A look at the definition, throughput and technology used for various generations of telecom technology. The comparison between 1g vs 2g vs 3g vs 4g vs 5g helps analyze capabilities of each of the technologies and features that can be supported by each of them.
Generation (1G,2G,3G,4G,5G) |
Definition |
Throughput/Speed |
Technology |
Time period |
Features |
| 1G | Analog | 14.4 Kbps (peak) | AMPS,NMT,TACS | 1970 – 1980 | During 1G Wireless phones are used for voice only. |
| 2G | Digital Narrow band circuit data | 9.6/14.4 Kbps | TDMA,CDMA | 1990 to 2000 | 2G capabilities are achieved by allowing multiple users on a single channel via multiplexing.During 2G Cellular phones are used for data also along with voice. |
| 2.5G | Packet Data | 171.2 Kbps(peak) 20-40 Kbps |
GPRS | 2001-2004 | In 2.5G the internet becomes popular and data becomes more relevant.2.5G Multimedia services and streaming starts to show growth.Phones start supporting web browsing though limited and very few phones have that. |
| 3G | Digital Broadband Packet Data | 3.1 Mbps (peak) 500-700 Kbps |
CDMA 2000 (1xRTT, EVDO) UMTS, EDGE |
2004-2005 | 3G has Multimedia services support along with streaming are more popular.In 3G, Universal access and portability across different device types are made possible. (Telephones, PDA’s, etc.) |
| 3.5G | Packet Data | 14.4 Mbps (peak) 1-3 Mbps |
HSPA | 2006 – 2010 | 3.5G supports higher throughput and speeds to support higher data needs of the consumers. |
| 4G | Digital Broadband Packet All IP Very high throughput |
100-300 Mbps (peak) 3-5 Mbps 100 Mbps (Wi-Fi) |
WiMax LTE Wi-Fi |
Now (Read more on Transitioning to 4G) | Speeds for 4G are further increased to keep up with data access demand used by various services.High definition streaming is now supported in 4G. New phones with HD capabilities surface. It gets pretty cool.In 4G, Portability is increased further. World-wide roaming is not a distant dream. |
| 5G | Not Yet | Probably gigabits | Not Yet | Soon (probably 2020)
Update: Samsung conducts tests on 5G |
Currently there is no 5G technology deployed. When this becomes available it will provide very high speeds to the consumers. It would also provide efficient use of available bandwidth as has been seen through development of each new technology. |
