Mobile communications are going through a process called UMTS and WCDMA. UMTS ensures high speed data services and multimedia applications which can be run on mobile devices, as it offers higher data rates resulting in the capability to stream videos, engage in online playing games, and browse the internet much faster. While WCDMA, which is also known as UMTS technology, utilizes broader bandwidth as well as sophisticated coding methods in order to support faster data access rates and enhanced service quality. Therefore, it makes possible for the radio spectrum to be utilized more effectively which in return boosts network capacity and enhances user experiences.

In general, it should be noted that WCDMA/UMTS has been responsible for defining our communication patterns and access modes to information using mobile devices thereby laying grounds for newer technologies such as 4G/5G networks.

What is UMTS?

UMTS stands for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is abbreviated as UMTS. This is a 3G mobile telecommunications technology that allows mobile devices to access high-speed data as well as multimedia services. It is an extension from 2G GSM networks that existed before and it comes with higher data transfer rates which makes it possible to enjoy services such as video calling, mobile internet access and mobile TV.

Advantages of UMTS

Some of the advantages of UMTS are as follows:

• High Data Speeds : UMTS has high data speeds that enable rapid downloading and streaming of content over mobile devices.
• Improved Call Quality : In comparison with older technologies, the call quality that UMTS provides is far better; the voice calls with UMTS are clear, and the number of call drops is very less.
• Better Multimedia Services : UMTS has progressive multimedia services such as video calling, mobile TV, and very fast internet access.
• Global Roaming: UMTS provides for global roaming, enabling the user to stay connected even if they have gone to another country with a UMTS network
• Better Spectrum Efficiency : There a wide range of uses of WCDMA technology in the enterprise applications, one of which is remote access to corporate networks for video conferencing as well as business-critical applications, enabling an increase in enterprise productivity and connectivity including the business people involved.

Disadvantages of UMTS

1. Coverage Issues : There are areas, mostly remote and rural, where the coverage of the UMTS is not as excellent compared to that offered by older technologies; hence, network coverage blind spots are expected to be experienced.
2. Higher Power Consumption : The devices that use UMTS technology consume more power than the older technologies; hence, their battery life is lower and is always needed to be recharged.
3. I​nitial Deployment Costs : Setting up of UMTS infrastructure comes along with expensive equipment and upgrade of networks, thus adding an initial cost burden on Service Providers.
4. Interference Problems: Sometimes the UMTS signals get interfered with by various electronic devices or constructions, which may hamper the quality of the signals and network performance in that particular surroundings.
5. Incompatibility : Older devices might not work with the UMTS networks; therefore, having full access to the services offered under UMTS requires upgrading the devices.
6. Susceptibility of Data : Similar to any other wireless technology, even the UMTS networks are susceptible to various security threats and exposure of data privacy. Stringent security measures would thus have to be inevitably developed for protecting user information

Types of UMTS

There are 2 main UMTS networks based on their operating frequency band :

1. Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) : In FDD UMTS networks, separate frequency bands are used for uplink (mobile to base station) and downlink (base station to mobile). This ensures simultaneous two-way communication.
2. Time Division Duplex (TDD) : Both uplink and downlink communication in TDD UMTS networks use the same frequency band, however they assign various time slots to each. Conversion of time slots that are dynamically allocated facilitates two-ways communication over one frequency band in FDD systems.

What is WCDMA?

WCDMA, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, is an air interface technology in UMTS. Apart from other 2G technologies, this technology allows for higher data speeds as well as increased capacity by taking advantage of the radio spectrum more efficiently. Due to this, it relies on a different modulation scheme combined with a wider bandwidth that result into improved quality of service hence high data rates.

Advantages of WCDMA

WCDMA has multiple benefits that include the following :

• High Data Rates : WCDMA provides high data rates which enable fast download of large files and video streaming.
• Better Spectral Efficiency : WCDMA makes better utilization of spectrum through efficient spectrum allocation techniques, which means that more users can share a frequency band with no adverse effect on the quality or speed of data transmission.
• Improved Vocal Quality : As compared to the older technologies, there is an enhanced voice quality for the calls using WCDMA leading to clearer and more reliable communication.
• Provision of Multimedia Services : Such services as video calling, Mobile TV, High-speed internet access are supported by WCDMA. And therefore, the user experience is bettered.
• Worldwide Interoperability : The recognition of WCDMA as an applicable standard enables harmonized international roaming and inter-working with various worldwide networks.
• Improved Handover Efficiency : WCDMA networks provide effective handoff procedures between cells within the network which allows communication during movement.

Disadvantages of WCDMA

• Complex Network Planning : WCDMA networks require exact planning and optimization since the technology itself is complex to handle, and this might be the service providers headache.
• Infrastructure cost higher : These costs of WCDMA infrastructure construction and maintenance are very expensive due to devices expenses and upgrading tools prices in particular during their operations.
• Lower Coverage In Rural Area : Poor WCDMA coverage persists in rural areas or distant Truy places where provision of infrastructure remains difficult hence access to network may not be easy either.
• Compatibility Issues Related to Handset​s : The user must change her or his handset for full network accessibility because the entry-level or older versions do not have WCDMA support.
• Weak Signal and Interruptions : When the WCDMA signal is interfered with, it gets weak, which leads to call dropping and decreased internet speed sometimes. WCDMA devices may consume high power and hence result in increased battery drain compared to other technologies.

Types of WCDMA

There is UMTS air interface technology; therefore, there’s only one type of WCDMA technology which doesn’t apply to WCDMA but rather refers specifically towards UMTS networks where it acts as a standardized system enabling fast transmission speeds plus better capacity seriously improved via the utilization of cellular handsets.

Architecture of WCDMA

Difference between UMTS and WCDMA