n1G
(AMPS, etc)
–Analog,
primarily voice, less secure, low bit data rate
n2G
(GSM, CDMA, etc) and 2.5 G (GPRS)
–Digital,
more secure, voice and data
n3G
(W-CDMA, CDMA2000, etc) and 3.5 G
–Digital,
multimedia, global roaming across a single network, 144Kbps to several Mbps, limited IP
interoperability
n4G
(TBD)
–Global roaming across multiple wireless networks, 10-100
Mbps, IP interoperability for
seamless mobile Internet
Source: Evolution and
Emerging Issues in Mobile Wireless Networks,
Communications of the
ACM, June 2007, pages 38-43