1G, 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G: Wireless Cellular Technology

1G, 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G: Wireless Cellular Technology


1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G are the evolution in wireless cellular technology. 1G means first generation of wireless cellular technology, 2G refers to second generation and so on. There are certain specific features in each generation which provide faster, secure & more customer friendly new features to increase customer experience in fast evolving globalized world.

Let's understand what's the means of these different generation of wireless cellular technology...


First generation 1G: 

Cell phones began with 1G technology in 1980s. It supports only voice calls without data transmission or SMS. This was available in North America as Analog mobile phone system AMPS, also known as Total access communication system TACS in Europe. It has certain limitations like Poor battery life, voice quality and high dropped calls.
  • Maximum speed: 2.4Kbps
Second generation 2G: 

It begins with digital radio signal for voice calls, SMS, MMS & limited speed for data transmission. It upgraded wireless cellular technology from analog to digital communications. 
  • Maximum speed: 64Kbps


2.5G GPRS beginning: 


GPRS General packet radio service beginning with wireless access to internet. It ensure effective use of limited bandwidth, particularly suited for sending & receiving small packets of data such as emails & web browsing.


2.75G EDGE Enhanced data rate for GSM evolution: 

It is digital mobile phone technology which is superset to GPRS. It can transit three times more data than GPRS at higher speed. AT&T was the first GSM network to support 2.75G with EDGE in the U.S.

Third generation 3G: 

Digital wireless mobile communication with peak speed  of 1Mbps to 2Mbps enabling digitized voice, video calls & conferencing, high speed mobile internet and mobile TV. The term "mobile broadband" was first applied to 3G cellular technology.


3.5G HSDPA High speed downlink packet access: 

It is faster network than 3G network with speed of 3.6Mbps to 14.4Mbps, first launched by American telephone & telegraph company AT&T.

Fourth generation 4G: 

Digital wireless mobile communication with peak speed 100Mbps to 1Gbps enabling true mobile broadband communication. It also enable 3D virtual reality. 4G also known by acronym MAGIC - mobile multimedia anytime or anywhere with global mobility support integrated wireless & customized wireless service

Fifth generation 5G: 

It is a intelligent technology capable of inter-connecting the entire world without limit. It can provide ability to change mobile phone into hand held computer system with high speed internet connectivity. 

5G promises significantly faster data rates, higher connection density, much lower latency,  and energy savings, among other improvements. The anticipated theoretical speed of 5G connections is up to 20 Gbps.

(Pic credit: Youtube.com, used for educational purpose)

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