###### tags:`#basicinternet` `#21202homework` ### author: Christopher Wong (王雋宇) # The evolution of portable internet connection technology. ## Abstract Since the end of industrialization, which is also the start of the age of information, massive data transfer has occurred every day. While information technology has been developed, the size of data files is also getting bigger, making it a significant load of every current-using Internet system. Thankfully, the techniques of Internet connection are also evolving. Nowadays(in 2020), the fastest information transfer rate measured in University College London has reached an astonishing number of 1.78\*10^8 Mbps(you can download all of the films on Netflix in 1 second). However, it is still an experimental technology, and we can still imagine how exciting and fantastic Internet service can be offered to every individual soon. After finishing introducing the out looking, it is time to review the footprints we have made. ## The evolution of Internet connection system ### 1g Using analog signal as the medium to transfer data(same as FM radio) provides a basic audio transfer service, of course, no internet connection(no way to transfer text and pictures). In this period, the internet systems were always equipped with automobiles, seldom appeared on individual mobile devices. ```Analog signals, such as natural water waves, sound, light, can transfer information by its periodic variations. It can offer an infinite resolution of property theoretically .``` ### 2g As the information technologies evolved, the analog wave was found easily damaged, interfered, and tapped due to its property. So after digital technology has been well developed, the rest of the Internet generations all relies on digital signals(except for 1G). According to the property of the digital transfer, not only audio but also pictures and text can be digitalized and transferred. The widespread of personal mobile devices also occurred in this period. It can offer an internet speed of 50kb/s, with the method of packet-switching(GPRS)(also called 2.5G), it can reach a speed of 171kb/s. With the crowd eventually familiarized with the Internet, Internet service requirements are also getting heavier and need a new Internet transfer technology. ### 3g Due to the widespread of personal mobile devices, improvements in Internet speed were keen in need. The further implantation of CDMA(Code Division Multiple Access) was well developed for this vital mission. It had remarkable advancements on the download ability of the Internet system and technically relieved the heavy load of the voice call. In a static space, it can theoretically offer a speed of 2Mbps, with some particular system(Etc. ESDPA, a.k.a 3.5G ), it can reach a speed of 14Mbps. ### 4g Differently from 2G and 3G, 4G not only Internet service but also voice calls are treated as GPRS, which cause the 4G voice calls to be incompatible with the former two generations. By increasing the frequency and better file compression, 4G Internet-connect has a significant advancement that reaches 100Mbps that can handle live records, high-resolution video, real-time cloud render games, Etc. However, oppositely, due to its high frequency, it also impairs the ability of signal obstacles to go through. That tremendously increases the number of signal towers that should be built. ### 5g 5G, Being the latest and the most fantastic Internet system in the present, it is an upgraded version of 4G LTD-A and WiMAX-A. The current 5G service can reach a theoretical speed of 10gigabits per second(100 times faster than 4G LTD). The principles of 5G's speed improvements are the same as 4G(increase frequency), making it take more signal transmitters to expand the Internet range. It is a great problem for not only telecom operators but also the government to solve.