2G and 3G Differences
Second Generation (2G) technology
was launched in the year 1991 in Finland. It is based on the technology
known as global system for mobile communication or in short we can say
GSM. This technology enabled various networks to provide services like
text messages, picture messages and MMS. In this technology all text
messages are digitally encrypted due to which only the intended receiver
receives message. These digital signals consume less battery power, so
it helps in saving the battery of mobiles.
The technologies used in 2G are either TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) which divides signal into different time slots or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) which allocates a special code to each user so as to communicate over a multiplex physical channel.
3G technology
generally refers to the standard of accessibility and speed of mobile
devices. It was first used in Japan in the year 2001. The standards of
the technology were set by the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU). This technology enables use of various services like GPS (Global Positioning System), mobile television and video conferencing. It not only enables them to be used worldwide, but also provides with better bandwidth and increased speed.
This
technology is much more flexible as it can support 5 major radio
technologies that operate under CDMA, TDMA and FDMA. CDMA accounts for
IMT-DS (direct speed), IMT-MC (multi carrier). TDMA holds for IMT-TC
(time code), IMT-SC (single carrier). This technology is also
comfortable to work with 2G technologies. The main aim of this
technology is to allow much better coverage and growth with minimum
investment.
Figure: Evolution of Mobile system from 2G to 3G
Difference between 2G and 3G Technology
· Cost:
The license fee to be paid for 3G network is much higher as compared to
2G networks. The network construction and maintenance of 3G is much
costlier than 2G networks. Also from the customers point of view the
expenditure for 3G network will be excessively high if they make use of
the various applications of 3G.
· Data Transmission: The main difference between 2G and 3G networks is seen by the mobile users who download data and browse the Internet on
the mobile phones. They find much faster download speeds, faster access
to the data and applications in 3G networks as compared to 2G networks.
2G networks are less compatible with the functions of smart phone.
The speed of data transmission in 2G network is less than 50,000 bits
per sec while in 3G it can be more than 4 million bits per sec.
· Function:
The main function of 2G technology is the transmission of information
via voice signals while that of 3G technologies is data transfer via
video conferencing, MMS etc.
· Features:
The features like mobile TV, video transfers and GPS systems are the
additional features of 3G technology that are not available with 2G
technologies.
· Frequencies: 2G
technology uses a broad range of frequencies in both upper and lower
bands, under which the transmission depends on conditions such as
weather. A drawback of 3G is that it is simply not available in certain
regions.
· Implication: 3G
technology offers a high level of security as compared to 2G technology
because 3G networks permit validation measures when communicating with
other devices.
· Making Calls: Calls
can be made easily on both 2G and 3G networks with no real noticeable
differences except that in 3G network video calls can also be made. The
transmission of text messages and photos is available in both the
networks but 2G networks have data limit and the speed of the data
transmission is also very slow as compared to 3G.
· Speed:
The downloading and uploading speeds available in 2G technologies are
up to 236 Kbps. While in 3G technology the downloading and uploading
speeds are up to 21 Mbps and 5.7 Mbps respectively.
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