Cellular Networks | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

1G Technology

1G, or first-generation wireless mobile communication, was introduced in the early 1980s, primarily for voice communication.

Characteristics:

• Analog signals: 1G used analog signals for data transmission.
• Low speeds: Speeds were limited to around 2.4 kbps.
• Poor voice quality: Voice quality was subpar.
• Large phones: Devices were bulky with limited battery life.
• No data security: Data transmission lacked security measures.

2G Technology

2G, the second generation of mobile telephony, launched in 1991, introduced digital signals and GSM technology.

Characteristics:

• Digital signals: 2G used digital signals.
• Data speeds: Offered speeds up to 64 kbps.
• Text and multimedia messaging: Enabled text and multimedia messaging.
• Improved voice quality: Provided better voice quality than 1G.
• Introduction of GPRS: GPRS technology allowed web browsing and email services.

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3G Technology

The third generation, 3G, began in the early 2000s, offering significant advancements.

Characteristics:

• Data speeds: Provided data speeds ranging from 144 kbps to 2 Mbps.
• Web-based applications: Supported web-based applications like video conferencing and multimedia emails.
• Audio and video file transfer: Allowed fast transfer of audio and video files.
• 3D gaming: Enabled 3D gaming.
• Downsides: Included expensive mobile phones, high infrastructure costs, and the need for trained personnel.

4G Technology

4G, introduced in 2011, marked the fourth generation of mobile communication.

Characteristics:

• Speeds: Offered speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
• Mobile web access: Supported high-speed mobile web access.
• HD mobile TV: Enabled high-definition mobile TV.
• Cloud computing: Facilitated cloud computing and IP telephony.
• Technologies: Included LTE, WiMAX, and HSPA.
• Voice calls via data: Utilized Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for voice calls, making data transfer efficient.

Advantages of VoLTE:

• Efficient spectrum use
• Better voice clarity
• Less battery usage
• Simultaneous data and voice calls

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5G Technology

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, offering faster and more reliable communication.

Benefits for Communication Sector:

• Expected to create a cumulative economic impact of $1 trillion in India by 2035.
• Revenue potential of over $27 billion by 2026.
• Forecasted 70 million 5G connections in India by 2025.
• Supports emerging technologies like IoT and real-time data analytics.
• Enables sensor-embedded networks and smart transport infrastructure.
• Facilitates vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication for driverless vehicles.
• Ultra-low latency for real-time data transmission.

Challenges:

• Spectrum allocation issues in India.
• Capital augmentation challenges.
• High auction reserve prices.
• Regulatory restrictions and technical challenges.
• Lack of government incentives and discouraging taxes.

Way Forward

• Align Digital India with 5G technology.
• Incentivize local design and manufacture of 5G technologies.
• Allocate and free up idle spectrum.
• Promote 5G startups and IPR generation.
• Reward efficient spectrum use and upgrade narrow-band networks.
• Develop appropriate test-beds and technology platforms.

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Conclusion

• 5G is a catalyst for Digital India's transformation.
• Offers opportunities for industry expansion and improved service delivery.
• India stands at the forefront of the 5G era with vast potential for growth and innovation in the digital space.