The world of mobile networks has gone through several evolution stages in the past few decades as the mobile wireless communication system has come a long way since its inception. From the days of basic calls and text messaging to the revolutionary 5G technology, mobile networks have become an indispensable part of our lives, enabling essential services, and enhancing our daily experiences – it has transformed the way we communicate, work, and live. So, now let us see Evolution of Mobile Networks from 2G to 5G Testing along with Smart Best wireless site survey software, site survey tools for wireless networks & Indoor cellular coverage walk testing tool and Smart LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom in detail.
The demand for more connections worldwide grew when the first-generation mobile network was introduced in the early 1980s. This has led to the rapid evolution of five generations of mobile communication technology with the rise of human needs and the gradual development of communication technology. Let’s discuss the differences between each generation of mobile communication technology.
First Generation (1G) –
First-generation (1G) mobile network technology refers to the original analog voice standard for mobile phones which was introduced in the 1980s. 1G is limited by network capacity or severely limited as the 1G networks use analog signals.
Key features: –
Frequency: 800 MHz and 900 MHz
Bandwidth: 10 MHz
Speed: 2.4Kbps
Technology: Analogue switching
Modulation: Frequency Modulation (FM)
Mode of service: voice only
Access technique: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
Channel capacity: 30KHz
Second Generation (2G) –
The second generation or 2G is introduced a new digital technology known as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) in the evolution of wireless communication, which became the base standard for further development in wireless standards later.
Key Features: –
Bandwidth: 30–200KHz
Speed: Up to 64Kbps
SMS and MMS messaging
Roaming
Enhanced security
Encrypted voice transmission
First internet at a lower data rate
Third Generation (3G)
3G mobile communication started with the introduction of UMTS – Universal Mobile Terrestrial / Telecommunication Systems which has a data rate of 384kbps. It has enabled the global popularity of smartphones and supports video calling for the first time on mobile devices.
Key features: –
Bandwidth: 15–20 MHz
Speed: Up to 14Mbps
Higher data rate
Video calling
High-quality 3D games
Improved web browsing
Mobile app support
Multimedia message support
Location tracking and maps
Better web browsing
Enhanced security, more users, and coverage
Fourth Generation (4G)
The 4G network is an enhanced version of 3G networks, developed to provide even higher data rates while handling more advanced multimedia features.
Key features: –
Much higher data rates up to 1Gbps
Bandwidth: 15–20 MHz
Speed: Up to 1Gbps
Enhanced security and mobility
Interactive multimedia, voice, and video calling
Reduced latency for mission-critical applications
High-definition video streaming and gaming
Fifth Generation (5G)
5G is the next step in the evolution of mobile communications that addresses one of the biggest challenges of wireless technology, i.e., latency, or the time. With 5G, we have seen new innovations in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment.
Key Features: –
Ultra-fast mobile internet up to 10Gbps
Interactive multimedia, voice, and video calling
High-definition video streaming and gaming
Enhanced security, mobility, and reliable network
Reduced latency in milliseconds
Power efficiency, easy maintenance, and upgrade of hardware, offered by cloud-based infrastructure offers.
Conclusion
Mobile networks from 2G to 5G are subjected to a series of tests to ensure reliability – drive testing and walk testing are name of few. Network testing and benchmarking on any generation of mobile network is an important way to improve operator performance and reputation. Such tests are required to handle networks of different complexities, and considering the scale of the assignment, built for prolonged usage with scalable performance levels – RantCell is an RF drive test tool that can be used for network testing on each generation of network conveniently at cost-effective solutions.
