2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
Cellular
Cellular technology originated in 1973 with the first handheld mobile phone call. By 1983, the first commercial mobile phone was introduced, marking the dawn of 1G technology. The 1990s saw the advent of 2G with GSM networks, providing significant improvements in voice quality and security. The early 2000s brought 3G, enabling mobile internet access and video calls. 4G LTE, launched in 2009, revolutionized the cellular landscape by offering high-speed data transfer rates, paving the way for mobile streaming and online gaming. 5G began rolling out in 2019, promising unprecedented speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect a vast number of devices, thus facilitating the growth of IoT and smart cities. As of 2023, there are over 1.5 billion 5G connections worldwide.
Cellular Performance
3G offers data transfer rates from 144 kbps to over 2 Mbps and operates on frequencies between 800 MHz and 2100 MHz. Using WCDMA and CDMA2000 standards, 3G can handle multiple data streams simultaneously, allowing for more robust communication. 4G LTE brought high-speed data transfer rates, often exceeding 100 Mbps and sometimes reaching up to 1 Gbps. It uses a broader range of frequency bands, from 600 MHz to 2700 MHz, and employs OFDMA and MIMO technologies to improve bandwidth. 5G, starting in 2019, offers speeds up to 10 Gbps, very low latency, and the ability to connect many devices at once. It uses new spectrum bands, including millimeter waves (28GHz and higher), and technologies like Massive MIMO, beamforming, and network slicing to support IoT and smart cities.
Cellular Band Categories and Typical Frequency Ranges
Advancements in cellular technology make the latest developments appealing. However, the choice between technologies depends on the application, region and network provider. The tables below are a helpful guide on the cellular band categories and typical frequency ranges used worldwide.
Cellular Antennas
A cellular antenna receives signals from various network towers, enabling communication and data transmission for mobile devices. The type and effectiveness of the cellular antenna directly impacts the quality and reliability of the connection. Cellular antennas come in various sizes and form factors, including ceramic and dielectric surface mount devices (SMD), flexible PCB, monopole, dipole, and cross-polarized omnidirectional dipole antenna designs. Embedded antennas have two sub-categories, on-PCB and off-PCB antennas, while external antennas have two sub-categories, terminal mount and cabled antennas. The choice of antenna for your device depends significantly on its commercial application. Other key considerations include the type of enclosure, available space, required directionality, whether the device is static or mobile, and the method of connection to the antenna. Selecting the right cellular antenna is crucial for ensuring optimal performance of your system. Key parameters to consider are included on the graphic to the right.
Cellular Modules
Selecting the correct cellular module plays a crucial role in boosting the performance and reliability of your device. When a cellular module is selected, the carrier that module is activated on will typically mandate that the radio makes use of the full number of antennas specified for its category. Except in a few very specific situations, this requirement is generally not waived. To maximize your cellular module's capabilities, choose one that offers access to a wide range of frequencies and bands. This will ensure that your module can tap into the signals transmitted by various network providers, enabling you to benefit from a larger pool of measurements and achieve enhanced connectivity and improved performance. The performance of a cellular module is heavily dependent on the quality of its integration with the antenna. A poor-performing antenna can introduce errors in the communication data, leading to reduced efficiency and sub-par performance. Taoglas offers reference guides tailored for top module providers to streamline the process of choosing the ideal Cellular antenna. Check them out at the button below.
What You Need to Know
Don't Underestimate Cellular Pre-Certification
If you want to sell an IoT device with Cellular in it, then you will need carrier certification. However, navigating these certifications can be challenging for companies without RF expertise. Cellular certifications by network providers, especially in the US and Japan, can be challenging due to the rigorous standards and detailed testing processes required. We've created a helped guide to help you understand the key carrier certification process considerations for devices in and outside the US. Click the button below to learn about Cellular certification requirements and what you need to consider about pre-certification.
