5G Basics Part 1: History of 5G - Huawei Seeds For The Future

Summary

This video script offers a historical journey through mobile communication, starting from the era of landlines and 1G to the advent of 5G. It highlights the evolution from analog voice calls to digital services, the introduction of SMS and MMS in 2G, the shift to data connectivity in 3G, and the leap to high-speed internet with 4G and LTE. The script culminates in the capabilities of 5G, promising unprecedented bandwidth and latency-critical applications, marking a significant stride in wireless technology.

Takeaways

• 📱 Mobile phones have been around for about 40 years, evolving from fixed landlines to digital communication devices.
• 🌐 The first commercial cellular network was launched in Tokyo in 1979 by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), using the AMPS standard.
• 📞 1G networks allowed users to be reached while on the move, but had limitations such as slow speeds (2.4 kilobits per second) and analog technology.
• 📵 2G networks introduced digital technology, SMS, and MMS, but standards varied across regions (e.g., GSM in Europe, CDMA in the US, PDC in Japan).
• 🌐 3G networks offered data connectivity at one megabit per second, enabling mobile internet access and moving towards interoperability.
• 📲 The advent of 3G also saw the rise of smartphones with color screens and the proliferation of mobile applications.
• 🚀 4G technology, specifically LTE, united global standards and increased data rates to about 100 megabits per second, enhancing multimedia services.
• 🔋 4G also introduced LTE Advanced, also known as 4.5G, which further boosted data transfer speeds to 1 gigabit per second.
• 🌟 5G networks offer up to 20 gigabits per second, significantly faster than 4G, and provide more reliable connections and nearly instantaneous network response.
• 🤖 5G's low latency makes it suitable for latency-critical applications like remote controlling heavy machinery.

Q & A

Who is Mike McDonald and what is his role in the video?

Mike McDonald is from Huawei Technologies and he is the presenter of the video, introducing and explaining the course on 5G.

What is the main focus of the video series on 5G?

The video series focuses on explaining what 5G is, how 5G standards are set, the importance of spectrum, the differences in modern 5G network architecture from previous generations, and addressing health concerns related to 5G.

What was the limitation of using a fixed landline for communication?

Fixed landlines limited communication to a specific location, making it impossible to be reached while on the move, and they were primarily used for voice calls only.

What was the significance of the introduction of cellular networks in the 1970s?

The introduction of cellular networks allowed for the freedom of movement while communicating, breaking away from the constraints of fixed landlines.

What was the world's first commercial cellular network based on and when was it launched?

The world's first commercial cellular network was based on the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) standard and was launched in Tokyo in 1979 by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT).

What were the key features of 2G networks compared to 1G?

2G networks introduced digital communication, a 160-character Short Message Service (SMS), and a low-speed data transfer service known as Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS).

Why were early mobile phones considered status symbols?

Early mobile phones were bulky, expensive, and not widely accessible, making them a symbol of status and exclusivity for those who owned them.

What technological advancements did 3G bring to mobile communication?

3G offered data connectivity of up to one megabit per second, enabling online access while on the move, and it moved the mobile industry towards interoperability with compatible versions of CDMA technology.

What is the difference between 4G and LTE technology?

4G refers to the fourth generation of mobile networks, while LTE, or Long-Term Evolution, is a technology within the 4G standard that allows for data rates of about 100 megabits per second.

What is the speed difference between 5G and 4G in terms of downloading a 4K movie?

Downloading a 4K movie takes a few seconds on a 5G network compared to 5 to 10 minutes on a 4G network.

What are some of the latency-critical applications that can benefit from 5G's fast response times?

Applications that can benefit from 5G's fast response times include remote controlling of heavy machinery and online gaming where network latency is critical.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Evolution of Mobile Networks to 5G

This paragraph introduces Mike McDonald from Huawei Technologies, who presents a course on 5G. The course will cover the definition of 5G, the setting of 5G standards, the significance of spectrum, and the architectural differences between 5G and previous network generations. It also mentions health concerns related to 5G. The paragraph takes a historical journey through the evolution of mobile phones, starting from landlines to the advent of cellular networks in the 1970s, with the first commercial network launched in Tokyo in 1979. It discusses the limitations of 1G, including slow speeds, analog transmission, and bulky devices. The paragraph concludes with the transition to 2G networks, which introduced digital services and instant messaging.

05:00

🚀 Advancements in Mobile Technology from 2G to 5G

The second paragraph continues the historical overview of mobile technology, starting with the introduction of 2G networks that brought SMS and MMS services, leading to instant messaging. It highlights the lack of unified standards for 2G, with different regions adopting GSM, CDMA, or PDC technologies. The paragraph then moves on to the 3G era, which began around the year 2000, offering data connectivity at one megabit per second and paving the way for smartphones and online access on the move. The transition to 4G, facilitated by LTE technology, is noted for its significant increase in data rates to about 100 megabits per second. The paragraph also touches on LTE Advanced, or 4.5G, which further increased speeds to one gigabit per second. Finally, the paragraph introduces the 5G era, emphasizing its capabilities such as higher bandwidth, reaching up to 20 gigabits per second, more reliable connections, and nearly instantaneous network response, suitable for latency-critical applications. The summary ends with a teaser for the next episode, which will discuss expectations of wireless networks and how 5G will meet those needs.

Keywords

💡5G

5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile networks, which is a significant leap from its predecessors in terms of speed, reliability, and capacity. In the video, 5G is introduced as the main topic, with its standards, importance of spectrum, and differences in network architecture being highlighted. The script also discusses the evolution of mobile technology leading up to 5G, emphasizing its ability to provide unprecedented levels of connectivity.

💡Spectrum

Spectrum refers to the range of frequencies used for wireless communication. It is a critical resource for 5G networks as it determines the capacity and speed of the network. The script mentions the importance of spectrum in setting 5G standards, indicating that it is a foundational aspect of the new generation's capabilities.

💡Cellular Networks

Cellular networks are the infrastructure that enables mobile communication by dividing coverage areas into cells, each served by a radio-based station. The script traces the history of cellular networks from the first commercial network in Tokyo in 1979 to the current 5G era, illustrating the technological advancements and the transition from 1G to 5G.

💡1G

1G, or the first generation of mobile networks, introduced the concept of mobile telephony, allowing users to make voice calls while on the move. The script describes 1G as entirely analog with limited capabilities, such as supporting only voice calls at 2.4 kilobits per second, and the bulky devices that characterized this era.

💡2G

2G, or the second generation of mobile networks, brought digital technology to mobile phones, enabling not only voice calls but also SMS and MMS services. The script highlights 2G as the era that introduced instant messaging and low-speed data transfer, which was a significant step towards the mobile internet.

💡3G

3G, or the third generation of mobile networks, is characterized by its ability to provide mobile internet access with data rates of up to one megabit per second. The script mentions 3G as the era that moved towards interoperability and made online access on the move a reality, paving the way for smartphones and mobile applications.

💡4G

4G, or the fourth generation of mobile networks, is known for its high-speed data rates, allowing for high-resolution images, HD video services, and improved voice and text services. The script describes 4G as the technology that preceded 5G, with LTE (Long-Term Evolution) being a key standard that united global standards for mobile communication.

💡LTE Advanced

LTE Advanced is a technology that is considered a stepping stone between 4G and 5G, offering data transfer speeds 10 times faster than standard 4G. In the script, LTE Advanced is referred to as 4.5G, indicating its transitional role in the evolution of mobile networks towards 5G.

💡Health Concerns

Health concerns are mentioned in the script as a topic of discussion related to 5G networks. While the script does not delve into specifics, it acknowledges that there are debates and considerations regarding the potential health effects of increased wireless communication technologies.

💡Interoperability

Interoperability refers to the ability of different systems or components to work together. In the context of the script, it is discussed in relation to 3G and the move towards global compatibility in mobile networks, allowing users to use the same handset across different continents.

💡Mobile Internet

Mobile internet is the ability to access the internet via mobile devices, which became more prevalent with the advent of 3G and 4G networks. The script discusses the evolution of mobile internet from the early days of dial-up and ADSL connections to the high-speed, on-the-go access provided by modern mobile networks.

Highlights

Introduction to a course on 5G by Mike McDonald from Huawei Technologies.

5G will provide unprecedented levels of connectivity, building on the always-online experience provided by 4G.

A brief history of mobile phones, starting with fixed landlines and the limitations of early communication methods.

The introduction of 1G by Bell Labs in the 1970s, enabling mobile connections and the launch of the first commercial cellular network in Tokyo in 1979.

1G's limitations including slow speeds, analog transmission, and bulky devices.

The transition to 2G, introducing digital voice calls, SMS, and MMS, and the emergence of instant messaging.

Different 2G standards deployed in various regions, such as GSM in Europe and CDMA in the US.

The arrival of 3G around 2000, offering one megabit per second data connectivity and the move towards interoperability.

The common use of color screen smartphones and the rise of mobile services during the 3G era.

The unification of global standards with LTE technology in 2009, leading to 4G and data rates of about 100 megabits per second.

The approval of LTE Advanced in 2011, sometimes referred to as 4.5G, offering data transfer speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.

The half-step advancements in mobile technology, such as GPRS (2.5G) and HSDPA (3.5G), improving data rates and latency.

The dawn of the 5G era, with capabilities of up to 20 gigabits per second and significantly reduced latency.

5G's impact on latency-critical applications such as remote controlling heavy machinery.

A historical overview of five decades of mobile standards evolution from 1G to 5G.

The upcoming episode's focus on rising expectations of wireless networks and how 5G will meet those needs.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Music]

hi i'm mike mcdonald from huawei

technologies welcome to part 1 of this

course on 5g

in this series we will learn what 5g is

how 5g standards are set the importance

of spectrum and how modern 5g network

architecture differs from previous

generations

we will also discuss health concerns

once fully deployed 5g networks will

provide unprecedented levels of

connectivity but already with 4g we

become used to being online at all times

checking directions

keeping up with friends ordering food

from an app

just grab the smartphone

but how do we get here

mobile phones have been around for only

40 years or so

before you reached out to someone by

dialing on a fixed landline

it did the job but it had limitations

chatting was literally a chat

you could only use a phone for talking

and because the lines were fixed you

were unreachable if you were on the move

then came the 70s platform shoes

colorful clothes disco music

and a whole lot of freedom

the u.s firm bell labs an r d subsidiary

of at t that's now part of nokia free

telephones from landlines when it

introduced the idea of cellular networks

[Applause]

welcome

to 1g

in cellular networks coverage areas are

divided into cells each cell has a radio

based station providing signal coverage

that enables connections between a

mobile phone and an operator's fixed

network

the world's first commercial cellular

network was launched in tokyo in 1979 by

nippon telegraph and telephone or ntt

it was based on a standard called

advanced mobile phone system or amps

in europe the first cell network used

was the nordic mobile telephone standard

it was set up in 1981 in scandinavian

countries

[Music]

in the u.s chicago was the first city to

provide cell phone coverage in 1983.

the network also used amp standard but

not quite the same as the one deployed

in japan

with 1g users could be reached while on

the move

but there was room for improvement

with top speeds of 2.4 kilobits per

second 1g only supported voice calls 1g

was entirely analog meaning that calls

connected like radio signals

sound quality was subject to

interference

and it was hard to guard against

unauthorized eavesdropping

calling was also expensive and battery

life was short

and the devices were really bulky the

first japanese mobiles were shoulder

phones weighing three kilograms

yet despite all this early mobile phones

were status symbols

if you had one

you must have been special

mobile phones went digital in the late

80s enter the 2g era

aside from voice calls 2g had two key

features one it offered a 160 character

short message service or sms

two it had a low speed data transfer

service known as mms or multimedia

messaging

with these two features instant

messaging was born

this is either a blessing or a curse

depending on

ah sorry should have solved my phone

but as with 1g 2g standards weren't

united

europe deployed gsm mobile networks

while the us and a few other countries

went with cdma

japan meanwhile turned to a technology

called pdc for its 2g services

throughout the 1990s the number of

internet users boomed as more and more

homes and businesses got either dial up

or adsl connections

around the year 2000 3g appeared it

offered one megabit per second data

connectivity

this made online access possible while

on the move

with 3g the mobile industry moved

decisively towards interoperability 3g

wasn't a unified global standard but at

least it was based on compatible

versions of cdma technology

it wasn't always easy to get online

access while traveling

but with a few exceptions like japan and

south korea

travelers could use the same handset

to make or receive calls on different

continents

it's during the 3g era that smartphones

with color screens became common

and database services like mobile

banking

movie ticketing and social media began

to multiply

around 2009 global standards were fully

united by lte technology or long-term

evolution when 3g gave way to 4g

instead of cdma lte implemented a new

architecture that allowed data rates of

about 100 megabits per second

now you could enjoy

voice

text

high resolution images

and high definition video services

in 2011 the standard setting

organization third generation

partnership project or 3gpp

approved lte advanced a technology that

boosted data transfer speeds by 10 times

to 1 gigabits per second

lte a is also called 4.5 g because it's

somewhere between 4g and 5g

in fact wireless technology generations

tend to advance in half steps between 2g

and 3g there was a standard called gprs

that was referred to as 2.5 g and

between 3g and 4g a technology called

high speed downlink packet access or 3.5

g boosted data rates while lowering

latency

and now we're in the early days of the

5g era

what are the big changes from 4g or

should i say

4.5 g

well an obvious capability is more

bandwidth 5g offers up to 20 gigabits

per second to give a sense of scale

downloading a 4k movie takes a few

seconds on a 5g phone compared with 5 to

10 minutes in 4g

5g provides more reliable connections

and nearly instantaneous network

response

it can be deployed in latency critical

applications like remote controlling

heavy machinery

and 5g has such a fast response times

if you lose an online game you can't

blame a slow internet well that was five

generations of mobile standards across

five decades

i hope you enjoyed this brief history of

wireless communications

in the next episode we'll look at our

rising expectations of what wireless

networks should deliver

and how 5g will meet those needs

[Music]

[Music]

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