Cellular network types are the different generations of wireless technology used to send voice and cellular data. Starting with 1G in the 1980s, each new generation has brought faster speeds, better coverage, and more ways to connect.

What is a cellular network?

A cellular network is a form of technology composed of small coverage zones called cells. Each one has an antenna that connects devices to the network. Calls, texts, and data move through these antennas and into a central system that handles routing and switching.

The key benefit is mobility. Users can move between cells without dropping a connection. That’s what makes mobile service work while traveling or working offsite.

We build private cellular networks for businesses that need coverage where Wi-Fi can’t reach—across warehouses, job sites, or outdoor areas. Our systems are designed to support mobility, uptime, and security from the ground up.

How a cellular network differs from Wi-Fi or LAN

Cellular networks use licensed airwaves. Wi-Fi and LANs use open, shared bands. That changes how far they reach and how much traffic they handle.

Wi-Fi works well in small spaces. It runs on local routers and access points. 

Cellular networks cover wide areas and use towers, antennas, and strict traffic control.

Some sites need both. We often layer private cellular on top of Wi-Fi to fill gaps in coverage or support mobile gear like scanners, carts, or tablets.

Macrocell, microcell, and femtocell explained

Cellular networks rely on different node types to manage signal range, traffic volume, and coverage quality. The size of each cell affects how well a network performs in a given area.

Macrocell

A macrocell can cover several miles. It’s built for range, not detail. These nodes often sit on towers, rooftops, or hillsides and are common in rural zones, highways, and large suburbs. Power output is high enough to reach long distances, but signal quality drops indoors.

Microcell

Microcells serve smaller areas like city blocks or business parks. They're ideal where user density is high and signal demand outpaces what a macrocell can handle. Placement is often closer to ground level—on building ledges, utility poles, or street fixtures.

Femtocell

Femtocells are ultra-small. These are deployed inside buildings to fix weak spots, often using a wired internet link to backhaul traffic. Offices, basements, and reinforced buildings benefit the most from femtocell use.

Most enterprise sites need a mix of all three. Our cellular designs combine macro-level coverage with targeted indoor cells to support full mobility across warehouses, factories, and mixed-use sites.

Role of towers, antennas, and backhaul

A tower supports antennas that send and receive wireless signals. Those antennas connect to on-site radios and baseband gear that convert traffic for transport across the wider network. Once signals are processed, they’re sent back to the internet or a private system using backhaul. Fiber is ideal, but microwave links are an option when digging is limited.

Backhaul can quietly limit your whole system. Bottlenecks here cause delay, jitter, or dropped sessions—even if the antenna signal looks strong.

We handle everything from antenna placement to fiber design as part of our network installation process. That includes pairing cellular with enterprise LAN or Wi-Fi to close performance gaps.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of cellular networks, here are all the types and how their speeds have increased over time:

The evolution of cellular network types

Cellular technologies have evolved over more than 40 years. Each new generation introduced advancements—starting with basic voice services and progressing to comprehensive mobile computing capabilities.

Today, most business networks rely on 4G LTE or private 5G. Understanding the generations helps explain what’s possible and what’s no longer worth using.

1G: Analog voice only (1980s)

The first 1G system was launched in the early 1980s. It supported voice calls but had no encryption, no texting, and no data.

Calls often dropped, audio was noisy, and towers handled fewer users at once. These networks ran on analog signals, which made them easy to intercept. Coverage was also limited, especially in cities. However, 1G systems are now shut down worldwide.

2G: Digital voice + SMS (early 1990s)

The next step of 2G brought the first big shift with digital encryption. That change improved call quality and made networks safer.

Text messaging (SMS) became widely used. The tech also introduced the GSM and CDMA divide. GSM gained traction in Europe and Asia, while CDMA was mostly used in the U.S.

Later upgrades like GPRS and EDGE allowed slow web browsing and email, but they couldn’t handle modern media or apps.

3G: Voice + mobile data (2000s)

It was 3G that made true mobile internet possible. Devices could stream music, use early social media, and run real apps.

Key technologies like WCDMA and HSPA boosted speed and reliability. On the CDMA side, carriers used EV-DO, which offered faster downloads but less flexibility with global roaming.

Smartphones gained popularity during this era, but 3G struggled to keep up with rising demand for video and cloud access.

4G LTE: Broadband mobility (2010s)

After that, 4G LTE replaced legacy systems with faster, IP-based networks. It enabled VoIP calls, real-time video, and enterprise-grade apps over mobile data.

Latency dropped, upload speeds improved, and tower capacity increased. LTE also removed the GSM/CDMA split, giving carriers a shared foundation.

Many companies still use LTE today for failover, remote work, and backup connectivity. Meter often integrates LTE into enterprise networking as part of hybrid deployments.

Even in the U.S., while 5G coverage has expanded and most new phones support it, many connections still fall back to 4G LTE due to coverage gaps, cost, or lack of support for 5G features like mmWave or SA (standalone) framework.

5G: High speed, low latency, massive IoT (late 2010s–present)

Today, 5G is built for more than phones. It supports IoT devices, remote control systems, and real-time services.

There are three spectrum bands:

• Low-band reaches far but has lower speeds.
• Mid-band balances speed and coverage.
• Millimeter wave (mmWave) offers ultra-fast speeds but only across short distances.

A 5G network enables network slicing, where bandwidth is split across services based on priority. Private networks run locally and offer better control, uptime, and data security.

Meter Cellular delivers private LTE and 5G using shared spectrum like CBRS through a mobile network as a service model—no carrier lock-in.

6G: (Emerging)

For now, 6G is still in the research phase. Projected features may include:

• Speeds in the terabit-per-second range
• Real-time AI processing at the network edge
• Frequencies above 100GHz
• Latency under one millisecond

No global standard exists yet, but field trials are underway. Early use cases focus on immersive media, satellite links, and intelligent sensing for robots or machines.

It’s possible that commercial 6G could arrive around 2030, but this hasn’t been proven.

Cellular network technologies by generation

Each of these phone generations encompasses specific technologies that define their functionality and supported services.

2G: GSM, GPRS, and EDGE

These technologies laid the groundwork for mobile data, but they can’t support today’s business demands:

• GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communications, became the dominant 2G standard around the world. It allowed digital voice and global roaming.
• GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) later added packet-switched data, giving phones access to basic web content.
• EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) improved speed but remained limited compared to later generations.

3G: UMTS, WCDMA, and HSPA

While 3G introduced higher-speed mobile internet, it was also the first generation to support the wave of mobile apps and cloud-based services, with: 

• UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) replaced GSM’s older core systems with better data handling.
• WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) increased how much data could be sent at once by using wideband radio signals.
• HSPA, or High-Speed Packet Access, made downloads and uploads faster and more reliable.

4G: LTE and LTE-Advanced

The 4G LTE innovation, or Long-Term Evolution, changed mobile networks into fast broadband systems. It made voice-over-IP and high-definition video common for mobile devices.

LTE-Advanced came later, boosting speeds by combining carriers and improving how antennas handle traffic. Many enterprise systems still depend on LTE today because of its coverage and reliability.

5G: New Radio, SA vs. NSA

Currently, 5G runs on a technology called New Radio, or NR. It brings faster speeds, lower latency, and support for many more connected devices.

There are two ways 5G can be deployed:

• Non-standalone (NSA) uses 4G LTE as the base and adds 5G where possible.
• Standalone (SA) runs on its own 5G core and allows full access to features like network slicing and real-time mobility.

How spectrum affects performance

Cellular networks operate on different spectrum types. Each one affects range, speed, and who can use it.

Licensed spectrum is bought at auction by carriers. It’s reliable and less crowded but expensive and tightly regulated.

Unlicensed spectrum, like 2.4GHz or 5GHz, is free to use. Wi-Fi runs here, but the open access can cause signal interference.

CBRS, or Citizens Broadband Radio Service, is a shared mid-band spectrum used in the U.S. It supports private LTE and 5G. We use CBRS in many business deployments to give teams local control without needing a carrier.

Cellular network examples and use cases

Cellular networks do more than connect phones. Many business tools rely on them to work without delay or drop-offs.

Public cellular networks

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer wide-area coverage. Public networks work for delivery drivers, field teams, and mobile staff. They handle large numbers of users, so speeds may drop when traffic spikes.

Service depends on tower placement and carrier coverage. Most businesses can’t control how strong the signal is or how traffic is managed.

Private LTE and 5G networks

Private networks give full control over who connects and how data moves. They’re used on factory floors, in warehouses, and across campuses.

We install these using CBRS and other shared spectrums. Designs can support mobile scanners, sensors, tablets, or even robots. Because no outside traffic is allowed, private networks are more secure and reliable.

IoT-specific cellular use

Many sensors use cellular but don’t need high speeds. NB-IoT (Narrowband internet of things) and LTE-M (Cat-M1) are made for low-power devices.

These standards work well in smart meters, tracking tags, parking tools, and building access systems. Devices stay online for years using a single battery.

Emergency services and retail backup

First responders use protected bands that keep their gear online during high-use times or network stress.

Retail stores often add LTE or 5G for backup. If the main internet fails, cellular keeps registers and payment apps online. Our enterprise networking includes options like this to reduce lost sales and downtime.

CDMA vs. GSM: The legacy divide

Before 4G LTE became the standard, mobile networks ran on two competing systems: CDMA and GSM. Each one handled calls, data, and roaming in a different way. 

They also shaped how phones were built and which networks they could use because of their different features:

How they worked

CDMA assigned a unique digital code to each call or data session. Many users could share the same frequency, and the network sorted them by code. This method didn’t rely on SIM cards in its original form.

GSM used time slots to divide up the signal. It required SIM cards to identify each user. This made swapping phones easier and helped standardize service across countries.

Where they were used

GSM became the global standard. Most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America adopted it. CDMA was mainly used in the United States by Verizon, Sprint, and a few smaller carriers. Outside the U.S., CDMA had limited support.

Phone compatibility problems

Devices made for one system rarely worked on the other. A CDMA phone couldn’t use a GSM SIM card. GSM phones couldn’t access CDMA towers. This created issues for global travel, device upgrades, and fleet planning.

Businesses with roaming needs had to choose phones and carriers carefully—or carry two devices.

Why it no longer matters

Eventually, 4G LTE replaced both systems with one global standard. It uses SIM cards and works across nearly all networks, regardless of legacy tech. The divide between CDMA and GSM ended with LTE and 5G.

How does a cellular network work?

A cellular network connects phones, tablets, and IoT devices to the internet through a mix of radio signals and wired connections. It uses towers, base stations, and a central core to move data and calls across wide areas.

What the radio access network (RAN) does

The RAN is the part of the network closest to users. It includes large towers, rooftop antennas, small cells, and indoor nodes. Devices like phones and routers connect wirelessly to the RAN to send and receive data.

Signal quality in the RAN depends on distance, obstacles, and interference. Small cells and indoor antennas help fill gaps where full towers can’t reach.

What the core network handles

The core network is where most of the routing happens. It checks who you are, where your data should go, and what services you can access. It connects to the internet or to other private networks using high-speed fiber or microwave links.

Modern cellular cores use packet switching for both data and voice. They also support advanced features like network slicing, which allows traffic to be separated and prioritized by use case.

What happens during handovers and roaming

When a user moves from one coverage area to another—like driving from one city block to the next—the network performs a handover. The device stays connected without needing to restart a call or data session.

Roaming happens when a user leaves their provider’s network and connects to another. This works between carriers and across borders, depending on agreements in place.

How bandwidth, latency, and jitter affect performance

Bandwidth controls how much data can move through the connection at once. Higher bandwidth means faster downloads and more reliable app use.

Latency measures delay. Lower latency improves responsiveness for things like video calls, robotics, and mobile apps.

Jitter is how much delay varies over time. High jitter makes voice and streaming media less stable, often leading to choppy sound or video.

We address these challenges with managed Wi-Fi solutions, often layered with private LTE or 5G. This gives better control over coverage, speed, and uptime in office and campus settings.

Private vs. public cellular networks

Most devices today connect to public mobile networks. However, for many enterprises, private LTE or 5G offers stronger performance, more control, and better long-term value. The right choice depends on what you’re trying to run and how much control you need.

Why go private

Private cellular gives businesses full control over how data moves and who can access the network. You manage quality of service (QoS), coverage areas, and device traffic. No data flows through a carrier’s infrastructure, which helps reduce risk and traffic competition.

Many enterprise environments—like factories, warehouses, school campuses, and medical centers—benefit from local cellular setups. They’re especially useful where public coverage is weak or unreliable.

What CBRS and shared spectrum unlock

CBRS is a shared mid-band spectrum available in the U.S. It makes private LTE and 5G possible without needing expensive licenses. CBRS supports high-capacity networks in small to medium areas, like a warehouse floor or an office building.

Should you build, buy, or subscribe?

Building your own network means planning for spectrum use, antennas, radio power, and security. This requires RF (radio frequency) engineering skills and dedicated teams to support and troubleshoot it.

Buying pre-built systems can work—but it often ties you to specific hardware vendors and long-term replacement cycles.

We offer managed network as a service, which lets businesses subscribe to private cellular the same way they do power or cloud tools. Meter handles the hardware, spectrum configuration, deployment, and updates.

Cost and complexity tradeoffs

Private LTE and 5G often cost more to set up than public access plans. But they offer more reliable speed, lower latency, and better control for time-sensitive apps.

However, subscription models reduce capital costs.

There’s no need to manage radio gear, SIM provisioning, or physical upgrades—Meter handles all of it. That makes it easier to roll out networks at multiple sites or expand on demand.

Cellular network planning for enterprises

Planning a cellular network takes more than buying hardware. You need the right coverage, devices, and layout for how your team works. Poor planning leads to dead zones, overuse, or unreliable service.

Start by mapping where people work and how much data they use

A busy warehouse with scanners and cameras will need more bandwidth than a quiet office. Coverage plans should include both indoor and outdoor zones—loading docks, garages, rooftops, and stairwells often get overlooked.

Decide how the network will connect to the rest of your systems

Some sites use standalone cores just for cellular. Others integrate with the LAN to move data between wireless and wired devices. A hybrid design combines both approaches, depending on security and routing needs.

Look at indoor vs. outdoor signal design

Walls, glass, and even HVAC ducts can block signals. Indoor coverage often uses microcells or small cells placed across ceilings or halls. Outside, macrocells or rooftop antennas cover parking lots, yards, or perimeter zones.

SIM provisioning is a necessity

Every device on your network—whether it’s a scanner, tablet, or sensor—needs a SIM card or eSIM. These need to match your network’s settings and be managed centrally. We handle SIM setup and activation as part of the network installation.

Every Meter deployment includes on-site surveys, signal tuning, and device onboarding. That way, you don’t waste time chasing dead spots or chasing down missed steps during launch.

Why your network type choice matters

Using the right generation impacts performance, security, and growth potential.

Older networks like 3G cannot support modern apps or encryption standards. Relying on them creates bottlenecks and maintenance risks.

Choosing 4G LTE or private 5G gives you higher capacity, better QoS, and future readiness. That includes support for emerging workloads like AR/VR, real-time telemetry, or remote factory control.

Virtualized RAN systems are gaining traction as software defines more of the network. That makes it easier to update and scale over time.

Future-proof your connectivity with Meter’s network experts

Choosing the right cellular network types is about matching performance to how your business runs. Some teams need private LTE. Others rely on shared spectrum or hybrid setups that combine fiber, Wi-Fi, and cellular in one system.

We offer full-stack networking as a managed service. That includes planning, installation, monitoring, and updates—without carrier lock-in or hardware sprawl.

Our team handles surveys, coverage design, and traffic needs across every layer. Whether you’re rolling out 5G, planning for backup, or connecting multiple sites, we can help.

Meter builds for today’s demands and future growth.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: Meter-built access points, switches, security appliances, and power distribution units work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed experience: Meter provides proactive user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide an address and floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly subscription fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.