technology

[Roguelazer]

I'm sorry, but I must have missed it. How is it that a cell phone network's speed can be increased 20 fold with only a software update?

how fast is it?

[jaxle]

"Technicians test a technology known as EvDO that provides wireless data connections 10 times as fast as a regular modem."

But then later in the article they state it is much faster than wifi so I am a bit confused. I'd classify a regular modem as a 56k dialup modem. Does anyone know any actual speed measurements for EvDO?

How is This Different?

[IcEMaN252]

Verizon is already offering something similiar called "Express Network" that is available on the new expensive 3G phones. For something like a hundred bucks a month they will give you unlimited access as speeds that can max out at close to ISDN.

Sprint is rolling out a similiar service too.

Funny thing is that those technologies aren't catching very much. 3G isn't as big as everyone thought. And as much as I'd like to have 144 on my laptop, I'd need a laptop first, or maybe more than 44k at home. So, my question is, what makes this new in different in a way that will make it catch on?

Re:How is This Different?

[toastyman]

Express Network isn't 3G. In fact, Verizon isn't touching any of the 3G/GSM stuff for quite a while.

Express Network runs on the older CDMA network, and most Express Network "compatible" equipment will downgrade to a 14.4k AMPS connection when the good stuff isn't available.

Somewhat off topic, but... I bought their service hoping it would be a decent replacement for my IDSL line, and would let me work while traveling. I've had it for about 5 days now, but haven't seen anything faster than 56k modem speeds.

Re:Just Verizon?

[Scud_the_disposable_]

If you leave the phone by the window, it will go up and down in signal strength from full to 1 bar (of four) in the course of about ten minutes

Actually, I work for AT&T, and I have had this explained to me. I dont remember the exact explanation, but the signal strength meters are totally inacurate, except when showing zero bars. If there is better signal, the strength will automaticallyjump up higher. It is simply a ploy by us to make you think that you are getting better signal than you really are, so you think that we have better service than, say, verizon.

Big Factor: Price

[smart.id]

I don't know about anybody else, but I do not have tons of money to spend per month on a wireless service. In fact, anything over $40 is too much for me. All of these services are just too expensive. Most services now providing data give you something like 20 megabytes for almost a hundred dollars. That's ridiculous. If this service wants to work I should be getting DSL/Cable equivalent speeds, and have nearly unlimited data.

With WiFi, I can just find open networks and use their internet on my Pocket PC. The price? $50 for a WiFi card, and $200 for a Dell Axim. Now, I don't get national coverage, but honestly, it's not a big deal to me, and if these services want to get to the average Joe, then they're going to figure out how to do it cheaper or do some serious price lowering.