We often hear the terms 2G, 3G, GSM, CDMA, etc when we are digging information related to mobile phones. All these terms are related to the networks on which the functioning of that mobile phone is relied. Hence, it is better to know what each of these terms mean, before buying a mobile phone:
1G Network:
you might not have heard about 1G network because they are old, and they were not referred to as “1G” in the days of their usage, since there was no “2G” and “3G” at that time. We can now consider the mobile phones working on analog signals as 1G network. These mobile phones are having least capacity when compared to its succeeding mobiles and is considered as “First Generation” mobiles.
2G Network:
2G Network
2G stands for “Second Generation”. 2G refer to those mobiles which work on digital signal transmitted from radio transmission towers. These mobiles depend on these digital signals for functioning. Capacity of 2G network mobiles is high when compared to the mobiles working on 1G network. Till recent times, most of the mobile phones were based on this 2G network only.
3G Network:
3G Network
“Third Generation” is the meaning of 3G. It is considered as the newest technology in terms of mobile networking. Major benefit of using 3G network is that the transmission of mobile signal is very much fast. Data transmission capabilities of mobile phones have increased drastically because of 3G network. This network can transmit both voice and data at higher speeds while 2G was intended to transmit voice.
Data Transfer rate on 2G network is nearly 270kbps while the data transfer rate on 3G is 384kbps on moving mobile and 2Mbps on stationary mobile. With regard to mobile security also, 3G is an advanced one. KASUMI encryption has been used in 3G communication while A5 ciphering algorithm is used in 2G communication.
Pros & Cons of 3G: Faster downloads and uploads can be possible on 3G which opens up new opportunities for users. Fast data transmission is responsible for this. GPS, and other such features can be utilized. Though the prices of 3G communication are high now, they are expected to come down soon.
4G Network:
LTE or Long Term Evolution network is sometimes referred to as 4G network. Although few people don’t consider this network as 4G network but as 3.5G network. It can provide speed of 1 GBPS on stationary mobile and 100Mbps on moving mobile. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access(OFDMA) is used by 4G network. It has still long way to go.
