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2g and 3g architecture

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2G (Second Generation) Architecture:

  1. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA):
    • 2G networks use FDMA as the access scheme. FDMA divides the frequency band into channels, and each channel is assigned to a specific user during a call.
  2. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA):
    • TDMA is another access scheme used in 2G. It divides each channel into time slots, and each user is assigned a unique time slot. This allows multiple users to share the same frequency band simultaneously.
  3. Base Station Subsystem (BSS):
    • BSS consists of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Base Station Controllers (BSC). BTS is responsible for radio communication with mobile devices, and BSC manages the resources and handovers between different BTS.
  4. Mobile Switching Center (MSC):
    • MSC is the central component that connects calls. It manages call setup, release, and handovers. It also connects to other MSCs or external networks.
  5. Home Location Register (HLR) and Visitor Location Register (VLR):
    • HLR stores subscriber information like the current location, services, and subscription details. VLR is a temporary database that stores information about subscribers currently within the jurisdiction of the MSC.
  6. Authentication Center (AUC):
    • AUC provides security functions by authenticating the user and encrypting the communication between the mobile device and the network.

3G (Third Generation) Architecture:

  1. Wideband CDMA (WCDMA):
    • 3G networks use WCDMA as the air interface standard. WCDMA is a form of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) where each user is assigned a unique code to differentiate their signals.
  2. NodeB and Radio Network Controller (RNC):
    • In 3G, the equivalent of BTS is NodeB, and BSC is replaced by RNC. NodeB handles the radio communication, while RNC manages resources, handovers, and other tasks.
  3. Packet Switching:
    • 3G introduces packet-switched networks, allowing more efficient use of bandwidth. This facilitates the delivery of data services such as mobile internet and multimedia.
  4. Core Network:
    • The core network in 3G includes the MSC, which now often includes the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) for packet-switched services, and the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) for connecting to external networks.
  5. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS):
    • UMTS is the standard for 3G wireless communication, providing higher data transfer rates compared to 2G.
  6. Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE):
    • EDGE is an extension of the 2G GSM network and is often considered a 2.5G technology. It provides higher data rates than traditional 2G networks but is not as fast as 3G.

3G brought significant improvements in data transfer rates, multimedia support, and packet-switched networks compared to 2G. The transition from 2G to 3G marked a crucial step in the evolution of mobile communication technologies.