An overview of the progression from 1G to 4G
What Do You Know?
Unless your residence for the past decade has been under a rock, you have at least heard of 3 G and 4 G telephone service. However, unless you are an expert in the technology field that is probably all you have heard of. Furthermore, you probably do not have a clue what 3 G and 4 G means. Fact is, before the newer generations, there was a 1 G and a 2 G. Within the last ten years, mobile technology has made significant progress.
In the beginning: 1 G
When the first cell phones released, these devices that are now daily necessities to us, were luxury items. The first generation (1 G) technology introduced on these phones, though vastly inferior to today’s phones, was considered to be groundbreaking at the time. This 1 G technology enabled the mobile devices to execute voice calls via narrow band analogue wireless networks with circuit switching. This network did not provide the most precise sound but it got the job done. Through this technology these phones were also allowed to send text messages. This was the extent of the first generation capabilities. There are very few first generation cell phones that are still utilized today.
Second Base: 2 G
After 1 G, the second generation (2 G) of mobile technology was introduced. There were great improvements from the first generation of cellular devices. These improvements included: increased clarity during voice calls, improved text messaging via short message service (SMS), and roaming services that made communication semi-global. This new technology allowed phones to store more memory and features in smaller chips. In other words, this was the beginning of smaller, sleeker, and more attractive phones. In the midst of the 2 G phase, a few more enhancements were tacked on. The latest bandwidth technology was added to further improve voice call quality. However, this was not a big enough improvement to be deemed the next generation. Thus, this addition would go on to be known as, simply, 2.5 G.
Third Times’ a Charm: 3 G
The Second generation of mobile technology made notable improvements from the first generation. However, there were still limitations that had to be addressed. The third generation (3 G) served as an answer to these limitations. The technology in 3 G service allowed voice call quality to be perfected to the point where a phone conversation was just as good as a face to face dialogue. This was made possible because of the new 3 G wide band wireless network which used packet switching; opposed to the traditional circuit switching. Because of this technology mobile devices were able to do things people never dreamed of, such as access television, video, radio, etc. Third generation technology also allowed devices to surf the internet at high speeds and introduced mobile video chat. To put it into perspective, the iPhone 4s (arguably the most advanced phone on the market) operates under 3 G services. Check out the following link to see all of the features that 3 G capabilities have allowed this phone to have. http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/
Fourth and Finest: 4 G
With all of the advancements of 3 G, mobile users may have found themselves asking “what more can be done?” Fourth Generation (4 G) technologies provided an answer for that question. While 3 G mastered voice call quality, 4 G found other ways to shine. Mobile devices with 4 G capabilities boast notably faster download speeds than their 3 G predecessors. The video quality from 4 G is also greatly improved. The video playback on 4 G devices is so crystal clear that it is as if you were watching television right on your cell phone! Another improvement from 3 G to 4 G is the speed in which data is sent. Although 3 G devices were capable of high speed performance, 4 G phones are even faster. The improved speed of the 4 G network has served as the main characteristic highlighted in advertisements for newer devices. This advertisement brings humor to idea of not keeping up with the technology of 4 g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoMkJ87uMBU
Final Thoughts: In Review
As you can see, mobile technology has come a long way. First users were happy just to be able to talk and text with 1 G. Next, 2 G improved communication quality and extended the meaning of “long distance calls” with roaming capabilities. Then 3 G perfected the voice call and introduced high speed internet and video chatting. Now we have the most recent 4 G technology that allows mobile devices to operate at blazing fast speeds. Seeing as though the mobile industry has earned the reputation of not remaining stagnant, it is exciting to ponder what technology might be in store. However, regardless of what the next big thing is, cell phone technology has come a long way.
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