Mobile generation

Each generation is defined as a set of telephone network standards that describe how a specific mobile phone system is implemented technologically. As the rate of change increases, so does the technology utilized to accomplish that speed. Each generation of mobile technology has its own set of institutions in charge of standardization.

The number generation of cellular communications networks is 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. We are currently fully operational in 4G, with 5G on the horizon. Wireless LAN, wireless dictionary, and WiFi vs. cellular are also helpful resources.

The five generations of mobile networks are 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, where G stands for 'Generation' and the numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 signify the generation number. Since the early 1980s, a new generation of mobile networks has emerged every ten years or so.

Advantages and disadvantages of 1g 2g 3g 4g 5g technology

First Generation (1G):

In 1979, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Company (NTTC) launched the first generation mobile network in Tokyo, Japan. It expanded the whole of Japan within five years. Then worldwide, it was known as the 1G Cellular Network. Though it was analog, it gained popularity worldwide in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the UK, the USA, Finland, Austria, Canada, South Korea, Europe, etc. There were some features, and due to technical limitations, there were many disadvantages.

Features:               

• Analog technology.
• Maximum speed 2.4kbps.
• Nordic Mobile Telephone System (NMTS).
• Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS).
• Total Access Communication System (TACS).
• Only voice service.
• 800 & 900 MHz frequency.
• 10 MHz bandwidth.
• Frequency modulation.
• Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) technique.

Limitations:

• Ordinary battery life.
• Due to interference, voice quality is poor.
• The number of cell coverage and limited users.
• Between similar systems, roaming was not possible.
• Flawed security system.
• Not convenient to carry as it was significant in size.

Second Generation (2G):

In 1991, a second-generation mobile network was launched by Radiolinja based on the GSM. It’s a digital network, and providing a reliable & secure communication channel was the 2G network’s primary motive. Because of transmitting wireless transmission of 2G mobile network was known as the Global System of Mobile Communication. 2G network also has some features and limitations. 

Features:

• Digital technology.
• Small data services like SMS and MMS (Multimedia Message System).
• Roaming was possible.
• First internet system with poor data rate.
• Better voice call.
• Conference calls are allowed.
• Comparatively enhanced security.
• Data speed up to 64 Kbps.
• 30 to 200 kHz bandwidth.

Limitations:

• Restricted mobility.
• Data rate low.
• Fewer features.
• Less hardware capability.
• User numbers are limited.

Third Generation (3G):

To standardize any generation of mobile networks takes approximately ten years. From this perspective, 3G was commercially introduced in 2001 and first used in Europe, Japan, and China. It is the best popular wireless technology developed by UMTS, which means Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. To facilitate better voice calls and data systems were the main target of the 3G network. Some unique features and limitations are listed below-

Features:

• High data rates with low cost.
• Email.
• Web browsing.
• Video downloading.
• Picture sharing.
• Better voice call.
• 15 to 20 MHz bandwidth.
• Speed 2 Mbps.
• Much better security system than 1G & 2G.
• Support fire alarms.
• Support mobile app.
• TV streaming.
• 3D quality was high.
• Support multimedia messages.
• Location tracking.
• Map location.

Limitations:

• Mobile devices were costly.
• Spectrum licenses are expensive.
• To support a higher data rate requires higher bandwidth.

Fourth Generation (4G):

According to the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) in December 2010, 4G refers to LTE (Long Term Evolution), HSPA+ (Evolved High-Speed Packet Access), and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). It is a broadband cellular network different from 1G, 2G, and 3G mobile networks. 4G network was developed by IEEE and here used LTE and LTE advanced technology. It focuses on providing high-speed and quality data rates. This improved data service comes from the most used LTE system. WiMAX increases the network performance of 4G mobile. Key features and demerits are given below-

Features: 

• High data speed.
• The maximum speed is 100 Mbps, which is 1 Gbps.
• Improved security.
• Voice calls service at low cost.
• Multimedia message service.
• Worldwide web access.
• IP telephony.
• Gaming service.
• High-definition mobile TV.
• Video conferencing.
• 3D TV connection without buffering.
• Frequency 1800 MHz.
• Global and scalable mobile networks.
• Ad hoc and multi-hop networks.
• High capacity and low bit per bit.

Limitations:

• Expensive infrastructure.
• Expensive hardware.
• Expensive spectrum.
• A comprehensive upgrade is time-consuming.

Fifth Generation (5G):

5G network is currently under development that began in 2019 by cellular phone companies worldwide. According to the GSM, up to 2025, more than 1.7 billion subscribers would have a 5G mobile network. This network is connected with massive MIMO to improve connection, data speed, and other services. It also provides higher downloading speed and higher bandwidth with the association of different devices. There are several features and due to technical problems also has some limitations. They are-

Features:

• Deliver ultra-fast data.
• Low latency in milliseconds.
• Reliability of the network.
• Better quality of almost all services.
• Higher security.
• Try to fulfill customer demands.
• Higher connection density.
• Better battery consumption.
• Improved wireless coverage.
• Higher download speed up to 10 Gbps.
• 24 to 47 GHz frequency.
• GPS tracking.
• Multimedia message experience for customers.
• Supercharged system.
• Support massive data rate for the internet of things.
• Cost deduction for data.
• Small cell technologies use.

Brief discussion about 1g, 2g ,3g, 4g, 5g, technology

It was the very first cell phone generation. (1g)

When cell phones transitioned from 1st generation to 2nd generation, it was the first significant upgrade for a generation.

In the third generation, web surfing, email, video downloading, picture sharing, and other Smartphone technology were introduced.

In comparison to 3G, 4G is a different technology that was made viable realistically.

Its goal is to provide users with high-speed, high-quality, and high-capacity services while enhancing security and lowering the cost of a phone, data, multimedia, and internet services.

5G is a generation that is currently in development and aims to improve on 4G. 5G promises far faster data speeds, higher connection density, and significantly lower latency, among other benefits. Device-to-device communication, improved battery consumption, and better wireless coverage are among the 5G plans. The maximum speed of 5G is expected to be 35.46 Gbps.