3G Technology Definition

3G technology is utilized in smartphones.

3G (also known as IMT-2000) is a designation in wireless communication meaning 'third generation.' It is implemented in multimedia cell phones to accommodate Internet access capabilities as well as handle multimedia content. High bandwidth enables users to experience Web-based applications and phone-based audio and video files with easy access features.

History

Technology in mobile communication has evolved through generations. The first generation involved analog systems for mobile in the 1970s, the key features being the development of the micro-processor and the digitizing of the communication link between cell towers and mobile phones. In the 1980s, this system digitized voice signals for better quality and cheaper cost. The early 2000s is where 3G technology emerged, allowing fax and Internet on a global scale, faster online connectivity and seamless roaming. The first 3G network was set up in Japan in 2001.

Need

Three G technology came about because network providers had to cope with the ever increasing demands of consumers. With technology upgrades being regularly implemented in every technology, the need to implement this type of technology that catered to such demands was foreseen. Thus, 3G technology for mobile communication was in store to be the next big thing for its consumers.

Application

Three G wireless technology offers high speed transmissions, advanced multimedia access and worldwide roaming. Users can access features such as downloading videos, listening to music on the Internet, high speed file sharing, multimedia uploading and downloading and voice centric services. This is on of the main reasons for its wide popularity.

Operation

Three G operates in the radio spectrum between 400Mhz and 3Ghz. It employs a process called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), a spectrum technology that utilizes a spread concept. When signals move between cell towers, they perform what's called a 'soft hand' off, which allows it to communicate with more than one station at a time. The military has used this for quite some time because of its compatibility with encrypted transmissions. According to PC World, countries like China and Taiwan are using variations on CDMA (TD-SCDMA or Time-Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) to build new 3G networks in their countries.

Performance

Major mobile providers all have networks that use 3G technology and offer air cards for customers who want to connect to their network wirelessly wherever they are. According to tests performed by Computer World, the networks were capable of connecting within 4 seconds and have download and upload speeds of 614Kbit/sec and 337Kbit/sec, respectively. However, it diminished laptop battery life in an average of 40 minutes.

References

• PC World: 3G Test Boosts Technologies
• Computer World: Best 3G Network
• ITU: Evolution of Mobile Market