Frequency spectrum 2G, 3G and 4G

What is spectrum?

• The word was first used scientifically within the field of optics to describe the rainbow of colors in visible light when separated using a prism.
• Spectrum relates to the radio frequencies allocated to the mobile industry and other sectors for communication over the airwaves.

What is 2G?

• 2G, first introduced in 1993, is the second-generation of cellular telephone technology.
• It is also called as GSM (global system for mobile communication).
• It is the first technology to use digital encryption of conversations.
• 2G networks were the first to offer data services and SMS text messaging, but their data transfer rates are lower than those of their successors.

Advantages

• It have digital encryption (64 bit A5/1 stream cipher).
• These are used for MMS/internet access.
• These have features of SMS text messaging.
• caller ID and other similar network features.

Disadvantages

• 2G requires strong digital signals to help mobile phones work.
• These system are enable to handle complex data like videos.
• Data transmission is very slow.

What is 3G?

• This technology is first introduce in 2001 in Japan. It is a third-generation telephone technology.
• 3G have high data transmission speed, first technology to enable video calls.
• These are suitable for use in modern smartphones, which require constant high-speed internet connection for many of their applications.

Advantages

• Providing faster communication.
• Send/receive large email messages.
• High speed web, more security.
• Large capacities and broadband capabilities.
• It support 3D gaming, video conferencing, TV streaming and mobile TV.

Disadvantages

• Expensive fees of 3G license service.
• High bandwidth requirement.
• Expensive 3G phones.
• It was challenging to make 3G infrastructure.

What is 4G?

• This is fourth generation technology first introduced in 2009 in South Korea.
• It is a successor of the 3G and provides ultra-broadband internet access for mobile devices.
• The high data transfer rates make 4G networks suitable for use in USB wireless modems for laptops and even home internet access.
• One of the basic term used to describe 4G is MAGIC:
  
  1. Mobile multimedia
  2. Anytime anywhere
  3. Global mobility support
  4. Integrated wireless support
  5. Customized personal services

Advantages

• These have more security.
• Data transmission speed is high.
• More capacity.
• Low cost per bit.

Disadvantages

• Battery uses is more.
• Hard to implement.
• Need complicated hardware.
• Expensive equipment is required.

Difference between 2G, 3G and 4G

Parameters	2G	3G	4G
Name	2nd generation mobile network	3rd generation mobile network	4th generation mobile network
Introduced year	1993	2001	2009
Access system	TDMA, CDMA	CDMA	CDMA
Switching type	Circuit switching for voice and packet switching for data	Packet switching except for air interface	Packet switching
Speed (data rates)	14.4 Kbps	3.1 Mbps	100 Mbps
Features	Multiple users on single channel	Multimedia features, video call	High peed, real time streaming
Internet service	Narrow band	Broadband	Ultra broadband
Bandwidth	25 MHz	25 MHz	100 MHz
Operating frequencies	GSM:  900MHZ, 1800MHz CDMA:   800MHz	2100 MHz	850 MHz, 1800 MHz
Advantage	Multimedia features (SMS, MMS), internet access and SIM introduced	High security, international roaming	Speed, MIMO technology, global mobility
Disadvantages	Low network range, slow data rates	High power consumption, low network coverage, high cost of spectrum licence	Hard to implement, complicated hardware required
Applications	Voice calls, short messages, browsing (partial)	Video conferencing, mobile TV, GPS	High speed applications, mobile TV, wearable devices

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