3G mobile communication didn’t happen overnight, but came about as a result of enhancing previous technologies, then combining their best bits for improved efficiency. Below is the historical path from where 3G networks evolved:
0G
It all began with the “pre-cellular” age of mobile radio telephones. Think walkie-talkies, briefcase radios and old car phones, transmitting radio signals on specific frequencies through the airwaves.
1G
Remember the old brick phones from the 80s? They were the first generation of mobile telecommunications. 1G improved on the old radio phones by increasing transmission range (so you could talk to someone far away), working with standard mobile telephone lines (so you could call landlines), and making it possible to account for calls (so mobile communication could be a commercially viable option).
As with 0G, calls were still subject to noise and signal interference (ie. getting someone else’s phone call in the middle of your conversation). Though it doesn’t sound so great by today’s standards, 1G laid the foundations for modern mobile capabilities.
2G
Along came 2G in the early 90’s and with it, digital encryption of the old 1G signal – that is, packaging up your voice into organised pieces before transmitting them. Right away, this meant better sound quality, less noise and no more eavesdropping. This digital system also used less radio power, requiring less hardware and in turn, smaller phones.
Before 2G, there had been over ten different types of mobile standards, ultimately limiting the public’s choice of carrier, choice of handset, and both phone & plan pricing. 2G launched in Australia over the two most efficient standards (GSM and CDMA). Now that carriers and manufacturers had fewer variations to cater for, mobile technology quickly became more accessible and portable.
2G also introduced the ability to send text messages, check emails and surf the web, though in the early days this depended greatly on carriers and handset manufacturers taking the next step in offering this new feature. 2G worked by packaging up an ordinary voice signal into organised pieces before transmitting them, using simple authentication and encryption mechanisms to prevent fraud and eavesdropping.
2.5G and 2.75G
The next step in mobile evolution was 2.5G, upgrading with new technologies GPRS and 1xRTT – faster, cheaper and more efficient ways of emailing and web surfing in a mobile environment.
GPRS was later enhanced to further improve data transmission rates. At this point, it was called EDGE, and marked the 2.75G era. Networks could now support mobile VOIP and video calling, but these features were never adopted by the mainstream.
3G
The 2G era made mobile internet a possibility throughout the world, and the growing demand for multimedia on the move meant that mobile carriers needed a way to deliver bigger chunks of information at higher speeds. Say hello to 3G.
3G didn’t happen overnight, but came about as a result of enhancing 2G technologies, then combining their best bits for improved efficiency. GSM, GPRS, CDMA, 1xEV-DO, UMTS… There are heaps of acronyms in the mix but in short, 3G is the up-to-date collection of mobile standards, all playing nicely together.
Beyond 3G
In the future is the much-prospected 4G, touted to bring a dramatic change to the way we communicate. It’s said to provide mobile voice, data and streaming capabilities using IP technology.
This means that today’s traditional high-speed Internet will not only be at home and work, but can extend to the palm of your hand. That comes with all the trimmings too – VOIP, streaming video, online chat, mobile gaming and even running a web server on your mobile phone. Internet everywhere – literally.
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#1 by jenny c on November 1st, 2009
Contact your service operator. They are the only ones who can provide you this informaton.
#2 by guzen on November 1st, 2009
its really gud n very helpful
lykd dat
#3 by najam on November 1st, 2009
There are certainly indications that microwave transmitters can have serious effect on children. To date there have not been conclusive studies that link microwave tranmissions with problems in adults, There is plenty of anecdotal evidence, but that is not very reliable.
Of course, it is true that huge profitable industries do have a way of influencing what is studied and what information is released about the health risks associated with their industries. But I know that government funded studies in the UK came up with cautious, but ultimately 'inconclusive' findings about the associated health risks. It suggested that children's exposure should be limited, and that further studies were carried out. Still, it seems likely that it is not as bad as the worst one might imagine,.
Of course, people who thought that cigarettes were harmful were thought to be alarmist. And in the southwest of England, if you mention that radon – which his prevalent there – can be a health hazard, most people think you are simply being silly.
#4 by Anraj on November 1st, 2009
#5 by nacao on November 1st, 2009
nice for projects and exhibitions.
#6 by MAYRA J on November 2nd, 2009
You're kidding, right? A significant part of our economy and security is based upon mobile communications.
#7 by Jevonia on November 2nd, 2009
It won't affect voice calls at all. It's basically a way to improve the speed of data transmissions through a cell phone. Think of it as wifi on steroids, but specifically for mobile, not laptops.
#8 by organic_diode on November 3rd, 2009
The letter G refers to the word generation, and since in the UK and Europe we're only getting into 3G now (remember watching in the news about european governments getting billions of pounds/francs/deutchmarks etc, all in the bidding war for licences for the frequencies) for land grab in the race to the next generation of mobile technology.
The US is further behind but catching up fast, and Japan has a different system altogether called DoCoMo, and that could almost be referred to as 4G. For the most part, it's not here yet, except in the minds of people in who dream this up.
Your additional question, "and no charges for communication…" nothing is free when it comes to mobile communications, because for the money you pay, you get a level of service, but you could be thinking of a new system being introduced on some GSM networks called push-to-talk, more information on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push_to_talk
Most people I know are still only using 2G functions, like the basic mobile for making na dreceiving calls from almost anywhere, and the text messaging funcions. Even the new stuff like Picture messaging isn't all that well utilised.
What I would like to see in 5G is higher signal strength and a 0% drop rate – regular mobile users will know exactly what that means, but it requires more masts and receivers, and you knoew the controvdrsy thats causing in some countries.
Most all ideas fifth Generation is still all theory and only exists in the communications and science laboratories. When its launched I'm sure we'll all know about it.
#9 by sandhya on November 3rd, 2009
sure you can. and don't forget to use one during the presentation. visual aids are always more compelling than just standing there reading boring facts