Generations Wireless Technology- SECOND GENERATION TECHNOLOGY




2G (or 2-G) is short for second-generation wireless telephone technology. It cannot normally transfer data, such as email or software, other than the digital voice call itself, and other basic ancillary data such as time and date. Nevertheless, SMS messaging is also available as a form of data transmission for some standards. Second generation 2G cellular telecom networks were commercially launched on the GSM standard in Finland by Radiolinja (now part of Elisa Oyj) in 1991. GSM service is used by over 2 billion people across more International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) than 212 countries and territories. The ubiquity of the GSM standard makes international roaming very common between mobile phone operators, enabling subscribers to use their phones in many parts of the world. 2G technologies can be divided into Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) based and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) based standards depending on the type of multiplexing used. 2G makes use of a CODEC (CompressionDecompression Algorithm) to compress and multiplex digital voice data. Through this technology, a 2G network can pack more calls per amount of bandwidth as a 1G network. 2G cellphone units were generally smaller than 1G units, since they emitted less radio power. Some benefits of 2G were Digital signals require consume less battery power, so it helps mobile batteries to last long. Digital coding improves the voice clarity and reduces noise in the line. Digital signals are considered environment friendly. The use of digital data service assists mobile network operators to introduce short message service over the cellular phones. Digital encryption has provided secrecy and safety to the data and voice calls. The use of 2G technology requires strong digital signals to help mobile phones work. If there is no network coverage in any specific area, digital signals would be weak.
2.5G – GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
2.5G, which stands for “second and a half generation,” is a cellular wireless technology developed in between its predecessor, 2G, and its successor, 3G. The term “second and a half generation” is used to describe 2G-systems that have implemented a packet switched domain in addition to the circuit switched domain. “2.5G” is an informal term, invented solely for marketing purposes, unlike “2G” or “3G” which are officially defined standards based on those defined by the International Telecommunication (ITU). GPRS could provide data rates from 56 kbit/s up to 115 kbit/s. It can be used for services such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) access, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), and for Internet communication services such as email and World Wide Web access. GPRS data transfer is typically charged per megabyte of traffic transferred, while data communication via traditional circuit switching is billed per minute of connection time, independent of whether the user actually is utilizing the capacity or is in an idle state.
2.5G networks may support services such as WAP, MMS, SMS mobile games, and search and directory. 4.2) 2.75 – EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) EDGE (EGPRS) is an abbreviation for Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution, is a digital mobile phone technology which acts as a bolt-on enhancement to 2G and 2.5G General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) networks. This technology works in GSM networks. EDGE is a superset to GPRS and can function on any network with GPRS deployed on it, provided the carrier implements the necessary upgrades.
EDGE technology is an extended version of GSM. It allows the clear and fast transmission of data and information. It is also termed as IMT-SC or single carrier. EDGE technology was invented and introduced by Cingular, which is now known as AT& T. EDGE is radio technology and is a part of third generation technologies. EDGE technology is preferred over GSM due to its flexibility to carry packet switch data and circuit switch data. The use of EDGE technology has augmented the use of black berry, N97 and N95 mobile phones. EDGE transfers data in fewer seconds if we compare it with GPRS Technology. For example a typical text file of 40KB is transferred in only 2 seconds as compared to the transfer from GPRS technology, which is 6 seconds. The biggest advantage of using EDGE technology is one does not need to install any additional hardware and software in order to make use of EDGE Technology. There are no additional charges for exploiting this technology. If a person is an ex GPRS Technology user he can utilize this technology without paying any additional charges.International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
2G – 2.75G