Lecture 39

Introduction of mobile
communication and its different
generations
EVOLUTION OF MOBILE COMMUNICATION
 Over recent years, the evolution of mobile wireless
communication in the world has become more important
after arrival of 5G technology.

 This evolution journey consists of several generations start

with 1G followed by 2G, 2.5G,3G, 4G, and under research
future generations 5G is still going on.
FIRST GENERATION (1G)

 1G (First Generation):

 Introduced in the 1980s.

 Analog Technology: 1G was based on analog technology for voice communication.
 Voice Calls: Primarily designed for voice calls, with limited data services.
 Low Capacity: Limited capacity and coverage compared to later generations.
 Basic Mobile Services: Provided basic mobile services such as voice calling and short
messaging.
 It uses analog radio signal which has frequency 150 MHz.
 It speeds up to 2.4Kbps.
 Disadvantages:
 Low Data Speeds.
 Security Concerns.
 Limited Capacity.
 Large and bulky devices.
 This generation is unreliable.
 SECOND GENERATION (2G)
Introduced in the early 1990s.
Digital technology (e.g., GSM and CDMA).
Improved voice quality.
Introduction of SMS (Short Message Service).
Enhanced security and encryption.
Smaller and more portable devices.
Data speed up to 64Kbps.
Disadvantages:
Low Data Speeds.
Security Concerns.
Limited multimedia support
2.5G
 An intermediate step between 2G and 3G.
 Always-On Connectivity: Introduced "always-on" connectivity, allowing
users to stay connected to the internet without the need to establish a new
connection each time.
 Improved data services (e.g., GPRS(General Packet Radio Service)
 and EDGE(Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution ) (Global System
for Mobile Communications).
 Faster data transfer compared to 2G.
 It provides services such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) access,
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and for internet communication
services such as e-mail and World Wide Wireless Web (WWW) access.
 Disadvantages:
 Limited Data Speeds.
 Voice Quality.
 Transition to 3G.
3G

 Introduced in the early 2000s.

 3G transmits data up to 2 Mbps.
 High-speed data transmission.
 3G uses CDMA(Code Division Multiple Access) technique for data
transmission.
 Video calling and mobile internet.
 Enhanced multimedia capabilities.
 Improved network capacity and efficiency.
3G has the following enhancements over 2.5G and previous networks:
 Enhanced audio and video streaming.
 Several Times higher data speed.
 Video-conferencing support.
 Web and WAP browsing at higher speeds.
 Disadvantages:
 Power consumption is high.
 Insufficient bandwidth
 Separate 3G phones are needed
4G
Introduced in the late 2000s.
 Ultra-fast data speeds (up to 100 Mbps).
 Enabling technologies for mobile apps, video streaming, and VoIP services.
 High-definition voice calls (eg. Voice over Long-Term Evolution(VoLTE))
& advanced network infrastructure (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE).
 Gigabit-level data speeds.
 wider bandwidth, high security and high speed internet access.
 The 4G is offering improved multimedia, video gushing, worldwide access,
and around the world transportability through a wide range of gadgets.
 Disadvantages:
 Infrastructure Costs: Deployment required substantial investments in new
infrastructure.
 Device Compatibility: Older devices may not be compatible with 4G
networks.
5G
 Began rolling out in the late 2010s.
 Ultra-high-speed data (multi-gigabit) and low latency.
 Massive IoT connectivity.
 Network slicing for customized services.
 Support for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR),
and autonomous vehicles.
 As technology continues to advance, future generations of
mobile communication are expected to bring even more
transformative changes to our connected world.
 5G transmits data up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s).
 Disadvantages:
Potential Health Concerns: Some concerns have been
raised regarding potential health effects,though scientific
consensus supports safety.
Cellular communication
 Cellular communication is a form of wireless communication that enables the
exchange of voice, data, and multimedia between mobile devices, such as cell
phones, Smartphone, tablets, and other wireless-enabled gadgets. This technology is
based on a network of cell sites or base stations distributed over geographic regions,
forming a cellular network. The concept of cellular communication involves
dividing a service area into small geographic areas called cells, with each cell
served by a base station.

 Here are key components and concepts associated with cellular communication:
 Cellular Network:
 A cellular network is a telecommunication network that consists of a series of
interconnected cells, each served by a base station. These cells collectively
cover a larger geographic area. The network is designed to provide seamless and
continuous wireless communication as mobile devices move within and between
cells.
Cellular communication
 Base Stations (Cell Towers):
 Base stations, also known as cell towers or cell sites, are equipped with antennas and
radio equipment. They serve as the interface between mobile devices and the cellular
network. Base stations are strategically located to create overlapping cells, ensuring
consistent coverage and connectivity.

 Cells:
 Cells are the basic geographical units of a cellular network. Each cell is served by a
specific base station, and the size of cells can vary based on factors such as population
density and network capacity. The concept of cells allows for the efficient use of radio
frequency resources.
 Mobile Devices:
 Mobile devices, including cell phones and smartphones, have built-in transceivers that
enable them to communicate wirelessly with base stations. These devices can initiate and
receive voice calls, text messages, and data services within the coverage area of the
cellular network.
 Frequency Bands:
 Cellular communication operates on specific radio frequency bands allocated by
regulatory authorities. Different frequency bands offer various characteristics, such as
data rates, coverage range, and penetration through obstacles. Spectrum management is
crucial for coordinating the use of frequencies to avoid interference.
Cellular communication
 Handover:
 Handover is the process through which a mobile device's connection is seamlessly transferred
from one cell to another as the device moves within the network. This ensures continuous
connectivity and prevents dropped calls or interruptions during mobility.
 Roaming:
 Roaming allows mobile devices to maintain connectivity even when outside their home network's
coverage area. Roaming agreements between different cellular operators enable users to use
their devices in areas covered by other networks.
 Cellular Standards:
 Various cellular communication standards, such as GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), 3G (Third Generation), 4G LTE (Long-
Term Evolution), and 5G (Fifth Generation), define the technical specifications for wireless
communication, ensuring interoperability and compatibility.
 Services:
 Cellular communication supports a wide range of services, including voice calls, text messaging
(SMS), multimedia messaging (MMS), mobile internet access, and applications. The evolution of
technology has introduced advanced services and features with each generation of cellular
networks.
 Data and Internet Connectivity:
 With the advent of 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies, cellular networks have increasingly become a
primary means of accessing the internet. High-speed data services enable users to browse the
web, stream videos, use social media, and engage in various online activities using their mobile
devices.
GSM
 A GSM network comprises of many functional units. These functions and interfaces are
explained in this chapter. The GSM network can be broadly divided into −
• The Mobile Station (MS)
• The Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
• The Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)
• The Operation Support Subsystem (OSS)
GSM
 A GSM network comprises of many functional units. These functions and interfaces are
explained in this chapter. The GSM network can be broadly divided into −
• The Mobile Station (MS)
• The Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
• The Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)
• The Operation Support Subsystem (OSS)
GSM - The Mobile Station
 The MS consists of the physical equipment, such as the radio transceiver, display and digital
signal processors, and the SIM card. It provides the air interface to the user in GSM networks. As
such, other services are also provided, which include −
• Voice teleservices
• Data bearer services

GSM - The Base Station Subsystem (BSS)

 The BSS is composed of two parts −
• The Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
• The Base Station Controller (BSC)
 The BTS and the BSC communicate across the specified Abis interface, enabling operations
between components that are made by different suppliers. The radio components of a BSS may
consist of four to seven or nine cells. A BSS may have one or more base stations. The BSS uses
the Abis(Air interface Between BTS (Base Transceiver Station) and BSC (Base
Station Controller)" interface between the BTS and the BSC. A separate high-speed line (T1
or E1) is then connected from the BSS to the Mobile MSC.
GSM - The Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)
 The Network switching system (NSS), the main part of which is the Mobile Switching Center
(MSC), performs the switching of calls between the mobile and other fixed or mobile network
users, as well as the management of mobile services such as authentication.
The switching system includes the following functional
elements −

 Home Location Register (HLR)

The HLR is a database used for storage and management of subscriptions. The HLR is considered
the most important database, as it stores permanent data about subscribers, including a subscriber's
service profile, location information, and activity status. When an individual buys a subscription in
the form of SIM, then all the information about this subscription is registered in the HLR of that
operator.
 Mobile Services Switching Center (MSC)
The central component of the Network Subsystem is the MSC. The MSC performs the switching
of calls between the mobile and other fixed or mobile network users, as well as the management of
mobile services such as registration, authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing
to a roaming subscriber. It also performs such functions as toll ticketing, network interfacing,
common channel signaling, and others. Every MSC is identified by a unique ID.

 Visitor Location Register (VLR)

The VLR is a database that contains temporary information about subscribers that is needed by the
MSC in order to service visiting subscribers. The VLR is always integrated with the MSC. When a
mobile station roams into a new MSC area, the VLR connected to that MSC will request data
about the mobile station from the HLR. Later, if the mobile station makes a call, the VLR will
have the information needed for call setup without having to interrogate the HLR each time.
 Authentication Center (AUC)
The Authentication Center is a protected database that stores a copy of the secret key
stored in each subscriber's SIM card, which is used for authentication and ciphering of
the radio channel. The AUC protects network operators from different types of fraud
found in today's cellular world.

 Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

The Equipment Identity Register (EIR) is a database that contains a list of all valid
mobile equipment on the network, where its International Mobile Equipment Identity
(IMEI) identifies each MS. An IMEI is marked as invalid if it has been reported stolen
or is not type approved.
 GSM - The Operation Support Subsystem (OSS)
The operations and maintenance center (OMC) is connected to all equipment in the switching
system and to the BSC. The implementation of OMC is called the operation and support system
(OSS).

Here are some of the OMC functions−

• Administration and commercial operation (subscription, end terminals, charging, and
statistics).
• Security Management.
• Network configuration, Operation, and Performance Management.
• Maintenance Tasks.
CDMA

 Code division multiplexing (CDM) is a networking

technique in which multiple data signals are combined for
simultaneous transmission over a common frequency band.

 When CDM is used to allow multiple users to share a single

communications channel, the technology is called code
division multiple access (CDMA).

 Code Division Multiple Access system is very different from

time and frequency multiplexing. In this system, a user has
access to the whole bandwidth for the entire duration.
Comparison between GSM and CDMA

S GSM CDMA
N
O
1. It is an abbreviation for Global
It is an abbreviation for Code
System for Mobile
Division Multiple Access.
Communication.
2 For data and voice transmission,
It transmits data and calls via
it employs the TDMA and FDMA
CDMA technology.
mechanisms.
3 When compared to CDMA, the When compared to GSM, the
transmission rate is sluggish. transmission rate is faster.
4 GSM makes use of the EDGE It makes use of the EVDO data
data transfer technology. transfer technology.
5 It is SIM-specific, thus CDMA is handset-specific and
communication requires a SIM does not require the use of a SIM
card. card for communication.
6 It is highly susceptible to
It is less susceptible to radiation
radiation emission during
emission during transmission.
transmission.