RadioShack's Guide to Wireless Telecommunications

Across the Generations

1G

Acronym: 1st Generation Wireless

Telephony: A term used to describe the original (analog) cellular wireless standard.

The impetus behind the development of 2G was the need for a higher rate of voice traffic, requiring a new method which would allow multiple users on a single RF channel.

The major advancement between 1G and 2G was the use of digital technology. Usage was primarily voice traffic, rather than data.

2G

Acronym: 2nd Generation Wireless

Telephony: A term used to describe a cellular wireless standard using circuit-switched networks.

The impetus behind the development of 3G was the need for a faster data rate in order to allow high-capacity, high-reliability signaling.

The major advancement between 2G and 3G was the use of packet-switched networks, instead of circuit-switched networks. 

Acronym: 2.5 Generation Wireless

Telephony: A term used to describe a telephone which bridges the 2G and 3G cellular wireless standards by using circuit-switched networks to achieve some of the benefits of 3G (such as web browsing and messaging).

3G

Acronym: 3rd Generation Wireless

Telephony: A term used to describe a cellular wireless standard using packet-switched networks.

The impetus behind the development of 4G is the need for even faster transmission speeds and universal connectivity.

4G

Acronym: 4th Generation Wireless

Telephony: A term used to describe a broadband wireless standard that offers significantly higher capacity and/or data rates over 3G systems.