We discuss the following topics in this blog:
- What has the gradual decade-long progression from 4G evolved into?
- Why is 5G network slicing necessary?
- Key features of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
- Difference in Network Slicing Between 4G and 5G Networks.
- STL leading the 5G Revolution Journey
In addition to these topics, we shall also be answering the following FAQs:
- What is WiFi?
- What is 5G NR?
The gradual unfolding of a novel core 5G from previous mobile networks generations has revealed that the one-size-fits-all approach to network infrastructure needs to be reimagined.
Let us take a detour into the basic forms of mobile networks that set the foundation for the conceptualization of 5G. As we understand the features of various mobile networks, it is necessary to recognize 5G as an intelligent landscape capable of spearheading innovations and offering highly personalized services. With a growing number of connected devices, 5G can facilitate scaling up and drive high revenues by analyzing billions of data points.
Contents
- 1 The Journey from 2G to 5G
- 2 Second Generation (2G)
- 3 Key features of 2G include:
- 4 Third Generation (3G)
- 5 Key features of 3G include:
- 6 Fourth Generation (4G)
- 7 Key features of 4G LTE include:
- 8 Fifth Generation (5G)
- 9 FAQs
The Journey from 2G to 5G
Second Generation (2G)
2G, based on GSM, used digital signals while the first-generation mobile network used analog radio signals.
They accomplished various features of 2G by allowing multiple users on a separate channel through multiplexing. During this time, users primarily used cell phones multiple for voice and data.
Key features of 2G include:
- Up to 64 kbps of data speeds
- Digital signals over analog
- Multimedia message services enabled
- Enhanced quality of voice calls
- Bandwidth of 30 – 200 kHz
Third Generation (3G)
The central structural architecture for the third generation of mobile networks is based on the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The 3G network brought together certain parts of the 2G network with innovative technologies and protocols.
It resulted in a rapid data rate. Leveraging packet switching enabled improvement over the initial technology to permit speeds up to 14 Mbps. Additionally, the utilization of Wide Band Wireless Network enhanced clarity.
Key features of 3G include:
- Speed of up to 2 Mbps
- The bandwidth of 15-20 MHz
- Operating range of 2100 MHz
- Improved bandwidth
- Rapid data transfer rates
- Ability to send/receive large email messages
- Extended capacities and broadband abilities
International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) were the terms by the International Telecommunication Union for the 3G network. The bandwidth meant that 21.6 Mbps was the maximum speed of HSPA+, theoretically.
Fourth Generation (4G)
The principal difference between 3G and 4G was the rate of data transfer in addition to the technology. MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) are the fundamental technologies that have made 4G possible.
The primary 4G standards include WiMAX and LTE. While the latter is a significant advancement over 3G speeds, it was technically not 4G.
Despite being widely available, several networks were not up to the requisite rate of 4G. LTE was a fourth-generation long-term evolution, delivering a fast and reliable internet connection.
4G was the preset standard for mobile network connections. 4G LTE is now used to refer to the protocol to be followed to reach specific hand-off preset criteria.
Key features of 4G LTE include:
- Supports interactive multimedia, voice, video
- Enhanced capacity and low cost per bit
- High speeds of up to 20 Mbps or more
- International and scalable mobile networks
- Ad hoc and multi-hop networks
Fifth Generation (5G)
5G, the latest evolution, is a network developed for the current digital landscape to connect customers, companies, machines, and devices. It has been built to deliver superior peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, enhanced reliability, substantial network capacity, heightened availability, and consistent user experience.
The fundamental principle here, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), modulates digital signals across numerous channels to decrease interference. While 5G OFDM runs based on similar mobile networking principles as 4G, it uses NR air interface and wider bandwidth technologies, including sub-6 GHz and mmWave.
This improves the OFDM leading to elevated agility and scalability, making 5G more accessible with extensive use cases. Apart from higher speeds and improved mobile broadband services 5G can grow into emerging use cases. This includes mission-critical, high-impact communications and connecting the massive IoT.
Every generation was an evolution over its predecessor. Comparing 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G distinctly shows the variations in the technologies while making 5G incredibly ambitious and futuristic.
| 2G | 3G | 4G | 5G | |
| Rolled out in | 1993 | 2001 | 2009 | 2018 |
| Based on | GSM | WCDMA | LTE, WiMAX | MIMO, mm Waves |
| Frequency supported | Narrowband | Broadband | Ultra-Broadband | Wireless World Wide Web |
| Access System | TDMA, CDMA | CDMA | CDMA | OFDM, BDMA |
| Type of Switching | Circuit Switching | Packet Switching | Packet Switching | Packet Switching |
| Bandwidth | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 100 MHz | 30 – 300 GHz |
| Features | Multimedia hallmarks, Internet access, SIM | Robust security, global roaming | High-speed hand-offs, global mobility | Remarkably high speeds, low latency |
| Use-Cases | Voice calls, short messages | Video conferencing, mobile TV, GPS | High-speed applications, mobile TV, wearable devices | HD video streaming, remote vehicle control, robots, medical procedures |
What is the Difference in Network Slicing Between 4G and 5G Networks?
By the end of 2025, there are projected to be 3 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide. The massive scale of such coverage is imperative to building the next generation of smart devices.
While network slicing is possible in 4G networks, it is restricted to separate services within a shared infrastructure. It includes Access Point Name Routing, Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN), and Dedicated Core Network.
5G network slicing will enable communication service providers [CSPs] to build virtual data pipelines for individual data type services. It will guarantee the quality of service for every service. From 2021 to 2025, the GDP of the United States is expected to receive over USD 1.5 trillion. Leveraging 5G in the information and communication sector will bring nearly USD 251 billion during the forecast period.
Additionally, 5G network slicing will guarantee data transfer quality for time-bound, high-impact business services. It could have a wide range of applications, including emergency services, connected cars, etc. Eventually, CSPs will be capable of leveraging 5G network slicing to facilitate novel revenue streams.
To get an actual idea of the scale, let us talk numbers. Current 4G LTE networks are supposed to be fast, at about 12.5 MB/s. However, the actual average speeds fall closer to 1.87 MB/s based on bandwidth demands. This means a 3GB movie would take about half an hour to be downloaded. However, with 5G, the same movie can be downloaded in 35 seconds. The promised speeds are 2.5 GB/s, but the average speed is expected to be closer to 87.5 MB/s.
How can STL Change your 5G Revolution Journey?
The shift from 4G to 5G is ongoing and will require time before the hand-off is complete. In the meantime, the interworking of both 4G and 5G will remain for a few years. It makes it crucial to
- Work on a smooth handover
- Maintain service continuity without disruption
- Leverage the agility and speed of the 5G architecture
At STL, we recognize the hurdles associated with evolving communication networks. In conjunction with our expertise and technology, our deep IT and cloud services simplify the process and implement an open, cloud-native architecture. Reach out to us today to leverage the vast potential of network slicing.
FAQs
What is WiFi?
Put simply, WiFi is a technology that uses radio waves to create a wireless network through which devices like mobile phones, computers, printers, etc., connect to the internet. A wireless router is needed to establish a WiFi hotspot that people in its vicinity may use to access internet services. You’re sure to have encountered such a WiFi hotspot in houses, offices, restaurants, etc.
To get a little more technical, WiFi works by enabling a Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN that allows devices connected to it to exchange signals with the internet via a router. The frequencies of these signals are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidths. These frequencies are much higher than those transmitted to or by radios, mobile phones, and televisions since WiFi signals need to carry significantly higher amounts of data. The networking standards are variants of 802.11, of which there are several (802.11a, 802.11b, 801.11g, etc.).
What is 5G NR?
5G typically refers to the fifth generation of wireless technology. NR, commonly known as New Radio, is a standard developed by the 3GPP Group (Release 15 being the first version introduced back in 2018) outlining the technology required to harness the newly-available millimeter-wave frequencies. The two frequency bands in which 5GNR operates are Frequency Range 1, i.e., Sub 6GHz band (410 MHz to 7125 MHz), and Frequency Range 2, i.e., millimeter-wave (24.25 to 52.6 GHz). Over 4G LTE, 5G NR provides better spectrum utilization, faster data rates, hardware efficiency, and improved signal processing.
From a deployment standpoint, we have Non-Standalone Mode(NSA), Dynamic Spectrum Sharing(DSS), and Standalone Mode (SA). The initial deployments of 5G NR are based on NSA standards, meaning the existing 4G LTE network will operate on the control plane, and 5G NR will be introduced to the user plane.
This particular standard was introduced by 3GPP, keeping in mind the industry’s push to faster 5G services rollout while utilizing the existing 4G LTE infrastructure currently in place. On the other hand, operators are also implementing Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) to accelerate the deployment cycle, reducing costs and improving spectrum utilization. In this standard, the same spectrum is shared between the 5G NR and 4G LTE, multiplexing over time per user demands. Lastly, we have the Standalone Mode (SA), which moves towards a complete 5G based network where both signaling and the information transfer are driven by a 5G cell.
In the future, 5G will enable new services, connect new industries and devices, empower new experiences, and much more, providing mission-critical services, enhanced mobile broadband, and various other things.
a) Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) Applications: High device connectivity, High mobile data rates, and Mobile AR & VR applications
b) Ultra-reliable, low-latency communications (uRLLC)Applications: Autonomous vehicles, Drones, Data monitoring, Smart mfg.
c) Massive machine-type communications (mMTC)Applications: Healthcare, Industry 4.0, Logistics, Environmental monitoring, Smart farming, Smart grids
