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edge 2g 3g 4g 5g

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2G (Second Generation):

Key Technologies:

  1. TDMA and CDMA: Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) were the primary multiple access techniques used in 2G networks.
  2. Digital Signal Processing: 2G introduced digital signal processing for voice compression, allowing more efficient use of bandwidth.

Data Speeds:

  • 2G primarily focused on voice communication and offered data speeds of up to 64 kbps.

3G (Third Generation):

Key Technologies:

  1. WCDMA and CDMA2000: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) were the dominant air interface technologies for 3G.
  2. High-Speed Data: 3G brought significantly higher data transfer rates, supporting mobile internet, video calling, and multimedia services.

Data Speeds:

  • 3G offered data speeds ranging from 144 kbps to several megabits per second (Mbps).

4G (Fourth Generation):

Key Technologies:

  1. LTE (Long-Term Evolution): LTE became the standard technology for 4G networks, providing higher data transfer rates, lower latency, and improved spectral efficiency.
  2. MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver improved data rates and system capacity.
  3. OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access): Improved efficiency in channel use, especially in high-speed data transmission.

Data Speeds:

  • 4G networks can provide peak data rates of 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, offering a substantial improvement over 3G.

5G (Fifth Generation):

Key Technologies:

  1. NR (New Radio): 5G introduces a new air interface called New Radio, which operates in frequency ranges including sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave bands.
  2. mmWave Technology: The use of millimeter-wave frequencies allows for extremely high data rates and low latency.
  3. Network Slicing: 5G supports network slicing, enabling the creation of multiple virtual networks with different characteristics to serve diverse use cases.

Data Speeds:

  • 5G aims to deliver peak data rates of several gigabits per second, with lower latency and enhanced capacity compared to 4G.

Other Features:

  • Low Latency: 5G networks target ultra-low latency, critical for applications like autonomous vehicles and remote surgery.
  • Massive IoT (Internet of Things): 5G is designed to support a massive number of connected devices, making it suitable for the IoT ecosystem.