[Kanani, 3(2): February, 2014] ISSN: 2277-9655 Impact Factor: 1.852 http: // www.ijesrt.com(C)International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology [803-810] IJESRT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES & RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY A Survey on Evolution of Mobile Networks:1G to 4G Mr. Pratik Kanani *1 , Dr.Kamal Shah 2 , Mr.Vikas Kaul 3 *1 M.E.IT(pursuing) , Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Mumbai-400101, India 2 Professor, IT Department, Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Mumbai -400101, India 3 Assistant Professor, IT Department, Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Mumbai -400101, India pratikkanani123@gmail.com Abstract In this paper, we discuss generations of mobile networks and its step by step evolution. Mobile communications using wireless technology began in 1970s known as zeroth generation. Today it has reached till fourth Generation and several researchers are working on the designing and architectures of 5G. So here we focus on technologies associated with each generation and how the previous generations have helped the next generation to evolve and serve as a core technology by fulfilling the user’s requirement. Keywords: 0G-4G, GSM, HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, UTRAN, WCDMA, HSPA, OFDM, WiMAX, LTE, Vertical Handoff . Introduction During last few decades mobile communications have developed rapidly. The zeroth generation or pre cellular technology was analog system with limited range. With the evolution of first generation the size of the transmitter and receiver reduced and the concept of cell introduced. 2G introduced GSM architecture [6][7] that eliminated the roaming drawback of 1G with extra utility of SMS by using digital systems. After 2G, quite modifications were done to the original GSM architecture to improve and make it more efficient. 2.5G system includes HSCSD and GPRS [5]. 2.75G known as EDGE [5] was introduced which required only software upgrade to existing BS. After such modifications in architectures and transmission techniques 3G [5] came to existence, which deploys CS and PS both based on the kind of traffic available. 3.5G – HSPA [10] is the combination of HSDPA and HSUPA. 3.75G introduced HSPA+ [10] known as HSPA evolution which was 3GPP initiative to enhance performance and capabilities of HSPA. 4G network provide much higher data rates than recent 3G networks. It is a IP based PS ultra broadband standard. Focus on 4G technology is given with OFDM [12], WiMAX [12] and its architecture, LTE and its architecture [14] with security issues. At the end we discuss types of handoffs in 4G. To contribute in current technology one must know the previous history of technology and its pros and cons. This paper helps reader to understand the previous mobile generations and its step by step evolution till 4G. Earlier Generations Zeroth Generation This was the first mobile communication technology also known as pre-cellular system. Here a central antenna was mounted per region and strong transmitters and receivers were used to send and receive the data such as push to talk. This generation used half duplex and analog mode of communication [1][2]. First Generation 1G was basically an analog cellular system with circuit switched network architecture deployed in 1981. The data traffic was mainly in voice. It used FDMA as a multiplexing technique with peak speed of 1.9kbps [3,4]. The most successful standards were Total Access Communication System (TACS), Advance Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) and Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) [5]. The major problems associated were limited services, low data rates, inadequate fraud protection and poor security with no roaming. Second Generation The main difference between 1G and 2G is analog/digital split. With the introduction of GSM architecture in 1991, 2G was now capable of handling roaming with Short Message Service (SMS) facility. The main traffic in this circuit switched architecture was voice and data with FDMA and TDMA as their multiplexing techniques. In this generation the data rates were 9.6kbps – 14.4 kbps [4]. Next mobile generations are nothing but evolution of core GSM architecture.