What is 2G (Second Generation) mobile Network?

2G refers to second generation wireless telecommunication technology. While its predecessor, 1G, made use of analog radio signals, 2G uses digital radio signals.
2G telecom networks were commercially launched in 1991 on the GSM standard in Finland. The 2G systems were found to be considerably more efficient on the spectrum, allowing far greater mobile phone penetration levels. Moreover, the phone conversations were digitally encrypted. Second generation technologies are either time division multiple access (TDMA) or code division multiple access (CDMA). TDMA allows for the division of signal into time slots. CDMA allocates each user a special code to communicate over a multiplex physical channel. Different TDMA technologies are GSM, PDC, iDEN, iS-136.CDMA technology is IS-95. GSM has its origin from the Group special Mobile, in Europe. GSM (Global system for mobile communication) is the most admired standard of all the mobile technologies. Although this technology originates from the Europe, but now it is used in more than 212 countries in the world. GSM technology was the first one to help establish international roaming. This enabled the mobile subscribers to use their mobile phone connections in many different countries of the world’s is based on digital signals ,unlike 1G technologies which were used to transfer analogue signals. GSM has enabled the users to make use of the short message services (SMS) to any mobile network at any time. SMS is a cheap and easy way to send a message to anyone, other than the voice call or conference. This technology is beneficial to both the network operators and the ultimate users at the same time.

Advantages

• Digital signals require consume less battery power, so it helps mobile batteries to last long
•  Digital coding improves the voice clarity and reduces noise in the line.
• Digital signals are considered environment friendly.
• The use of digital data service assists mobile network operators to introduce short message service over the cellular phones. Digital encryption has provided secrecy and safety to the data and voice calls.
•  The use of 2G technology requires strong digital signals to help mobile phones work. If there is no network coverage in any specific area, digital signals would be weak. 

Disadvantages

• Voice quality is not impressive if compare to Analog Signals
• Making Clone of numbers is not possible, just like Analog.
• Towers availability in the location is also a very important part of Digital Signals.
• If the network is not so good then user may face call drop problems.
• Data loss is also a major problem between the users because there is no dedicated path for data transfer.