and frequency generation/filtering in the case of FDMA. For a classic example for understanding the fundamental difference of TDMA and CDMA, imagine a cocktail party where couples are talking to each other in a single room. The room represents the available bandwidth: TDMA: A speaker takes turns talking to a listener. The speaker talks for a short time and then stops to let another couple talk. There is never more than one speaker talking in the room, no one has to worry about two conversations mixing. The drawback is that it limits the practical number of discussions in the room (bandwidth wise). CDMA: any speaker can talk at any time; however each uses a different language. Each listener can only understand the language of their partner. As more and more couples talk, the background noise (representing the noise floor) gets louder, but because of the difference in languages, conversations do not mix. The drawback is that at some point, one cannot talk any louder. After this if the noise still rises (more people join the party/cell) the listener cannot make out what the talker is talking about without coming closer to the talker. In effect, CDMA cell coverage decreases as the number of active users increases. This is called cell breathing. Comparison table Strengths and weaknesses of IS-95 and GSM Advantages of GSM Less signal deterioration inside buildings. Ability to use repeaters. Talktime is generally higher in GSM phones due to the pulse nature of transmission. The availability of Subscriber Identity Modules allows users to switch networks and handsets at will, aside from a subsidy lock. GSM covers virtually all parts of the world so international roaming is not a problem. The much bigger number of subscribers globally creates a better network effect for GSM handset makers, carriers and end users. Disadvantages of GSM Interferes with some electronics, especially certain audio amplifiers. Intellectual property is concentrated among a few industry participants, creating barriers to entry for new entrants and limiting competition among phone manufacturers. Situation is however worse in CDMA-based systems like IS-95, where Qualcomm is the major IP holder. GSM has a fixed maximum cell site range of 120 km, which is imposed by technical limitations. This is expanded from the old limit of 35 km. Advantages of IS-95 Capacity is IS-95's biggest asset; it can accommodate more users per MHz of bandwidth than any other technology. Has no