3G and Beyond

The future of wireless networks.

What is 3G?

• 3G is a set of standards that define Third Generation wireless networks.

• 3G networks use Internet Protocol (the standard protocol computer networks use) instead of traditional circuit switches (like in 2G)

In the beginning…

• The original wireless networks (now called “0G”) grew out of two way radios in World War II.

• The original handsets were very large, vehicle mounted units.

• Users had to contact operators by radio, who would then connect them to the main networks manually.

In the beginning…

• Users had to vocally give the operator their billing IDs and the number they wanted to call.

• This led to large amounts of fraudulent phone calls, as the only thing people needed was radio scanners to listen in.

• A lack of interoperability between networks and a lack of bandwidth led to 0G’s demise.

Earliest Mobile Phones: The car phone

Genesis

• In 1983 AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service) made 0G technologies obsolete.

• Called “1G”, or First Generation.• Still used analog signal, but used computers to

assign frequencies and simplify billing.• Computer system assigned callers to cells

based on signal strength, which allowed cells to be placed closer together.

• Still suffered from analog static and noise.

And then there was the 1st cell

Next Gen, Back Then

• Second Generation (2G) technologies came on the scene in the early 90s.

• Digitally encrypted signal.• Cell conversations were vastly more secure.• Digital compression and multiplexing allowed

vastly more calls to be made over the same bandwidth.

The Progression of Cell Phones

Next Gen, Back Then

• New phones used less power to broadcast, which allowed for smaller cells (which means more calls per area), smaller batteries, and eased health concerns.

• Digital transmissions allowed new phones to transmit data in the form of Short Messaging System (commonly known as texting), and allowed limited web access and content downloading.

• Sound quality was greatly increased.

…And phones have progressed

Societal Issues• 3G is expensive! Really expensive!• 3G may as well be skipped over, service

providers are already looking to develop a more advanced 4G network.

• Phones can cost anywhere from $150 to $1000 dollars… Why not just get the free phone with your plan?

3G costs lots of money…

More Issues that need Tissues• Average cost of a 3G wireless plan can range

anywhere $50 to $300 dollars a month, depending on the provider and the service area… So I can still play Tetris and Brick breaker, right?

• The level of service is different from provider to provider, varying levels of speed and coverage area: This has left many users skeptical of the cost and how much they would actually use.

Changes We’ve Seen

• The “Business-on-the-Go” attitude. 3G has helped turn modes of transportation into makeshift workplaces for the modern business person

• Many traffic laws have changed to lessen the frequency of mobile-phone related accidents

3G has changed the business world

4G is the Future

-Increased speed, capabilities and a more broad overall coverage area-Streaming live HDTV-Video chat capabilities-Download an entire DVD (i.e.movie) in about 5 minutes and be able to watch it on device-Many other new features

Improvements From 3G to 4G

-3G runs between 2 megabits/sec-14.4 megabits/sec-4G will run between 100 megabits/sec to 1 gigabit/sec-4G at its absolute slowest speed will be faster than 3G at its absolute fastest speed

More 3G to 4G Comparisons-3G was primarily developed for short range data exchanges, with WiFi and WLAN access-4G is being developed to transport data, voice and streamed multimedia to users “anytime, anywhere”-4G will provide signals immune to interference-4G will use power more efficiently than 3G while using smaller amplifiers and antennas, and at a lower cost

Why you should wait for 4G

-Almost all of the 2G/3G standards will remain under the new 4G-Users won’t lose any current applications or features-More capabilities and more efficient-Eventually will be cheaper than 3G while still being faster-Will start being available to users in the not so distant future