Mobile Network Technologies

Evolution of cellular systems from 2G to 5G

2G - Second Generation

GSM / CDMA

Digital Revolution

Second-generation cellular networks marked the transition from analog to digital transmission. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) became the dominant standard worldwide, introducing digital encryption and improved voice quality.

Key innovations included SIM cards for subscriber identity, SMS text messaging, and basic data services through GPRS and EDGE enhancements. The circuit-switched architecture provided reliable voice communication.

Technical Specifications

  • Data Rate: 64 Kbps (GPRS: 114 Kbps, EDGE: 384 Kbps)
  • Modulation: GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying)
  • Channel Bandwidth: 200 kHz
  • Multiple Access: TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
  • Frequency Bands: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
Classic mobile phone

3G - Third Generation

UMTS / HSPA
Smartphone with mobile data

Mobile Internet Era

Third-generation networks brought true mobile internet access with UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). The introduction of WCDMA technology enabled simultaneous voice and data transmission.

HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) enhancements significantly improved data rates, making mobile video calls, streaming, and web browsing practical. The packet-switched domain coexisted with circuit-switched voice.

Technical Specifications

  • Data Rate: 384 Kbps (HSPA: 14.4 Mbps, HSPA+: 42 Mbps)
  • Modulation: QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM
  • Channel Bandwidth: 5 MHz
  • Multiple Access: WCDMA (Wideband CDMA)
  • Frequency Bands: 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz

4G - Fourth Generation

LTE / LTE-Advanced

All-IP Architecture

Fourth-generation LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks represent a complete redesign with all-IP architecture. Voice over LTE (VoLTE) replaced traditional circuit-switched voice, enabling HD voice quality and simultaneous voice-data sessions.

OFDMA and SC-FDMA technologies provide efficient spectrum utilization and high data rates. LTE-Advanced introduced carrier aggregation, MIMO enhancements, and coordinated multipoint transmission for peak rates exceeding 1 Gbps.

Technical Specifications

  • Data Rate: 100 Mbps (LTE-A: 1 Gbps)
  • Modulation: QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM
  • Channel Bandwidth: 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 MHz
  • Multiple Access: OFDMA (Downlink), SC-FDMA (Uplink)
  • Frequency Bands: 700-2600 MHz (40+ bands)
Modern smartphone with 4G

5G - Fifth Generation

5G NR / mmWave
5G smartphone technology

Next-Generation Connectivity

Fifth-generation networks introduce revolutionary capabilities with three main use cases: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

5G NR (New Radio) utilizes advanced technologies including massive MIMO, beamforming, and millimeter-wave frequencies. Network slicing enables customized virtual networks for specific applications, from autonomous vehicles to industrial IoT.

Technical Specifications

  • Data Rate: 10 Gbps (Peak), 100 Mbps (Typical)
  • Modulation: Up to 256-QAM
  • Channel Bandwidth: Up to 100 MHz (Sub-6), 400 MHz (mmWave)
  • Multiple Access: OFDMA with flexible numerology
  • Frequency Bands: 600 MHz - 39 GHz (FR1 and FR2)

Key Technology Features

Modulation Schemes

Evolution from simple GMSK in 2G to advanced 256-QAM in 4G/5G enables higher spectral efficiency and data rates. Adaptive modulation adjusts to channel conditions.

Multiple Access

TDMA in 2G, CDMA in 3G, and OFDMA in 4G/5G represent different approaches to sharing spectrum among multiple users efficiently.

MIMO Technology

Multiple-input multiple-output antenna systems increase capacity and reliability. 5G massive MIMO uses 64+ antenna elements for beamforming.

Carrier Aggregation

Combining multiple frequency bands simultaneously increases bandwidth and data rates. Essential for LTE-Advanced and 5G performance.

Network Slicing

5G enables creating multiple virtual networks on shared infrastructure, each optimized for specific use cases and performance requirements.

Edge Computing

Moving computation closer to users reduces latency. Critical for 5G applications requiring real-time processing and response.

Protocol Architecture

User Plane

Application Layer
IP Layer
PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol)
RLC (Radio Link Control)
MAC (Medium Access Control)
PHY (Physical Layer)

Control Plane

NAS (Non-Access Stratum)
RRC (Radio Resource Control)
PDCP
RLC
MAC
PHY

The protocol stack defines how data and control information flow through the network layers. User plane handles actual data transmission, while control plane manages signaling and network control.