You must have heard the phrase being mentioned in mobile technology a lot, 1G, 2G, 3G, and even 4G. Are you someone who wonders what they actually mean? It is nothing but the terminology to measure wireless digital standards.

Wireless phone standards have a life of their own. You can tell, because they’re spoken of reverently in terms of generations. You can also look at the terminology as a method to grade technological advancement in mobile phones.

1G refers to the first-generation wireless analog technology standards used in mobile telephony. These originated during the 1980s. It basically supported voice calls and sending text messaging services. It was later replaced by 2G or second-generation wireless digital technology.

2G network phones can use various digital protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, iDEN and PDC. Phones belonging to this technology used narrow band wireless digital network for their operations. As compared to 1G, they also brought more clarity to the conversation. These mobile phones also had a longer battery life, and a semi global roaming facility was available.

In between the launch of the 2G and 3G, the 2.5G was introduced as a bridge between the two generations. There were not many critical introductions in this technology, so it was looked upon as a marketing gimmick.

Then the 3G or third generation of mobile phone standards and technology made a foray. It is still making its place in the world of today. In this technology, the data is sent through packet switching and voice calls are interpreted through circuit switching.

The 3G technologies basically boast of faster data-transmission speeds, greater network capacity and more advanced network services like global roaming. It also incorporated the Wide Band Voice Channel, which enabled two people located in any part of the world to talk and send messages. Some of the other features this technology offers are internet, mobile T.V, video conferencing, video calls, multi media messaging service (MMS), 3D gaming, and multi-gaming.

Lastly, we are awaiting the introduction of 4G technology between 2012 and 2015. They are known as the “beyond 3G” or “fourth-generation” cell phone technology. This technology promises a faster rate of data transfer, high-quality multimedia in real-time, multi-media newspapers etc.