Evolution Of mobile Communications

How to Cell Phone Work

In the most basic form, a cell phone is essentially a two-way radio, consisting of a radio transmitter and a radio receiver. When you chat with your friend on your cell phone, your phone converts your voice into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted via radio waves to the nearest cell tower.

History of wireless technology

Marconi, an Italian inventor, transmitted Morse code signals using radio waves wirelessly to a distance of 3.2 KMs in 1895. It was the first wireless transmission in the history of science. Since then, engineers and scientists were working on an efficient way to communicate using RF waves.Telephone became popular during the mid of 19th century. Due to wired connection and restricted mobility, engineers started developing a device which doesn’t requires wired connection and transmit voice using radio waves.

Invention of first mobile phone – The evolution begins

Martin Cooper, an engineer at Motorola during 1970s working on a handheld device capable of two way communication wireless, invented the first generation mobile phone. It was initially developed to use in a car, the first prototype was tested in 1974. This invention is considered as a turning point in wireless communication which led to an evolution of many technologies and standards in future.

The Evolution Of mobile Communications, from 1G to 5G

1G Technology & Defects

1G:- 1’st Generation mobile communication system

The first generation of mobile network was deployed in Japan by Nippon Telephone and Telegraph company (NTT) in Tokyo during 1979. In the beginning of 1980s, it gained popularity in the US, Finland, UK and Europe. This system used analogue signals and it had many disadvantages due to technology limitations.

Key features (technology) of 1G system

Frequency 800 MHz and 900 MHz
Bandwidth: 10 MHz (666 duplex channels with bandwidth of 30 KHz)
Technology: Analogue switching
Modulation: Frequency Modulation (FM)
Mode of service: voice only
Access technique: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)

Disadvantages of 1G system

Poor voice quality due to interference
Poor battery life
Large sized mobile phones (not convenient to carry)
Less security (calls could be decoded using an FM demodulator)
Limited number of users and cell coverage
Roaming was not possible between similar systems

2G Technology

2G :- 2’nd Generation communication system GSM

Second generation of mobile communication system introduced a new digital technology for wireless transmission also known as Global System for Mobile communication (GSM). GSM technology became the base standard for further development in wireless standards later. This standard was capable of supporting up to 14.4 to 64kbps (maximum) data rate which is sufficient for SMS and email services.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system developed by Qualcomm also introduced and implemented in the mid 1990s. CDMA has more features than GSM in terms of spectral efficiency, number of users and data rate.

Key features of 2G system

Digital system (switching)
SMS services is possible
Roaming is possible
Enhanced security
Encrypted voice transmission
First internet at lower data rate
Disadvantages of 2G system
Low data rate
Limited mobility
Less features on mobile devices
Limited number of users and hardware capability

2.5G Technology

2.5G and 2.75G system

In order to support higher data rate, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) was introduced and successfully deployed. GPRS was capable of data rate up to 171kbps (maximum).

EDGE – Enhanced Data GSM Evolution also developed to improve data rate for GSM networks. EDGE was capable to support up to 473.6kbps (maximum).

Another popular technology CDMA2000 was also introduced to support higher data rate for CDMA networks. This technology has the ability to provide up to 384 kbps data rate (maximum).

3G Technology & Feature

3G – Third generation communication system

Third generation mobile communication started with the introduction of UMTS – Universal Mobile Terrestrial / Telecommunication Systems. UMTS has the data rate of 384kbps and it support video calling for the first time on mobile devices.

After the introduction of 3G mobile communication system, smart phones became popular across the globe. Specific applications were developed for smartphones which handles multimedia chat, email, video calling, games, social media and healthcare.

Key features of 3G system

Higher data rate
Video calling
Enhanced security, more number of users and coverage
Mobile app support
Multimedia message support
Location tracking and maps
Better web browsing
TV streaming
High quality 3D games

3.5G to 3.75 Systems

In order to enhance data rate in existing 3G networks, another two technology improvements are introduced to network. HSDPA – High Speed Downlink Packet access and HSUPA – High Speed Uplink Packet Access, developed and deployed to the 3G networks. 3.5G network can support up to 2mbps data rate.

3.75 system is an improved version of 3G network with HSPA+ High Speed Packet Access plus. Later this system will evolve into more powerful 3.9G system known as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

Disadvantages of 3G systems

Expensive spectrum licenses
Costly infrastructure, equipments and implementation
Higher bandwidth requirements to support higher data rate
Costly mobile devices
Compatibility with older generation 2G system and frequency bands

4G Technology & Feature

4G – Fourth generation communication system

4G systems are enhanced version of 3G networks developed by IEEE, offers higher data rate and capable to handle more advanced multimedia services. LTE and LTE advanced wireless technology used in 4th generation systems. Furthermore, it has compatibility with previous version thus easier deployment and upgrade of LTE and LTE advanced networks are possible.

Simultaneous transmission of voice and data is possible with LTE system which significantly improve data rate. All services including voice services can be transmitted over IP packets. Complex modulation schemes and carrier aggregation is used to multiply uplink / downlink capacity.

Wireless transmission technologies like WiMax are introduced in 4G system to enhance data rate and network performance.

Key features of 4G system

Much higher data rate up to 1Gbps
Enhanced security and mobility
Reduced latency for mission critical applications
High definition video streaming and gaming
Voice over LTE network VoLTE (use IP packets for voice)

Disadvantages of 4G system

Expensive hardware and infrastructure
Costly spectrum (most countries, frequency bands are is too expensive)
High end mobile devices compatible with 4G technology required, which is costly
Wide deployment and upgrade is time consuming

5G Technology & Feature

5G – Fifth generation communication system

5G will be using advanced technologies to deliver ultra fast internet and multimedia experience for customers. Current LTE advanced networks will transform into supercharged 5G networks in future. In order to achieve higher data rate, 5G technology will use millimeter waves and unlicensed spectrum for data transmission.

Complex modulation technique has been developed to support massive data rate for Internet of Things.

Cloud based network architecture will extend the functionalities and analytical capabilities for industries, autonomous driving, healthcare and security applications.

Key features of 5G technology

Ultra fast mobile internet up to 10Gbps
Low latency in milliseconds (significant for mission critical applications)
Total cost deduction for data
Higher security and reliable network
Uses technologies like small cells, beam forming to improve efficiency
Forward compatibility network offers further enhancements in future
Cloud based infrastructure offers power efficiency, easy maintenance and upgrade of hardware

Comparison of 1G to 5G technology

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse