UPSC Prelims 2010 Q89: Science & Technology – Computer & Information Technology
Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless
technologies?
- (a) EDGE
- (b) LTE
- (c) DSL
- (d) Both EDGE and LTE
Answer: (c) DSL
Explanation
Which technology is NOT part of the GSM family
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) has an evolutionary family of related wireless standards.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) EDGE | Belongs to GSM family | EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) is explicitly a GSM-family data technology |
| (b) LTE | Belongs to GSM family | LTE (Long-Term Evolution), while a step toward 4G, evolved from the GSM/UMTS standards lineage and is considered part of this broader family |
| (c) DSL | Does NOT belong | DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a wired, fixed-line broadband technology, entirely unrelated to the GSM mobile wireless family |
| (d) Both EDGE and LTE | Belong to GSM family | Since both EDGE and LTE are GSM-lineage technologies, this combined option is also incorrect as the 'does not belong' answer |
GSM family vs unrelated technology:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| GSM-family technologies | EDGE, LTE (and GPRS, UMTS, etc.) |
| Not GSM-family | DSL — a wired broadband technology |
Answer: (c) DSL.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. EDGE does belong to the GSM family of technologies.
- (b) Incorrect. LTE, through its GSM/UMTS lineage, is also considered part of this family.
- (c) CORRECT. DSL is a wired, fixed-line broadband technology, entirely unrelated to GSM's mobile wireless lineage.
- (d) Incorrect. Since both EDGE and LTE belong to the GSM family, this combined option is also wrong as a 'does not belong' answer.
Key point
DSL is a wired, fixed-line broadband technology, NOT part of the GSM wireless family — unlike EDGE and LTE, which both belong to the GSM/mobile evolution lineage.
Remember
DSL does NOT belong to the GSM family of wireless technologies — EDGE and LTE both do.
Common mistakes
- Confusing LTE's wireless mobile lineage with its actual connection to the earlier GSM/UMTS family.
- Mistaking DSL, a wired technology, for a wireless mobile standard.
- Not recognising that EDGE is explicitly named after GSM evolution.
Exam tip
GSM family = EDGE, UMTS, LTE (mobile wireless evolution). DSL = wired broadband, completely unrelated.
Sources
- European Telecommunications Standards Institute — Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+): GSM specifications
- GSMA — GSM technology evolution and family standards