3G: Fast and Easy Multimedia Worldwide
- Acronym: 3rd Generation Wireless
- Telephony: A term used to describe a cellular wireless standard using packet-switched networks.
- As of 2002, the third-generation of wireless telecommunications, or 3G, has already been introduced in test markets and is moving into mainstream use. In addition to using the digital packet switching technology, the 3G standard allows both universal access and portability across different device types. The communication speed is up to ten times faster than the speed of 2G systems. This technology is expected to mature between 2004 and 2005, and the industry is already looking ahead to the next stage of development -- 4G.
Digital Packet-switched Telecommunications
A communications system that breaks each individual transmission or telephone call into packets, which are sent separately. Packet-switched networks are slower, but more efficient than circuit-switched networks.
There are three primary third-generation technologies in development:
- CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access (for the year) 2000)
- The United States' proposal for third-generation (3G) CDMA technology in order to double CDMA system capacity and improve data rates to 144 Kbps (kilobits per second). Also called IS-95-C, IMT-CDMA Multicarrier, or IS-136.
- WCDMA (Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access), aka IMT-2000 direct spread
- An enhanced generation of CDMA technology that increases the bandwidth, eventually providing data speeds of 2 Mbps (megabits per second).
- UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services)
- The European term for 3G cellular systems based on the IMT-2000 standard.
For more detailed information, the FCC 3G Webpage covers the expected capabilities of third-generation wireless systems. |
