The first lesson of wireless / mobile communication may possibly be the evolution of history regarding to different generations of technology. Of course it would be far too old if we trace it back before the modern information era. It would be a good start if we start at 19th centry.
In 1865, Maxwell develops the electromagnetic theory: \(\nabla \cdot \mathbb{D} = \rho_V \\ \nabla \cdot \mathbb{B} = 0 \\ \nabla \times \mathbb{E} = -\frac{\partial \mathbb{B}}{\partial t} \\ \nabla \times \mathbb{H} = \mathbb{J} + \frac{\partial \mathbb{D}}{\partial t}\)
In 1879, Hertz demonstrates the existence of electromagnetic waves, experimentally confirming Maxwell’s theory.
In 1888, Marconi invents the wireless telegraph, enabling long-distance communication without wires.
In 1901, Marconi successfully transmits the first transatlantic radio signal, marking a significant milestone in wireless communication. Since then, radio and TV become most widespread wireless communication media in decades.
In 1947, Bell Labs invents the transistor, revolutionizing electronics and paving the way for modern communication devices.
In 1948, Claude Shannon publishes “A Mathematical Theory of Communication,” laying the foundation for information theory and digital communication. Shannon’s work establishes the theoretical limits of error-free transmission based on the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and bandwidth—a principle that remains fundamental to all wireless systems today.
In 1960, the launch of satellites pushes the development of satellite wireless communications.
In 1973, Martin Cooper of Motorola makes the first handheld mobile phone call, demonstrating the potential of mobile communication. As in 70s, much research in cellular wireless communications for terrestrial applications is conducted by Bell Labs, AT&T, and other companies.
In 1979, Nippon Telephone and Telegraph cellphone system (Tokyo) is the first commercial cellular network, marking the beginning of the mobile communication era in Japan.
In 1983, the first commercial cellular network is launched in the United States, marking the beginning of the mobile communication era.
In 1990s, IEEE develops the IEEE 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), not a cellular system.
Since then, the development of mobile communication technology has been on the track of evolution rapidly and transformatively, leading to the various generations of wireless communication we have today.