Difference between 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G Technology and What is LTE ?

Wireless technology has developed rapidly . From voice to 2G capabilities, then internet enabled 3G & the present  ecosystem of wireless activity is backed by reliable connection of 4G. However, telecommunications, LTE is a standard for Long-Term Evolution which is  wireless broadband telecommunication for mobile Technology (used technologies. GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA) 

What does 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G Technology means?

• 1G refers to the first generation of wireless technology. The radio signals of 1G networks were analog.
• 2G refers to the second generation of wireless cellular technology . In 2G, signals were transmitted digitally.
• 3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology.
• 4G stands for fourth generation mobile communications standard, capable of allowing wireless internet access at a higher speed.
• 5G means signifies fifth generation for cellular networks.

Difference between 1G, 2G, 3G & 4G ( in terms of speed) :

• 1G offers 2.4 Kbps.
• 2G offers 64 Kbps. ( Based on GSM ).
• 3G offers 144 Kbps - 2 Mbps.
• 4G offers 100 Mbps - I Gbps. ( Based on LTE Technology ).

2G ( Maximum Download Speed).
GPRS: 0.1 Mbit/s.
EDGE: 0.3 Mbit/s.

3G ( Maximum Download Speed).
3G ( Basic): 0.3 Mbit/s.
HSPA       : 7.2 Mbit/s.
HSPA ( + ) : 21 Mbit/s.
DC - HSPA +: 42 Mbit/s.

4G ( Maximum Download Speed ).
LTE: 150 Mbit/s.
( Category 4 )   

4G ( + ) ( Maximum Download Speed ).
LTE - Advanced.  :300 Mbit/s.
Cat 6
LTE - Advanced:450 Mbit/s.
Cat 9
LTE - Advanced: 600 Mbit/s.
Cat 12
LTE - Advanced: 979 Mbit/s.
Cat 16

5G ( Maximum Download Speed ).
5G: 1000 - 10,000 Mbit/s.

4G LTE stands for 4th generation long term evolution. It offers the users, faster and better services for mobile broadband internet services.

Video Tutorial:  Difference between 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G Technology and What is LTE ?


Compared to 3G one can experience faster internet services in 4G. 3G can do everything that 4G can do, but in terms of speed 4G is way ahead.

3G enabled the users to receive and send Emails, download movies & music etc, but 4G comes with an edge over 3G & that is it's speed.

 Internet providers have launched extensive movie and TV download services by using 4G services. 4G has been a catalyst for entertainment in mobile services & due to 4G, the users are getting a smooth browsing experience.

A 3G phone can connect to the internet at a maximum speed of 21 Mbps, on the other hand 4G is capable of connecting to internet at the speed of 300 Mbps. All the modern day handset more or less supports 4G.

Telia Sonera  branded, the network ‘4G’. The modern devices have been manufactured by Samsung and the network infrastructure created by Huawei and Ericson to support 4G.

We must keep in mind the fact that, 4G is entirely IP based which signifies that, it uses internet protocols for voice data.

The users always expects faster service and their demand needs to fulfilled, failing which business can hamper adversely. Hence 4G was introduced, so that more flexible, reliable and affordable services can be offered.

By means of a 4G connection one can easily access internet, social networking site & streaming media etc. It is considered as very stable.

Versions of 4G:

• WIMAX (used by sprint).
• LTE (used by Verizon and AT&T).
• HSPA+ (used by AT&T and TMobile).

The standard set to achieve all the parameters of 4G, initially appeared to be a daunting task therefore, a long term evolution policy was adopted, so that in a gradual and phase wise manner 4G can be introduced and implemented.

This situation compelled the introduction of 4G LTE which reflects that, 4G is still evolving and it will get better in times ahead.

Advantages of 4G Technology:

• Voice quality is very high which makes it superior.
• One can easily access streaming media, social networking site, internet etc.
• One of the major plus of 4G is that , it is believed to be 10 times faster than 3G
• 4G has converted our phone into a Mini computer.

Disadvantages of 4G Technology:

• Data prices have gone up which will burn a hole in the pocket of customers.
• Consumers need a new device which could support  4G, so once again it is troublesome for lot of consumers.
• It needs new components in cell towers since frequencies will get altered.

5G Technology

Technology is undergoing constant changes. Although it is difficult to give a time frame about the introduction of 5G, but it is in the pipeline. 5G stands for fifth generation of wireless network technology. It will be significantly faster and more capable than 4G. 5G represents another step forward.

For accessing 5G one needs to have a 5G device. It will be a very high frequency spectrum. It is still under test and lot of scrutiny. The experts are encountering  lot of issues with 5G. It cannot be rolled out so easily.

Lot of technical aspects needs to fixed before introducing 5G for the general users. As & when 5G gets introduced,  it will create a huge buzz owing to its speed. 5G surely has potential to transform the internet.  It is said that, it will have 100 times better capacity than the 4G.

For downloading a 2 hours movie 5G will take 3.5 seconds. Sounds exciting. One can expect to enjoy a more streamlined experience in 5G .it will be a life changer. This will be the biggest generation shift in mobile networking technology.

The response time after giving a command in 5G will be 1 millisecond. Under 5G almost everything will be  done in real time. 5G will start a trend in automatic cars & self driving vehicles.
Post- introduction of 5G, automatic cars & self driving vehicles will be a common sight on streets.

5G will also enable remote surgeries by using robotic arms. Millimeter waves will ensure immense speed of 5G. In one square kilometer around 10 lakhs device can be connected.

Millimeter waves cannot travel very far. The range of millimeter wave is 300 - 400 meters, which is a challenge that needs to be overcome by the Technicians. New infrastructure will have to be installed for making 5G operational. 5G will take plenty of time before it can be launched for the users.

Conclusion:

Technology is upgrading at a very rapid rate. The speed is the most crucial factor , as consumer needs faster delivery of services .

Mobile telecommunications have undergone a massive change , with the advent of every generation things are getting more enthralling in this sector.

At present we are using 4G service which is offering a good speed, but whenever 5G gets officially introduced, it will be a game changer in almost every aspect of our business life. It will influence our personal life as well. Everything around us will be fast paced. People will have to adopt new systems , as things will no longer remain the same as soon as 5G services are offered, full fledged.