Skip to content
Learnearn.uk » Home » Mobile communication standards

Mobile communication standards

Introduction

Introduction

Mobile communication standards refer to the set of technical specifications and protocols that define how mobile devices communicate with cellular networks. These standards are essential for ensuring interoperability between different mobile devices and networks, allowing users to make calls, send text messages, and access data services seamlessly across various carriers and countries.

The most common re

  1. Analog (1G) – The first generation  of oldest mobile communication technology that used analog signals, retroactively dubbed 1G.
  2. GSM (2G): GSM is one of the oldest and most widely used mobile communication standards. It was introduced in the 1980s and operates on different frequency bands, including 900 MHz and 1800 MHz in most parts of the world.
  3. 3G (Third Generation): 3G is a set of mobile communication standards that marked a significant advancement in mobile data capabilities. It provided faster data transfer rates than its predecessors (GSM and CDMA) and enabled the use of mobile internet services, video calling, and multimedia messaging.
  4. 4G (Fourth Generation): 4G is the next evolution of mobile communication standards and offers substantially higher data speeds and lower latency than 3G. It allowed for faster and more reliable mobile internet access, which facilitated the growth of mobile applications and services.
  5. 5G (Fifth Generation): 5G is the latest and most advanced mobile communication standard, providing even higher data transfer speeds, extremely low latency, and massive device connectivity. It enables transformative technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and ultra-high-definition video streaming.
  6. LTE (Long-Term Evolution): LTE is a specific technology within the 4G standard that offers enhanced data speeds and improved network performance. It is often used as a marketing term for 4G networks, and many carriers use LTE to deliver high-speed mobile internet.
  7. Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology designed for connecting devices in close proximity to each other. It operates in the unlicensed ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band, primarily at 2.4 GHz.
  8. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that enables devices to connect to local area networks (LANs) without the need for physical cables. It operates on various frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Analogue (1G) and GSM (2G) are considered legacy technology by EdExcel and therefore you don’t need to know them for the exam.

3G

4G

5G

WIFI

Bluetooth

Wireless Range

Range Factors

Video

Resources