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3G is the third generation of mobile networks, providing wider services and improved network capacity. It offers download speeds of 14.4 Mbps and upload speeds of 5.8 Mbps. The system uses KASUMI block encryption for security. Challenges include financial instability and licensing agreements varying from country to country.
Based on International Telecommunication Union standards, 3G network is the third generation of mobile and telecommunications networks. It features a wider range of services and improves the network capacity compared to the previous 2G network and also increases the information transfer rate known as spectral efficiency. Telephony received a larger area and greater range, while wireless broadband and video data transfers were also positively affected. These criteria are identified as the IMT-2000 standard.
A 3G network provides download speeds of 14.4 megabits per second and upload speeds of 5.8 megabits per second. The minimum speed for a stationary user is 2 megabits per second, while a user in a moving vehicle can expect 348 kilobits per second. This scheme is known as a layered system where each transmission has three layers of information. The top layer is general service, the middle layer is control data transmission, and the bottom layer is basic connectivity information.
There is a distinct difference between WiFi® or IEEE 802.11 technology and this network. WiFi® is basically a short-range network offering high bandwidth designed for data transfer. 3G networks are geared towards cell phone technology and Internet access.
Japan and South Korea were the first countries to successfully launch this network. Japanese company FOMA was launched in May 2001 and South Korea’s SK Telecom launched in January 2002. British Telecom in the UK and Monet Mobile Networks in the US followed suit. By 2007, most countries had implemented the technology.
However, delays in the rollout of this technology have affected the growth of mobile technology in many countries. This network uses a different radio frequency than 2G, which has forced many companies to build completely new infrastructure and obtain additional licenses. Countries like China and Indonesia have intentionally chosen to hide the network from their citizens for many years.
Security issues on 3G networks have been resolved and the system uses KASUMI block encryption instead of the older A5/1 stream cipher on 2G network. While a number of weaknesses have been identified, the system is overall secure.
Some of the challenges that continue to hinder the implementation of 3G. Numerous telecommunications companies found themselves in financial instability in 2007 and 2008, evidenced by the rising costs of both telephones and communication towers. Licensing agreements also vary greatly from country to country both in terms of expenditure and process, which has led to a lack of interest in building networks.
