1G to 5G Wireless Networks: Where We Started – and Where We’ll Go

Ever since the first cell phones entered the market in the 1980s with 1G networks, mobile technology – and, of course, the Internet – have changed dramatically and changed our world in the process.

And with mentions of fifth generation mobile networks – 5G – filling the news this week, it might be hard to believe that it was only 10 years ago that 4G was released.

Things have certainly changed since then; not only have smartphones become staples in our everyday lives, but with the rise of interconnected devices and smart objects through the system of the Internet of Things (IoT), we’re beginning to move into a new era of faster communication with 5G.

This infographic by TopReviewHut offers a great explanation of the history of wireless networks, what each was designed for, and what 5G can be expected to provide.

Let’s take a look back at the history of wireless networks from 1G to 5G to see where we started, how far we’ve come, and where we can expect to be by the 2020s….