Technology: 3G uses CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) or WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) for its communication protocols.
Data Speeds: 3G provides data transfer rates of up to 2 Mbps (Megabits per second) for mobile devices in motion and up to 384 Kbps (Kilobits per second) for pedestrians.
Key Features:
Supports video calling and mobile internet browsing.
Improved data transmission compared to 2G.
2. 4G (Fourth Generation):
Technology: 4G employs LTE (Long-Term Evolution) or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) as its communication standards.
Data Speeds: 4G offers significantly faster data transfer rates, reaching up to 100 Mbps for high-mobility communication (such as in a car) and up to 1 Gbps for low-mobility communication (stationary or pedestrian).
Key Features:
Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) for high-speed internet access.
Lower latency and improved spectral efficiency.
Seamless handovers and better support for multimedia applications.
3. 5G (Fifth Generation):
Technology: 5G utilizes advanced technologies like NR (New Radio) for its air interface and a combination of advanced communication technologies, including massive MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output), beamforming, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Data Speeds: 5G is designed to deliver data rates of up to 10 Gbps, making it significantly faster than 4G. Additionally, it aims to achieve extremely low latency.
Key Features:
Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): Provides higher data rates for mobile broadband, allowing for ultra-high-definition video streaming and virtual reality applications.
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC): Supports applications requiring low latency and high reliability, such as autonomous vehicles and critical infrastructure.
Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): Enables connectivity for a massive number of IoT devices.
Beamforming and Millimeter-Wave Frequencies: Uses higher frequencies, including millimeter-wave bands, for faster data rates and increased network capacity.
Summary of Differences:
Speed: 5G is significantly faster than both 3G and 4G.
Latency: 5G aims to have much lower latency than its predecessors.
Technologies: Each generation uses different communication technologies, with 5G introducing advanced features like massive MIMO and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Use Cases: 5G is designed to support a wide range of applications, from ultra-high-speed internet to critical communications and massive IoT deployments.
