L27. Describe the evolution of telecommunication networks from 1G to 5G Flashcards
What is a telecommunication network?
A telecommunications network is a group of nodes interconnected by telecommunications links that are used to exchange messages between the nodes.
What is 1G?
The first generation of cellular network technology. These are the analog telecommunication standards that were introduced in 1979 and the early to mid-1980s and continued until being replaced by 2G digital telecommunications.
When was 1G introduced?
Early 1980s
What is the main difference between 1G and 2G?
The main difference between these two mobile telephone generations is that in 1G systems the audio was encoded as analog radio signals (though call set-up and other network communications were digital), while 2G networks were entirely digital.
What is 2G?
The second generation of cellular network technology, which unlike 1G was entirely digital and introduced data services like SMS
What improvements did 2G make on 1G?
- 2G networks were entirely digital.
- Phone conversations were digitally encrypted.
- 2G systems are significantly more efficient on the spectrum allowing for far greater mobile phone penetration levels.
- 2G introduced data services for mobile, starting with SMS (Short Message Service)
When was 2G introduced?
1991
What is 3G?
The third generation of cellular network technology, offering faster data transfer, and better voice quality
How did 3G improve on 2G?
- 3G marked a significant shift towards mobile data
- 3G technologies like CDMA2000 provided higher data transfer rates, enabling mobile internet access, video calls, and multimedia messaging
- Enhanced data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) further improved speeds, supporting applications such as mobile email, web browsing, and streaming media
- 3G networks laid the groundwork for the mobile internet era, bringing broadband-like speeds to mobile devices.
What is 4G?
The fourth generation of cellular network technology, which revolutionized mobile broadband with even higher data rates and improved user experiences.
When was 3G introduce?
Early 2000s
How did 4G improve on 3G?
- Long-Term Evolution (LTE) became the standard, offering significant enhancements in speed, latency, and capacity
- LTE Advanced further boosted these capabilities, supporting peak download speeds of up to 1 Gbps
- 4G networks enabled high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and a multitude of mobile applications requiring substantial bandwidth and low latency
- Both voice and data services are transmitted using Internet Protocol (IP), unlike previous generations that used circuit-switched networks for voice
When was 4G introduced?
2010s
What does it mean that 4G is all-IP?
The all-IP network architecture of 4G means that both voice and data services are transmitted using Internet Protocol (IP), unlike previous generations that used circuit-switched networks for voice.
What benefits did the all-IP network architecture of 4G provide?
It improved efficiency and supported seamless handovers, allowing uninterrupted service when moving between different network areas, and enabled better integration with other IP-based services like VoIP and video conferencing.
