4G Broadband
Fourth generation networks – or 4G mobile broadband as it is better known – is the telecommunications industry’s leap to the next phase of wireless networking standards. If 2.5G is the onset of a digital network and 3G is taking steps towards offering mobile broadband, then a 4G mobile broadband is believed to be the wireless technology of the future; and one that will leave 3G behind in its shadow.
4G: the undefined vision
4G mobile broadband is on its way although many companies are employing the 4G mobile broadband acronym as a fierce marketing tool so be careful about whose advertising slogan you believe. Many companies are genuinely progressing with the development of 4G mobile broadband; however, what constitutes 4G mobile broadband is still yet to be clearly documented.
An improved mobile broadband service with 4G
What we do know is that when 4G mobile broadband does arrive, the wireless broadband speeds and data rates currently experienced with a 3G network will be much higher and facilities such as voice, data and streamed multimedia will be accessible to users on an ‘anytime, anywhere’ basis.
4G mobile broadband will be able to handle growing amounts of wireless voice, date, video and audio transmissions more efficiently. 4G mobile broadband is more cost effective than preceding technologies and offers better performance than the networks we have today.
Packet vs. circuit switching
A 4G mobile broadband network will be based on packet-switching technology, compared to a telephone service which is based on a circuit- switching technology. Whereby circuit-switching is better when sending live, real time data such as audio and video signals; 4G mobile broadband packet-switching process outperforms circuit-switching when it comes to dealing with email messages and web pages.
4G mobile broadband means greater efficiency and better performance
With 4G mobile broadband chipsets presenting a lower cost option than the current 3G chipset; in addition to the fact that a 4G mobile broadband network offers a standard of wireless broadband service that has never been experienced before; 4G mobile broadband is sure to open up a world of opportunities that will benefit the global economy. We will undoubtedly see more 4G compatible devices introduced to the market as new products are developed to take advantage of the improved 4G broadband performance.
