With the rapid development of technology, cellular communications have come a long way from 2G networks to modern 5G Cellular Networks. Each new generation of mobile networks has offered users significant improvements in the speed and quality of communication. In this article, we will look at the key differences between 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, as well as find out how 5G networks are changing our perception of mobile communications and how we can improve the mobile signal.
Features of 2G Cellular Networks
At first, the 2G standard was used only for mobile telephony. 2G networks were built with an emphasis on the GSM 900 standard. It was later transformed into GSM 1800. The first standard uses a frequency of 900 MHz. The second standard – 1800 MHz.
The advantage of GSM 1800 is that the network capacity is increased. Cells cover a smaller area compared to GSM 900. In 2G networks, when they were first launched, the user could transmit both small text messages (SMS) and data at the speed of a slow telephone modem – up to 14.4 kbit/s.
The changes occurred in 1997. It was then that the GPRS service was developed and implemented. It was an add-on to the mobile telephone channel, which was necessary to transmit data.
The maximum speed at which data could be transmitted via GPRS was, purely theoretically, up to 171.2 kbit/s. In practice, this figure was lower.
Currently, this figure is generally considered very small. However, when the first launch took place, it was perceived very well. After all, at that time, people were just beginning to master e-mail en masse.
Networks that use GPRS acquired an index of 2.5G. This is because they did not come close to the 3G standard, which had already been approved at that time.
Then 2.75G also appeared. This is EDGE technology. And its difference from GPRS is in the encoding method and in the increased speed at which data is transferred. After the introduction of EDGE, it became possible to increase the speed at which data is transferred to 474 kbps in theory and up to 220 kbps in practice.
Sometimes EDGE is even classified as a 3G technology. This happens when the method of its implementation makes it possible to meet the requirements of this standard (data transfer speed – up to 384 kbps).
Features of 3G Cellular Networks
The launch of the first commercial networks of this standard took place in 2001-2003. For the first time, such a network appeared in Japan. Then in Norway. In the USA, the launch of the first 3G network was carried out in 2002.
The basis of the 3G network was the UMTS standard. At first, the speed at which data was transferred was 384 kbps. Then the speeds increased because 3.5G appeared, that is after the HSPA and HSPA+ standards were introduced (increasing the speed to 14.4 Mbps and 42 Mbps, respectively).
An important feature of 3G
Let’s note an important feature of 3G. As the user moves and moves away from one base station, he is picked up by another station. It takes over part of the data flow. At the same time, the old base station gradually makes the data flow smaller. And this continues until the subscriber completely leaves its coverage area.
Due to such work, and also taking into account the fact that there is good network coverage, the probability of connection failure is lower compared to GSM, where a hard switch of the user between base stations is used.
Features of 4G Cellular Networks
The next stage of increasing the speed of data transfer should be considered the introduction of fourth-generation cellular networks. Currently, these networks are considered the most relevant for both mobile communications and high-speed mobile access to the global network. 4G networks usually operate at frequencies of 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz, and less often – at a frequency of 800 MHz.
In theory, communication standards in fourth-generation networks are capable of downloading at a speed of up to 1 Gbit / s for a landline subscriber. In practice, this is not the case. Much depends on the quality of the signal, as well as the load on the base stations. That is why in reality the speeds are low.
Features of 5G Cellular Networks
The next stage in the development of wireless networks is 5G. In order for a radio wave to transmit more information per unit of time, its frequency must be higher, and/or the channel width must be larger.
The frequencies used by mobile networks have been growing from generation to generation. However, 5G was able to make a breakthrough in this regard. And its frequencies are at least twice as high as 4G.
5G is broadband access to the network. It provides the opportunity to use the “Internet of Things” in everyday life and in industry. Also, 5G Cellular Networks, due to the fact that they have a stable and reliable connection, provide more opportunities for remote control and monitoring of telemedicine.
How Can You Improve The Mobile Signal?
Despite the prevalence of mobile communications, it is still easy to find many places where mobile coverage is poor or absent altogether. This is usually due to the fact that the nearest mobile tower is located too far from the user, or because the terrain or artificial barriers interfere with the passage of the radio signal from the base station.
Not in all, but in many cases, the problem can be solved with a mobile signal booster.
The main cases when using a booster gives positive results:
- Country house. Here, as a rule, users encounter a weak signal both in the house and in the yard due to the large distance and lack of direct visibility of mobile towers.
- A private house within the city limits. With a satisfactory signal level in the yard, the signal in the house may be too weak due to the massive structures of the building (motorised walls, ceilings, metal roofing).
- Underground garages and offices. Usually, there is no mobile communication in basements, since the signal cannot penetrate the thick walls of the building and the soil layer. But at the entrance, the signal is quite good and can be improved with a booster.
- Metal garages and industrial hangars. Inside such objects, the connection is poor due to shielding by metal walls, but a weak signal can be due to openings, windows, and gates and it can be amplified.
Final Thoughts
The transition from 2G network to a 5G Cellular Networks demonstrates significant progress in mobile communications technology. However, many users for various reasons face problems accessing high-quality mobile communications. Boosters are effective in improving communications. We recommend UCtel, a company with many years of experience in improving communications for Tesco, EE, Vodafone, and other British operators.
