2G-5G Networks: Evolution of Technologies, Standards, and Deployment

This article presents an overview of the evolution of technologies, standards, and deployment from second to fifth generation mobile networks with emphasis on current and future trends in the areas of wireless networking, multimedia technology, network architecture, and network services. Related research in the development of future mobile systems has been highlighted. Issues of system integration, global roaming capabilities, handoff, high speed multimedia support, ad-hoc networking, quality of service, and physical layer problems has been addressed. In addition, global developments in multimedia network services and terminals have been discussed. I N T R O D U C T I O N The fourth and fifth generation wireless mobile systems, commonly known as 4G and 5G, are expected to provide global roaming across different types of wireless and mobile networks, for instance from satellite to mobile networks and to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). 4G is an all IP-based mobile network using different radio access technologies providing seamless roaming and providing connection via always the best available network [1]. The vision of 4G wireless/mobile systems is the provision of broadband access, seamless global roaming, and Internet/data/voice everywhere, utilizing for each the most "appropriate" always best connected technology [2]. These systems are about integrating terminals, networks, and applications to satisfy increasing user demands ([3], [4]). 4G systems are expected to offer a speed of over 100 Mbps in stationary mode and an average of 20 Mbps for mobile stations reducing the download time of graphics and multimedia components by more than ten times compared to currently available 2 Mbps on 3G systems. The fifth generation communication system is envisioned as the real wireless network, capable of supporting wireless world wide web (wwww) applications in 2010 to 2015 time frame. There are two views of 5G systems: evolutionary and revolutionary. In evolutionary view the 5G (or beyond 4G) systems will be capable of supporting wwww allowing a highly flexible network such as a Dynamic Adhoc Wireless Network (DAWN). In this view advanced technologies including intelligent antenna and flexible modulation are keys to optimize the adhoc wireless networks. In revolutionary view, 5G systems should be an intelligent technology capable of interconnecting the entire world without limits. An example application could be a robot with built-in wireless communication with artificial intelligence. The 4G system is still a predominantly research and development initiative based upon 3G, which is struggling to meet its performance goals. The challenges for development of 4G systems depend upon the evolution of different underlying technologies, standards and deployment. We present an overall vision of the 4G features, framework, and integration of mobile communication. First we explain the evolutionary process from 2G to 5G in light of used technologies and business demands. Next, we discuss the architectural developments for 2G-5G systems, followed by the discussion on standards and services. Finally, we address the market demands and discuss the development of terminals for these systems.