What is 4G?
4G, an acronym for fourth-generation wireless, is a technology that will transform wireless communications in a completely new way. It is also known as “beyond 3G,” since it provides a comprehensive and secure IP (Internet Protocol) solution. Users will enjoy high quality streaming video and “anytime, anywhere” voice and data at a much higher speed than previous generations. The “anytime, anywhere” solution of 4G technology is also referred to as “MAGIC,” which is an abbreviation for mobile multimedia; anytime/anywhere; global mobility support; integrated wireless solution; and customized personal services. The fourth-generation wireless technology will provide a wide variety of new services including HD video (high definition video), and high quality voice and high-data-rate wireless channels. 4G technology will not only be used for cellular telephone systems, but will also include several types of wireless broadband access communication systems. With a higher data rate and broader ba
Now that Sprint has begun airing commercials advertising “Sprint 4G” and Cradlepoint’s latest firmware supports a few 4G modems, many people are wondering just what 4G is and how it effects them. 4G is simply a broad generic term for the fourth generation of mobile broadband technologies. There is currently no formal definition of 4G, but goals for 4G technology include creating highly-secure systems capable of providing between 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s speeds both indoors and outdoors with premium quality. WiMAX, which is still in its infancy but available from Clearwire and Sprint in some areas of the country, is considered a 4G mobile broadband standard, as is LTE (Long Term Evolution), which is being adopted by both Verizon and AT&T. Eventually, 4G technologies like WiMAX and LTE will replace 3G mobile broadband, just like EVDO and HSPA were improvements over 2G technologies like 1xRTT (AKA “NationalAccess”) and EDGE. However, 4G is still quite a ways away from being widely availabl
4G takes on a number of equally true definitions, depending on who you are talking to. In simplest terms, 4G is the next generation of wireless networks that will replace 3G networks sometimes in future. In another context, 4G is simply an initiative by academic R&D labs to move beyond the limitations and problems of 3G which is having trouble getting deployed and meeting its promised performance and throughput. In reality, as of first half of 2002, 4G is a conceptual framework for or a discussion point to address future needs of a universal high speed wireless network that will interface with wireline backbone network seamlessly. 4G is also represents the hope and ideas of a group of researchers in Motorola, Qualcomm, Nokia, Ericsson, Sun, HP, NTT DoCoMo and other infrastructure vendors who must respond to the needs of MMS, multimedia and video applications if 3G never materializes in its full glory. Motivation for 4G Research Before 3G Has Not Been Deployed? • 3G performance may not
