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3 G Cell Networks
3G is a short term for third-generation wireless, and refers to near-future
developments in personal and business
technology, especially mobile communications.
This phase is expected to reach maturity between the years 2003 and 2005.
The third generation, as its name suggests, follows the first generation (1G) and
second generation (2G) in wireless communications. The 1G period began in the late
1970s and lasted through the 1980s. These systems featured the first true mobile phone
systems, known at first as "cellular mobile radio telephone."
These networks used
voice signaling, and were little more sophisticated than repeater networks used by
operators. The 2G phase began in the 1990s, and much of this technology is still in use.
The 2G cell phone features
voice encoding. Examples include
and
Since its inception, 2G technology has steadily improved, with increased
routing, and the introduction of multimedia. The present state of mobile wireless communications is often called 2.5G.
Ultimately, 3G is expected to include capabilities and features such as:
- Enhanced multimedia (voice, data, video, and remote control)
- Usability on all popular modes (cellular telephone, e-mail, paging, fax, videoconferencing, and Web browsing)
- Broad bandwidth and high speed (upwards of 2 Mbps)
- Routing flexibility (repeater, satellite, LAN)
- Operation at approximately 2 GHz transmit and receive frequencies
- Roaming capability throughout Europe, Japan, and North America
While 3G is generally considered applicable mainly to mobile wireless, it is also
relevant to
and portable wireless. The ultimate 3G system might be operational from any location on, or over, the earth's surface, including use in homes, businesses, government offices, medical establishments, the military, personal and commercial land vehicles, private and commercial watercraft and marine craft, private and commercial aircraft (except where passenger use restrictions apply), portable (pedestrians, hikers, cyclists, campers), and space stations and spacecraft.
Proponents of 3G technology promise that it will "keep people connected at all times and in
all places." Researchers, engineers, and marketeers are faced with the challenge of accurately
predicting how much technology consumers will actually be willing to pay for. (Recent trends
suggest that people sometimes prefer to be disconnected, especially when on vacation.) Another
concern involves privacy and security issues. As technology becomes more sophisticated and
bandwidth increases, systems become increasingly vulnerable to attack by malicious hackers
(known as crackers) unless countermeasures are implemented to protect against such activity.
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