3G: 3G, short for third Generation, is the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology. 3G
telecommunication networks support services that provide an information
transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s. Later 3G releases, often denoted
3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband access of several Mbit/s
to smartphones and mobile modems in laptop computers.
3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet
access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls and mobile TV.
This is a set of standards used for mobile devices and mobile
telecommunication use services and networks that comply with the
International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications
by the International Telecommunication Union.[2] 3G finds application in
wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless
Internet access, video calls and mobile TV.
Several telecommunications companies market wireless mobile Internet
services as 3G, indicating that the advertised service is provided over a
3G wireless network. Services advertised as 3G are required to meet
IMT-2000 technical standards, including standards for reliability and
speed (data transfer rates). To meet the IMT-2000 standards, a system is
required to provide peak data rates of at least 200 kbit/s (about 0.2
Mbit/s). However, many services advertised as 3G provide higher speed
than the minimum technical requirements for a 3G service. Recent 3G
releases, often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband
access of several Mbit/s to smartphones and mobile modems in laptop
computers.
Relationship between 2G and 3G:
The relationship between 2G and 3G is similar to that of dial-up and
broadband, or terrestrial TV and digital TV. In all of the latter
examples, greater spectral efficiency has enabled more consumer choice
and a more effective service. Simply put, more data can be transmitted
faster.
3G and mobile broadband:
3G enables devices such as mobile phones and mobile dongles to deliver
broadband-speed internet. Even the lowest-end, cheapest mobile phones
are now 3G enabled, making it easy to check emails and browse the web on
the go.
Mobile broadband via dongles and smartphones has taken off extremely
fast. Mobile broadband allows customers to browse the internet, check
email and download files, music and video clips from their laptops and
PCs wherever there is coverage.
3G is made possible by two complementary technologies – HSDPA and HSUPA
(high speed download and upload packet access, respectively). These
technologies enable mobile broadband users to access download speeds of
up to 21Mb and upload speeds of up to 1.76Mb via a mobile dongle, USB
modem or MiFi.
Difference Between 3G and WiFi:
3G and WiFi are communication technologies that provide wireless
internet access and services to users. 3G and wireless are commonly used
by devices such as laptop computers, smartphones and PDAs, and other
entertainment gadgets.
The major difference between wifi and 3G is the way they connect to the internet.
Wifi connects to the internet through a wireless network and has a short
range. You may have a private wireless network set up at home, its
range depends on your vicinity to your computer router. Wifi is also
commonly available in public places such as cafes, airports and shopping
centres.
3G is a type of cellular network and connects to the internet where ever
there is mobile phone service. This means its range is a lot wider than
a wireless network. Accessing the internet through your mobile phone
provider usually comes at a greater cost than wifi, especially if you
are travelling overseas and using International Roaming.
When using a portable device that is capable of using both Wifi and 3G,
such as an iPhone, unless you have turned wifi off your device should
always connect to the internet using wifi unless it is not available. If
it is not available or you are out of range, your device will then
connect using 3G.
