by The Evolution of Mobile Network Technology
Mobile network technology has evolved rapidly over the past few decades. Starting in the 1990s with the rollout of 2G networks like GSM, mobile data speeds were limited to just a few kbps. This allowed for basic SMS messaging and cellular calls but not much else.
In the early 2000s, 3G networks brought increased speeds that allowed for basic web browsing and multimedia messaging on early smartphones. However, 3G networks still only provided speeds up to a few Mbps, which could not support high-quality video streaming or advanced mobile applications.
To meet the rising demand for mobile data as smartphones gained popularity in the late 2000s, carriers began developing the next generation of high-speed mobile networks known as LTE It was designed from the ground up to vastly improve data speeds and network capability compared to previous technologies.
What is it and How Does it Work?
It which stands for Long Term Evolution, is a standard for high-speed wireless communication that was developed by the 3GPP. LTE networks operate on licensed spectrum bands to provide broadband cellular connectivity.
Some key technical aspects that allow its networks to deliver faster speeds include:
– OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) – A digital multi-carrier modulation scheme that enables more efficient use of spectrum and improved performance in difficult channel conditions like cities with many tall buildings.
– Scalable bandwidth – It supports channel bandwidths of 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz, with narrower channels providing better coverage and wider channels offering higher speeds.
– MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna technology – The use of multiple antennas at the base station and mobile device allows for increased data capacity through spatial multiplexing and diversity.
– Improved channel coding – More efficient error correction coding techniques help reduce transmission errors and improve coverage.
– IP-based transmission – Fully IP-based air interface and core network architecture for improved mobility, flexibility and efficiency.
Real World Speeds of Its Networks
In real world testing, networks can provide average download speeds anywhere from 10 Mbps to well over 100 Mbps depending on the specific band and channel bandwidth deployed. Typical speeds on a 20 MHz LTE network are:
– Near the cell site (good signal): 150+ Mbps download, 50+ Mbps upload
– Mid-range of cell: 50-100 Mbps download, 25-50 Mbps upload
– Cell edge (weak signal): 5-25 Mbps download, 2-10 Mbps upload
Factors like device capability, network congestion, and backhaul capacity can lower speeds during busy times or in weaker coverage areas. Common technologies also support voice services through VoLTE calling.
5G Upgrades
To further improve data rates and low-latency capabilities, the 3GPP has also defined additional upgrades to it known as LTE-Advanced. This includes carrier aggregation to bond together wider channel bandwidths up to 100 MHz.
Its-Advanced Pro brings additional enhancements like Unlicensed for carrier offloading and Modulation/Coding Scheme (MCS) upgrades. This allows multi-Gbps speeds under ideal conditions.
Looking ahead, 5G New Radio will build upon the foundations of it with new waveform, spectrum and multiple access technologies to enable capabilities like super-fast low-latency connections, massive machine-type communications, and more. 5G aims to deliver speeds 10 to 100 times faster than current networks within the next few years.
It ushered in a new era of high-speed, high-capacity mobile broadband connectivity that has fueled explosive growth in advanced applications, media services and more. Continuous improvements like LTE-Advanced and 5G upgrades aim to sustain this momentum by supporting new and demanding use cases on future networks. LTE’s innovative designs have proven highly successful and remain the core technology driving today’s mobile web experience.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
