| 1G |
First generation of wireless communications systems |
Wireless communications systems using analog transmission. |
| 2G |
Second generation of wireless communication
systems. |
Wireless communications systems using digital
transmission and advanced control techniques to improve the performance
of voice communications, provide special features and limited digital
messaging capabilities. |
| 2.5G |
Enhanced second generation of wireless communicaton systems. |
Second generation wireless communication systems that have been upgraded
to allow packet switching and higher data rates. Examples are GPRS and
EDGE. |
| 3G |
Third generation of wireless communication systems. |
3G is the newest generation of wireless communications
systems, allowing greater bandwidth and opening the way to increased
data-over-wireless solutions such as described by the ITU's IMT-2000
project. It is not expected to be fully operational until 2002. The 3rd
Generation (3G) mobile devices and services will transform wireless communications
into on-line, real-time transfer of information, regardless of time and
place. You will be able to send electronic postcards with images, and
you can even have a live videoconference using your 3G mobile communication
device. See also IMT-2000. |
| 3GPP |
Third-Generation Partnership Project (W-CDMA) |
A global cooperative project in which standardization
bodies in Europe, Japan, South Korea and the United States, as founders,
are coordinating W-CDMA issues. See also W-CDMA. |
| 3GPP2 |
Third-Generation Partnership Project 2 (cdma2000) |
An organization dedicated to developing international
version of the cdma2000 specification. |
| 4G |
Fourth generation of wireless communications systems. |
Name for the next generation of technology for high-speed wireless communications
that is currently in research and development stage. As of yet, there are
no formally recognized 4G specifications. |
