4G technology is the fourth level of wireless technology available from wireless cellular carriers that utilizes ultra mobile broadband. The first generation of wireless technology available, 1G, refers to the analog signal used by cellular towers. 2G technology upgraded the analog signal to digital and allowed the inclusion of sending text messages across the network. 3G technology made use of electromagnetic wavelengths, known as spectrum, to broadcast a wireless broadband signal that allowed users to access the Internet and download applications using a 3G data card or a handheld mobile device such as a Blackberry or iPhone. 4G technology upgrades further to faster information transfer times, heightened security and greater information exchange abilities.
Ultra mobile broadband refers to the rate of data transmission available on the wireless network. 4G technology may provide data transmission rates between 100Mbps and 1Gbps. For comparison, 3G networks offer data transmission speeds averaging around 200kbps. Network connections on 4G may also be more accurate during travel when user and tower locations are at a constant rate of change—for example, when a user is traveling in a car and signals transfer between towers. This faster, more accurate connection likely can enable the transmission of larger packets of data than 3G networks. Users may be able to access increasingly information-heavy applications, such as HD television signals and real time audio during video chat.
4G wireless service may include modems, netbooks and cell phones. 4G mobile hotspots may offer wireless connections for multiple devices, including computers, netbooks, handheld gaming systems, and mobile phones; with the 4G technology, users may be able to simultaneously download large applications to each device as well. A 4G netbook could operate similarly to a lap top, but with smaller memory and fewer drives; it may offer instant Internet access, downloading, and real-time Web chatting.
4G technology may provide a new wave in downloading capabilities for consumers regardless of which device they choose. Developers have established certain standards for the high performance capabilities of the 4G network; this service may be difficult to provide on on existing cellular towers, however, as they number of users increases. Data transmission slows naturally when there is a large ratio of users to local towers. The United States Congress, with the implementation of digital television, increased available spectrum bandwidth, boosting the networks’ transmission capacity, but such technological improvements may not be enough for a full transition to 4G technology.
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FootballKing
Post 6 |
While there is much hype about the new and improved roll out of 4g wireless technology I think that some will need to take heed at the claiming the end of home-based internet connectivity.
The new connection speeds that wireless carriers are advertising to consumers are far from fully tested or even acceptable as truthful statements. Sprint's 4g technology, also called WiMax has seen some incredibly promising tests and has even rolled out in certain markets with people using the service as we speak.
The initial reports about this technology cite issues with location and signal strength. If you are located in a major metropolitan area then most likely you will not have any issues and get close to if not better then the advertised data speeds. If you are a citizens of a more modestly sized city area like most American's are then you may not see the same type of speeds that the network touts as it's advantage over others. |
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Ubiquitous
Post 5 |
@youbiKan is correct in suggesting that home-based internet service companies will now see fierce competition in major markets from 4g mobile technology providers.
Because the data speeds and connection reliability have started to come inline with home-based cable and DSL providers people will start to migrate to a wireless solution as to take advantage of the mobility that it offers.
Much like the mass exodus away from land-line based telephones to mobile phones, consumers recognize that having an internet connection at home as well as on their mobile device or laptop computer is both costly and redundant. If we are capable of using our wireless devices for data connectivity both on the go and at home with similar performance then the transition is inevitable. |
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youbiKan
Post 4 |
My favorite part about the new 4G network technologies that are rolling out across the United States is the incredible data speed increases that will result for the end consumer's devices.
This new benefit of the upgraded mobile technology means the difference between having a sub-standard internet speed connection and a blazing fast connection similar to the high-speed services that we see in our homes.
This upgrade to our wireless connection speeds on new 4g networks means that companies that specialize in home internet service will now face serious competition from wireless providers. |
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spreadsheet
Post 3 |
The major difference between 3g and 4g technologies is essentially a performance based contrast. As the ability for wireless networks to cover more and more areas the true race toward providing the best service has moved from having the largest network to having the fastest network.
This new competition between wireless carriers for speed as opposed to coverage means that consumers will benefit from this natural economic competition. Since 4g technology is a generic term we must be conscious of specifications and policies when choosing our next carrier and their service. |
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thumbtack
Post 2 |
@fitness234 is right when talking about the importance of the electromagnetic spectrum availability that wireless carriers have to maintain their signals.
Public auctions are held by the Federal Communications Commission at different times that allow these wireless technology providers to purchase use of the specific frequencies.
Different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum will yield varying speed and bandwidth performance for our wireless devices. As 4G technology rolls out we will have to be keen as consumers to analyze what kind of performance and reliability of signal these different carriers are making available for service purchase.
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fitness234
Post 1 |
The most amazing part that people seem to miss when it comes to talking about the progression of generations in the wireless technology market, is the fact that the use of highly specific parts of the electromagnetic spectrum make the industry possible.
Just as the author states in the article, there was a progression of technology from analog to digital signals that happened fairly early on in the development and launch of wireless markets. Perhaps the biggest change in spectrum use came in as the third generation and now fourth generations are rolling out.
These spectrums are actually purchased by the wireless network companies for exclusive rights to broadcast and receive signals at very specific frequencies. There is only so much room on the electromagnetic spectrum and with the use of wireless devices ever increasing this means that our newer technology must cram more data into the same amount of airspace.
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