The second and third-generation wireless communication technologies are referred to as 2G and 3G, respectively.
The growing need for communication in the modern age has resulted in a series of mobile communication standards.
2G and 3G are two of the most popular protocols that have revolutionized the mobile communication sector in recent years.
Both standards place different emphases on different aims, which has resulted in the introduction of distinct technologies.
Key Takeaways
- 2G networks primarily support voice calls and text messages, while 3G networks enable faster data transfer, internet browsing, and video calling.
- 3G technology offers improved network capacity and coverage compared to 2G, enhancing call quality and connectivity.
- The transition from 2G to 3G marked a shift from circuit-switched to packet-switched networks, enabling more efficient data transmission.
2G vs 3G Network Technology
The difference between 2g and 3g network technology is that in comparison to 2G networks, 3G networks provide much higher download rates and access to data and apps. The functionalities of a smartphone are less suitable with 2G networks. In a 2G network, data transmission speeds are fewer than 50,000 bits per second, however, in a 3G network, data transmission speeds can exceed 4 million bits per second.
GSM is the foundation of the 2G mobile network. In 1991, Finland created this technique. Using this technique, messages are encrypted.
This technology’s digital signals utilize less battery, resulting in lower power usage. Data services for mobile phones were also available. 2.5G and 2.75G are the advanced versions.
The third generation of wireless technology is known as 3G. High-speed transmission, enhanced multimedia access, and worldwide roaming are among the features that set it apart from previous wireless technologies.
3G is primarily used to link smartphones and devices to the internet or other IP networks to make audio and video conversations, save and post data, and access the web.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | 2G Network Technology | 3G Network Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Transmission of information via speech signals. | Data transfer via virtual meetings. |
| Features | Does not have any additional features. | It provides additional features to what is provided in 2G. |
| Frequencies | Uses a variety of frequencies in both the minimum and maximum bands. | Not accessible in many areas. |
| Security | Does not provide as much security as 3G does. | Provides high-level security. |
| Speed | 236 Kbps. | 21 Mbps for downloading and 5.7 Mbps for uploading. |
What is 2G Network Technology?
1991 Finland was the first country to use Second Generation (2G) technology. It is built on the worldwide system for mobile communication, or GSM for short.
Various networks were able to offer services such as text messaging, image messages, and MMS as a result of this technology.
All SMS messages are digitally encrypted using this technology, ensuring that only the intended recipient gets them.
These digital communications use less battery power, allowing mobile phones to run longer between charges. In addition to SMS text messaging, 2G provided mobile data services. Two technologies make up 2G.
GSM, which is widely used over the world, PDC, which is only used in Japan, iDen, which is used in selected regions of the US and Canada, and D-AMPs, which is a forerunner to GSM, are all examples of time division multiple access (TDMA) protocols.
Because of GSM, the other 2G slice is a code division multiple access (CDMA), which is presently less popular than TDMA.
IS-95, also known as cdmaOne, is the most well-known CDMA technology utilized in areas of Asia and the Americas.
The downside of 2G is that it is heavily dependent on tower proximity and position, and the fact that it is digital worsens this problem.
Analog signals deteriorate over time, resulting in static until they become unintelligible, whereas digital transmissions cut off or lose and distort significantly due to their jagged, on-off nature.
What is 3G Network Technology?
3G is the next generation of wireless network technology, which gives portable devices access to high-speed bandwidth (high data transmission rates).
3G networks can provide multimedia services that combine audio and data because of their high data transmission speeds. The ITU began the G pattern in the early 1990s, and 3G continues it.
International Mobile Communications 2000, a wireless project, is the model. As a result, 3G follows the second-generation technologies of 2G and 2.5G.
The Global System for Mobile (GSM) is an example of a 2G technology. 3G provides rates that are several times quicker or greater than any of its previous generations, such as the briefly introduced 2.5G network that provided internet access.
3G speeds are sufficient for sound-visual streaming. It has been demonstrated to be entirely enough for remote collaboration tools like Unified Communications while also ensuring accurate and flexible sound quality across the line.
3G data technology transmits signals over long distances via a network of phone towers. Data is sent to the user’s phone by the tower closest to it.
While it may not appear to be complicated, 3G technology was revolutionary when it was first introduced.
Main Differences Between 2G and 3G Network Technology
- The transmission of information via speech signals is the primary purpose of 2G technology, whereas data transfer via virtual meetings, MMS, and other methods is the primary function of 3G technology.
- 3G technology has extra features that 2G technology does not have, such as mobile TV, video transfers, and GPS systems.
- 2G technology employs a wide variety of frequencies in both the minimum and maximum bands, varying transmission depending on the weather. The fact that 3G is not accessible in many areas is a disadvantage.
- While compared to 2G technology, 3G networks allow for validation methods when interacting with other devices, which provides a higher level of security.
- 2G technologies offer up to 236 Kbps download and upload rates. While downloading and uploading rates with 3G technology may reach 21 and 5.7 megabits per second, respectively.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5357972
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sagar-Patel-47/publication/327763959_Comparative_Study_of_2G_3G_and_4G/links/5ba3188345851574f7d80cf2/Comparative-Study-of-2G-3G-and-4G.pdf
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
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