You should know that each successor to the mobile network technology has one numeric number followed by the alphabet ‘G’. This is of the form ‘ vG’. So, 2G means 2nd generation, 3G means 3rd generation, 4G means 4th generation and so on. Each generation is more advanced than the previous standard. Which is obvious, isn’t it? Currently, 4G is the latest standard but many big organizations have already started their work on the upcoming 5G wireless technology. GSM Network vs. CDMA Network GSM and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) are the two most popular radio standards used in the mobile world. Both technologies offer similar features but CDMA is more popular in the U.S. than the rest of the world. Most of the European and Asian countries use GSM networks. Some people might tell you that CDMA is better than the GSM or vice-versa but it is not true.

U.S. operators moved to the CDMA technology when GSM technology was in a nascent stage but now that GSM technology has caught up with CDMA, the U.S. operators don’t feel the need to shift to GSM technologies. Most of the telecom companies in the rest of the world utilize the GSM technology for rolling out their networks, and they also don’t feel the need to migrate to CDMA technology. So, when you go out in the market for buying a new phone, you will see that the available GSM phone models are much more in number than the CDMA models. You know the reason behind this. Now, let’s discuss each generation of network in detail along with its associated network standards: 1. 2G – 2G is the first digital mobile network technology. 1G was analog technology and was very inefficient. 2G brought support for SMS and mobile internet. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) uses GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) technology for internet access, while the CDMA technology uses RTT (Radio Transmission Technology) for providing 2G internet access. 2. 3G – It is the first mobile network technology to provide access to high-speed broadband like internet. Live video streaming, video chatting was first made possible by the 3G network technologies. GSM networks use WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service), HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), and HSPA+ technologies for rolling out 3G networks. The CDMA networks on the other hand, use EvDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology for deploying 3G networks. 3. 4G – It is the latest generation of mobile wireless technology and offers the best data speed. It is made for providing mobile broadband access and can be used for data intensive applications like watching high-definition TV on mobile, cloud computing etc. 4G network is currently deployed using LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technologies. As per the ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union-Radio Communication Sector), any network having a peak download rate of 100 Mbps for high mobility and up to 1 Gbps for stationary wireless access will be termed as a 4G network. LTE, LTE-A (LTE Advanced), WiMAX Rel 1, and WiMAX Rel 2 are some of the popular 4G network standards. 4G networks are based on neither GSM nor CDMA technology, but are instead based on OFDMA, SC-FDMA That’s why the basic 4G networks can’t make voice calls and a new standard called VoLTEis being deployed to make that possible.