- 1G (First Generation)-AMPS - Voice-Centric Data Rate: 1G networks primarily facilitated analog voice calls with minimal data rates, averaging around 2.4 Kbps. Spectrum Bandwidth: Operating within a limited spectrum bandwidth, typically ranging from 30 kHz to 200 kHz, these networks primarily utilized the 800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands.
- 2G (Second Generation)-IS-54B: - Voice and SMS Data Rate: 2G networks introduced digital voice calls and provided improved data rates compared to 1G, ranging from 9.6 Kbps (GSM) to 144 Kbps (EDGE). Spectrum Bandwidth: With wider spectrum allocations ranging from 200 kHz to 1.25 MHz, 2G networks operated across frequencies including 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz.
- 3G (Third Generation) - Mobile Internet and Multimedia Data Rate: Marking a significant leap in data rates, 3G networks supported broadband services ranging from 144 Kbps (UMTS) to 2 Mbps (HSPA+). Spectrum Bandwidth: Requiring larger spectrum allocations of around 5 MHz to 20 MHz, 3G networks operated across frequencies including 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, and 2100 MHz.
- 4G (Fourth Generation) WiFi,LTE<E-Advanced:- Mobile Broadband Data Rate: 4G networks introduced high-speed mobile broadband with peak data rates reaching up to 1 Gbps under ideal conditions, and typical rates ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Spectrum Bandwidth: Utilizing wider spectrum bands compared to previous generations, typically ranging from 20 MHz to 100 MHz, 4G networks operated across frequencies including 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2600 MHz.
- 5G (Fifth Generation) - Ultra-Fast Connectivity Data Rate: With 5G networks, we are witnessing a significant leap in data rates, potentially reaching speeds of up to 10 Gbps and beyond. Typical data rates currently range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps in initial deployments. Spectrum Bandwidth: To achieve high data rates and low latency, 5G networks require significantly wider spectrum allocations, including sub-6 GHz bands (e.g., 3.5 GHz) and mmWave bands (e.g., 28 GHz, 39 GHz), with spectrum bandwidths ranging from 50 MHz to several hundred MHz.
Overall, each generation of mobile communication has seen remarkable advancements in data rates and spectrum bandwidth, leading to increasingly faster and more reliable wireless connectivity for users worldwide.
Definition of Terms used in this article
- AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System): AMPS was the first analog cellular system widely deployed in the United States during the 1980s. It allowed for mobile voice communication over cellular networks.
- IS-54B (Interim Standard 54B): IS-54B is a digital cellular standard used in North America. It was developed as an upgrade to the AMPS system, allowing for digital voice transmission and the introduction of features such as call waiting and caller ID.
- 3G (Third Generation): 3G refers to the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology, characterized by high-speed data transmission, mobile internet access, multimedia streaming, and video calling capabilities.
- 2G (Second Generation): 2G represents the second generation of mobile telecommunications technology, which introduced digital voice calls and basic data services such as SMS (Short Message Service).
- 1G (First Generation): 1G denotes the first generation of mobile telecommunications technology, primarily focused on analog voice calls with limited data capabilities.
- LTE (Long-Term Evolution): LTE is a standard for wireless broadband communication, often referred to as 4G LTE. It provides high-speed data transmission for mobile devices and is designed to be backward compatible with existing GSM and CDMA networks.
- LTE-Advanced: LTE-Advanced is an enhanced version of LTE technology that offers even higher data rates and improved network performance compared to standard LTE.
- 5G (Fifth Generation): 5G is the fifth generation of mobile telecommunications technology, designed to provide ultra-fast data speeds, ultra-low latency, and increased connectivity for a wide range of devices and applications.
- 6G (Sixth Generation): 6G is a theoretical future generation of mobile telecommunications technology, currently under research and development. It aims to further enhance data speeds, reduce latency, and enable advanced technologies such as holographic communication and ubiquitous connectivity.
- WiFi: WiFi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is a technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) using radio waves. It enables wireless internet access and data transmission within a certain range of a WiFi router or access point.
