3 Engineering IoT Networks
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their usefulness in rural locations, and handhelds require that cell towers are spaced
much closer together to compensate for their lack of transmission power.
3.3.17.1 Second Generation (2G)
2G (or 2-G) is short for second-generation cellular technology [67]. Secondgeneration (2G) cellular networks were commercially launched on the GSM
standard in Finland in 1991. Three primary benefits of 2G networks over their predecessors were that phone conversations were digital. 2G systems were significantly
more efficient on the spectrum enabling far higher wireless penetration levels. The
most common 2G technology was the TDMA-based GSM, originally from Europe
but used in most of the world outside North America. Over 60 GSM operators were
also using CDMA2000 in the 450 MHz frequency band.
2G introduced data services for mobile, starting with Short Message Service
(SMS), i.e., text messages as well as Multimedia Message Service (MMS), i.e.,
pictures. All text messages sent over 2G are digitally encrypted, allowing the
transfer of data in such a way that only the intended receiver can read it. With
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), 2G offers a theoretical maximum transfer
speed of 50 kbit/s (40 kbit/s in practice). With EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates
for GSM Evolution), there is a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 1 Mbit/s
(500 kbit/s in practice).
3.3.17.2 Third Generation (3G)
3G, short for third generation, is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology [68]. It is the upgrade for 2G and 2.5G mainly for faster
data services. This is based on a set of standards that comply with the International
Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International
Telecommunication Union. 3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile
Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls, and mobile TV.
3G telecommunication networks support services that provide an information
transfer rate of at least 0.2 Mb/s. Later 3G releases often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G
also provide mobile broadband access of several Mb/s to smartphones and mobile
modems in laptop computers. The first 3G networks were introduced in 1998.
3.3.17.3 Fourth Generation (4G)
4G is the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, succeeding
3G [69]. A 4G system must provide capabilities defined by ITU in IMT Advanced.
Potential and current applications include amended mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, and 3D
television.
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their usefulness in rural locations, and handhelds require that cell towers are spaced
much closer together to compensate for their lack of transmission power.
3.3.17.1 Second Generation (2G)
2G (or 2-G) is short for second-generation cellular technology [67]. Secondgeneration (2G) cellular networks were commercially launched on the GSM
standard in Finland in 1991. Three primary benefits of 2G networks over their predecessors were that phone conversations were digital. 2G systems were significantly
more efficient on the spectrum enabling far higher wireless penetration levels. The
most common 2G technology was the TDMA-based GSM, originally from Europe
but used in most of the world outside North America. Over 60 GSM operators were
also using CDMA2000 in the 450 MHz frequency band.
2G introduced data services for mobile, starting with Short Message Service
(SMS), i.e., text messages as well as Multimedia Message Service (MMS), i.e.,
pictures. All text messages sent over 2G are digitally encrypted, allowing the
transfer of data in such a way that only the intended receiver can read it. With
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), 2G offers a theoretical maximum transfer
speed of 50 kbit/s (40 kbit/s in practice). With EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates
for GSM Evolution), there is a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 1 Mbit/s
(500 kbit/s in practice).
3.3.17.2 Third Generation (3G)
3G, short for third generation, is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology [68]. It is the upgrade for 2G and 2.5G mainly for faster
data services. This is based on a set of standards that comply with the International
Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International
Telecommunication Union. 3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile
Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls, and mobile TV.
3G telecommunication networks support services that provide an information
transfer rate of at least 0.2 Mb/s. Later 3G releases often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G
also provide mobile broadband access of several Mb/s to smartphones and mobile
modems in laptop computers. The first 3G networks were introduced in 1998.
3.3.17.3 Fourth Generation (4G)
4G is the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, succeeding
3G [69]. A 4G system must provide capabilities defined by ITU in IMT Advanced.
Potential and current applications include amended mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, and 3D
television.