2G vs 2.5 G – Difference and Comparison

What is 2G?

2G is called second-generation wireless network Technology. G in 2G refers to generation. 2G cellular data network was launched in the year 1991 in Finland based on the GSM standard.

2G network uses the radio frequency spectrum, which allows more users per frequency band. 2G network provides better data service than an analog 1G network.

2G associates various networks to provide services like picture messages, MMS, text messages, etc. The radio signals on 2G are digital and better than the previous 1G network.

2G helps in the digital encryption of phone conversations, and text encryption between mobile and cellular base stations but not in the rest of the area network.

2G technology is based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). It was originally from Europe but in Japan CDMA, one (Is-95) was the main system and North America Digital AMPS(Is-54 and Is-136) was considered as the main system.

With a 2G network and its general packet radio service, it offers a maximum speed of 14 kbit/s (5kbps) and with enhanced data rates for GSM theoretically, the maximum speed is 384 kbit/s (48kbps).

What is 2.5G?

2.5 G is also called as second half generation and was launched in 1999. 2.5G is an upgraded version of the 2G network with extra features and advantages and a 2G network was provided.

2.5 G network offered many services like games, search and directory, Wap services, picture messages, SMS, etc. 2.5G use packet-switched networks, which are similar to the internet. 2.5G network provides better data services.

2.5G uses the same infrastructure and transmitters as 2G networks but also uses packet-switched data. 2.5 G has got better-browsing speed but is small as compared to 2G. The carrier frequency is 2.5 G is also seen as the same as 2G.

2.5G is considered as intermediate between 2G and 3G networks. 2.5G is associated with High- speed circuit-switched data I.e (HSCSD), Enhanced- Data- rate for Global Evolution, also Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS), and GRPS. With it, a 2G network can achieve a maximum speed of up to 384 KBPS, and also it can be low as 20 kbps.

Difference Between 2G and 2.5G

1. 2G is associated with only GSM Technology, whereas 2.5 G has TDMA and Code-Division, several accesses.
2. 2G only supports SMS services, while 2.5G supports MMS, mobile games, Web services, etc.
3. 2.5G supports public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and also packet switch network whereas 2G only support General packet Radio service I.e GPRS.
4. 2G supports GSM global system, iDEN, and D-MPS system, wherein 2.5G has GPRS and EDGE system.
5. Talking about speed, 2G has a maximum speed of up to 40 kbps to a maximum of 48kbps. On the other hand, 2.5G supports GPRS with 20-40kbps and 236.8 -384 kbps in EDGE.

Comparison Between 2G and 2.5G