G in 2G, 3G and 4G stands for the “Generation”
of the mobile network. Today, mobile operators have started offering 4G
services in the country. A higher number before the ‘G’ means more power to
send out and receive more information and therefore the ability to achieve a
higher efficiency through the wireless network.
1st GENERATION- G-Generation was the
first generation of mobile networks. Here basically, radio signals were
transmitted in ‘Analogue’ form and expectedly, one was not able to do much
other than sending text messaging and making calls. But the biggest
disadvantage, however came in the form of limited network availability, as in
the network was available only within the country.
2nd GENERATION- Second Generation (2G) technology was launched in the year 1991 in Finland. It is based on the
technology known as global system for mobile communication or in short we can
say GSM. This technology enabled various networks to provide services like text
messages, picture messages and MMS. In this technology all text messages are
digitally encrypted due to which only the intended receiver receives message.
These digital signals consume less battery power, so it helps in saving the
battery of mobiles.
The technologies used in 2G are either TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
which divides signal into different time slots or CDMA (Code Division
Multiple Access) which allocates a
special code to each user so as to communicate over a multiplex physical
channel. 2G networks on the other hand,
were based on narrow band digital networks. Signals were transmitted in the
digital format and this dramatically improved the quality of calls and also
reduced the complexity of data transmission. The other advantage of the 2G
network came in the form of Semi Global Roaming System, which enabled the
connectivity all over the world.
3rd GENERATION- 3rd Generations of
mobile networks has become popular largely thanks to the ability of users to
access the Internet over devices like mobiles and tablets. The speed of data
transmission on a 3G network ranges between 384KBPS to 2MBPS. This means a 3G
network actually allows for more data transmission and therefore the network
enables voice and video calling, file transmission, internet surfing, online
TV, view high definition videos, play games and much more. 3G is the best
option for users who need to always stay connected to Internet.
3G
technology generally refers to
the standard of accessibility and speed of mobile devices. It was first used in
Japan in the year 2001. The standards of the technology were set by the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This technology enables use of
various services like GPS
(Global Positioning System), mobile
television and video
conferencing. It not only enables
them to be used worldwide, but also provides with better bandwidth and
increased speed.
4th GENERATION- 4th Generation
mobile networks are believed to provide many value added features. In addition
to all the 3G facilities, data transmission is believed to go through the roof
with speeds ranging between 100MBPs to 1GBPS. Phew! Happy talking, surfing, conferencing,
chatting, networking, partying, or whatever you want to do on your mobile phone.
Difference
between 2G and 3G Technology
Cost: The license fee to be paid for 3G network is much higher as
compared to 2G networks. The network construction and maintenance of 3G is much
costlier than 2G networks. Also from the customers point of view the
expenditure for 3G network will be excessively high if they make use of the
various applications of 3G.
Data
Transmission: The main difference
between 2G and 3G networks
is seen by the mobile users who download data and browse the Internet on
the mobile phones. They find much faster download speeds, faster access to the
data and applications in 3G networks as compared to 2G networks. 2G networks
are less compatible with the functions of smart phone.
The speed of data transmission in 2G network is less than 50,000 bits per sec
while in 3G it can be more than 4 million bits per sec.
Function: The main function of 2G technology is the transmission of
information via voice signals while that of 3G technologies is data transfer
via video conferencing, MMS etc.
Features: The features like mobile TV, video transfers and GPS systems are
the additional features of 3G technology that are not available with 2G
technologies. Frequencies: 2G technology uses a broad range of frequencies in both upper and
lower bands, under which the transmission depends on conditions such as
weather. A drawback of 3G is that it is simply not available in certain
regions.
Implication: 3G technology offers a high level of security as compared to 2G
technology because 3G networks permit validation measures when communicating
with other devices.
Making
Calls: Calls can be made easily on
both 2G and 3G networks with no real noticeable differences except that in 3G
network video calls can also be made. The transmission of text messages and
photos is available in both the networks but 2G networks have data limit and
the speed of the data transmission is also very slow as compared to 3G.
Speed: The downloading and uploading speeds available in 2G technologies
are up to 236 Kbps. While in 3G technology the downloading and uploading speeds
are up to 21 Mbps and 5.7 Mbps respectively.
