Kyla Fraser - 2023081143

Evolution of Mobile
Networks
Exploring the advancements in mobile communication technologies
Table of Contents
Introduction to Mobile Networks 3

1G: The First Generation 4

2G: The Second Generation 5

3G: The Third Generation 6

4G: The Fourth Generation 7

5G: The Fifth Generation 8

Conclusion 9

References 10
Introduction
Mobile networks are communication systems that allow multiple devices to connect and
communicate with each other wirelessly. They use a set of technologies, devices, and
protocols to transmit data and voice over long distances. These networks have evolved
over time, from 1G to the current 5G, each generation introducing significant
advancements in speed, coverage, and features. Mobile networks have revolutionized the
way we communicate, access information, and engage with the digital world.
 1G: The First Generation
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Launched by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone in Tokyo, 1979.
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Expanded to all Japan by 1984, followed by the U.S. and Canada.
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Motorola introduced the first commercial cellphone, DynaTAC, in
1983.
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Known limitations: low sound quality, poor coverage, no roaming
support, no encryption, slow download speed (2.4kbps).
●
Despite limitations, 1G was a major breakthrough and shaped
future mobile networks.
2G: The Second Generation
●
2G was launched in Finland in 1991 on the Global System for
Mobile Communications (GSM).
●
Significant improvements included encrypted calls, improved
sound quality, and faster download speeds of 0.2 Mbps.
●
Enabled data transfer between phones and introduced basic
smartphone functionality.
●
Introduced SMS and MMS that are sent in data packets from a
cellphone to a tower, then to the recipient's phone.
●
The era of popular "Candy bar phones" like the Nokia 3210.
3G: The Third Generation
●
Introduced in Japan in 2001, enabled global roaming and data
access.
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Four times the data transfer speed of 2G, with average speeds
of 2 Mbps.
●
Enabled mobile video streaming, conferencing, live chat, and
email communication.
●
Provided faster internet surfing and music streaming than 2G.
●
Marked the debut of smartphones, with Blackberry's first
device, the BlackBerry 5810, in 2002.
4G: The Fourth Generation
●
Introduced commercially in Norway in late 2009.
●
Initially, the services offered were 3.9G or 3.95G due to the
unattainable minimum speed of 12.5 Mbps set by ITU-R.
●
Rebranded as 4G due to significant improvements over 3G.
●
Offered standard services including high-quality video streaming/chat,
fast mobile web access, HD videos, and online gaming.
●
By mid-2011, Canada launched its first LTE wireless network in
Ottawa, Ontario, offering speeds just under 12.5 Mbps. This was
branded as 4G LTE.
●
By 2020, the median 4G download speed in Canada had increased to
55.5 Mbps.
●
During the reign of 4G, the best-selling cellphones were the iPhone 6
with 22.4 million units sold and the Samsung Galaxy S4 with 80
million units sold worldwide.
●
5G: The Fifth Generation
●
The latest mobile network, 5G, was first launched in South Korea in March
2019.
●
Promises faster mobile internet, lower latency, and the ability to connect more
devices simultaneously.
●
5G is expected to be 20 times faster than 4G, with current download speeds in
Canada already reaching 169.46 Mbps, 205% faster than 4G.
●
The key difference between 4G and 5G is the speed and volume of data
transmission. 5G reduces data transfer time, increasing download and
upload speeds.
●
5G has a wider range of radio frequencies, from 30GHz to 300 GHz,
accommodating more technology and devices, critical for extensive IoT
usage in smart cities and other fields.
●
Despite its potential, 5G has faced resistance, possibly due to concerns about
electromagnetic sensitivity.
●
Conclusions
As we've seen, mobile networks have drastically evolved since the first generation,
revolutionizing communication and digital engagement. Each successive generation, from 1G
to 5G, has brought significant improvements in speed, coverage, and capabilities. Today, 5G
networks promise unprecedented speed and support for innovative applications such as
autonomous vehicles and extensive IoT usage. As we eagerly anticipate the future of mobile
networks, we acknowledge the profound impact they've had on our society.
References
Viswanathan, P. (2021, July 24). What’s a Mobile Network, and How Does It Work?
Lifewire. https://www.lifewire.com/how-does-a-mobile-network-work-2373338

Klint Finley. (2018, December 13). What is 5G? The Complete Guide to When, Why,
and How. Wired; WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/wired-guide-5g/

Mobile Networking: Definition, Components & Comparison. (n.d.). Study.com.

https://study.com/academy/lesson/mobile-networking-definition-components-omparison.html