The advent of mobile internet has revolutionised communication, information retrieval and leisure, becoming the easiest and fastest way to access the global network. In this article, you will learn about the history of mobile internet development, the basic principles of its operation, and the role of 4G and 5G signal boosters in the UK to improve mobile internet.
History of Mobile Communications Development
Since their inception and up to today, mobile networks have undergone a large number of changes. Each large-scale update is associated with a change of generation, which is built on systematic changes in emerging communication standards technologies.
1G
This first generation of mobile communications allowed users to make and receive voice calls. It was based on the reception and transmission of analogue signals, which not only added unwanted distortions to the communication channel but also did not ensure the security of the transmitted information due to the impossibility of encoding. It was possible to listen to a phone call using a third-party radio signal receiver.
2G
This is the second generation of mobile communications. Second-generation networks made it possible to exchange text messages (SMS), and later small media files (MMS) using a phone. The systematic development of 2G standard technologies led to the first steps in the creation of the mobile Internet. During the time of active development and changing communication standards, the principles of data transmission have changed radically.
The first impetus for the possibility of data transmission was the emergence of continuous packet data transmission in the GPRS standard (considered generation 2.5G). The subsequent emergence of EDGE technology (2.75G) significantly increased data transfer rates (estimated at 472.6 kbps), which made it possible to work with simple websites and email. However, this speed was not enough for streaming multimedia content or exchanging large files.
3G
This is the third generation of mobile communications. It was created to meet the demand for increased data transfer speeds. During its growth, it has become an actively developing generation. Changing communication standards and technologies of this standard have steadily expanded capabilities, and improved security and data transfer rates. The emergence of the 3G generation has completely changed the concept of using mobile phones. The ability to use and share media content online has become an impetus for the global development of the industry.
4G
This is the fourth generation of mobile communications. At the moment, the speed developing in 4G is sufficient to organise full-fledged work without the use of LAN and VLAN networks. Portable modems and internet booster kits, which have gained popularity with the advent of 4G, are capable of replacing fibre-optic internet networks in hard-to-reach places, without loss of transmission speed and connection stability.
The main advantage of the fourth generation was the increased data transfer rate, which allowed watching streaming videos in high definition, playing online games, watching movies, listening to music in good quality, and quickly downloading large files. Initially, the LTE standard developed for the fourth generation was created exclusively for data transmission.
With the creation of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, it became possible to make voice calls using mobile internet. Calls made using VoLTE have higher-quality sound due to the use of a wider data transmission channel. With the advent of the LTE-A standard, it became possible to aggregate frequencies, which made it possible to increase the throughput and, accordingly, the data transfer rate up to 1000 Mbps for stationary devices (internet booster kits, modems) and up to 300 Mbps for smartphones.
5G
This is the fifth generation of mobile communications. The technologies of this generation allow for a reduction in network latency, providing even higher speed and security of data transfer. 5G is perfect for working with virtual and augmented reality devices; due to the ultra-reliable channel with low latency, mobile transmission is used to control: critical infrastructure, vehicles, and medical procedures. With the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, widely used sensors require additional protection of transmitted information and minimal latency in data transfer, which can be achieved using fifth-generation networks.
How Data Transfer Works Over a Mobile Network
The network construction schemes for each generation and even standard differ. Let’s look at the basic principles of data transfer. Mobile Internet is a way of wireless connection to the Internet, based on the equipment of mobile operators. Each base station transmits signals on certain frequency ranges and certain communication standards. The phone connects to the nearest base station with acceptable signal parameters.
Some phones, by default, connect to the latest generations despite lower power levels. For this reason, in some areas, it is necessary to forcibly transfer work to 3G.
When a subscriber connects, the base station receives a request and acts as an intermediary between the device and the internal elements of its own network, sending the received request to the necessary servers.
To simplify, data transfer can be compared with the usual forwarding of a letter. You, as a sender, transfer the letter (form a request) to a postal worker (base station). In turn, the postal worker, according to an internal algorithm, sends the letter to the addressee (the server with the necessary data). The addressee writes a reply letter (return request) and sends it to you. The received data is processed by the phone and converted into familiar web pages, music or movies.
Mobile operators play a key role in providing high-quality mobile Internet. They develop coverage maps and their subsequent implementation and install and maintain base stations. They also introduce new technologies to improve the quality of communication.
If the signal strength level does not allow users to fully use the mobile Internet, then the best solution is to install a 4G and 5G mobile signal repeater. Signal booster kits receive a base station signal using external antennas directed at the base stations; and transmit the received signal to the booster, where it is amplified and transmitted to subscriber devices using internal antennas. For help with boosting the mobile signal of Tesco, EE, Vodafone and other British operators, we recommend entrusting the UCtel company.
Wrapping It Up
Understanding how mobile internet works and the importance of using 4G and 5G mobile signal amplifier when the signal is poor is key to ensuring high-quality connectivity in your house, holiday house, warehouse or other premises in the UK. Investing in signal-boosting technology is an important step towards creating a more reliable and affordable mobile network that meets the needs of modern society.
