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Communication Technologies - Mobile
Communication Technologies - Mobile
Since the introduction of first commercial mobile phone in 1983 by Motorola, mobile technology has
Since the introduction of first commercial mobile phone in 1983 by Motorola, mobile technology has
come a long way. Be it technology, protocols, services offered or speed, the changes in mobile
come a long way. Be it technology, protocols, services offered or speed, the changes in mobile
telephony have been recorded as generation of mobile communication. Here we will discuss the basic
telephony have been recorded as generation of mobile communication. Here we will discuss the basic
features of these generations that differentiate it from the previous generations.
features of these generations that differentiate it from the previous generations.
1G Technology
1G Technology
1G refers to the first generation of wireless mobile communication where analog signals were used to
1G refers to the first generation of wireless mobile communication where analog signals were used to
transmit data. It was introduced in the US in early 1980s and designed exclusively for voice
transmit data. It was introduced in the US in early 1980s and designed exclusively for voice
communication. Some characteristics of 1G communication are −
communication. Some characteristics of 1G communication are −
Speeds up to 2.4 kbps
Speeds up to 2.4 kbps
Poor voice quality
Poor voice quality
Large phones with limited battery life
Large phones with limited battery life
No data security
No data security
2G Technology
2G Technology
2G refers to the second generation of mobile telephony which used digital signals for the first time. It
2G refers to the second generation of mobile telephony which used digital signals for the first time. It
was launched in Finland in 1991 and used GSM technology. Some prominent characteristics of 2G
was launched in Finland in 1991 and used GSM technology. Some prominent characteristics of 2G
communication are −
communication are −
Data speeds up to 64 kbps
Data speeds up to 64 kbps
Text and multimedia messaging possible
Text and multimedia messaging possible
Better quality than 1G
Better quality than 1G
When GPRS technology was introduced, it enabled web browsing, e-mail services and fast
When GPRS technology was introduced, it enabled web browsing, e-mail services and fast
upload/download speeds. 2G with GPRS is also referred as 2.5G, a step short of next mobile
upload/download speeds. 2G with GPRS is also referred as 2.5G, a step short of next mobile
generation.
generation.
3G Technology
3G Technology
Third generation (3G) of mobile telephony began with the start of the new millennium and offered
Third generation (3G) of mobile telephony began with the start of the new millennium and offered
major advancement over previous generations. Some of the characteristics of this generation are −
major advancement over previous generations. Some of the characteristics of this generation are −
Data speeds of 144 kbps to 2 Mbps
Data speeds of 144 kbps to 2 Mbps
High speed web browsing
High speed web browsing
Running web based applications like video conferencing, multimedia e-mails, etc.
Running web based applications like video conferencing, multimedia e-mails, etc.
Fast and easy transfer of audio and video files
Fast and easy transfer of audio and video files
3D gaming
3D gaming
Every coin has two sides. Here are some downsides of 3G technology −
Every coin has two sides. Here are some downsides of 3G technology −
Expensive mobile phones
Expensive mobile phones
