What is 4G Network?

What is the mystery behind 4G network? What does 4G mean to those tech-savvy? In three precise terms, I attempt to unfold this enigma called 4G - better Internet speed. However, if Internet access is not your battleground, perhaps, you don't need to get all fussy about 4G. Nevertheless, for those who live on and by the Internet, if in case your phone has 4G compatibility, you're in possession of a fortunate widget, and trust me, I'm not prettying up. I, hereby, welcome you to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. This is what is 4G network, a successor to 2G and 3G, enabling faster and better Internet speed with many more services to make your life easier. Greater bandwidth, better downloading and uploading speed, rich quality video streaming - don't you just love technology?

What Does 4G Network Mean

4G or 4th generation of cellular wireless standards has been developed for serving users with a solely IP-based wireless networking solution. It comes with OFDMA or Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access digital modulation scheme, and hence, is referred to as a technology beyond 3G. 4G network enables its users with a secure Internet Protocol solution, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), allowing better video streaming, greater downloading and uploading speed, anytime and anywhere. For a user who is moving in a car or train, the highest downloading speed is no less than 100 Mbit/sec, whereas, for a stationary user, the speed requisites for 4G service set the highest downloading speed at 1Gbit/sec. Hey, you asked how fast is 4G, didn't you?

When one compares 4G vs 3G vs 2G, this is where 4G takes away all the brownie points, allowing its users the highest data rate and broader bandwidth flexibility of up to 40 MHz. High definition capabilities, better computing, speed up to 10 times better than that of 3G, Internet-TV availability, better video-conferencing, and voice-over-IP make up for all what is 4G network in line for.

You know, when collaborated with communication devices such as smartphones, 4G offers wireless LAN roaming with flawless connectivity. That is, perhaps, the key reason behind 4G phones being abbreviated as MAGIC - Mobile multimedia, Anytime anywhere, Global mobility support, Integrated wireless solution, Customized personal service). In order to comprehend to what more does 4G have to offer, you really need to use it to the fullest, and discover the performance level it has set for its competitors. For its devotees, Apple has got things rolling by introducing the Apple iPhone 4G, that has, undoubtedly, swayed users away with its features and performance. Think about it, the fifth generation of the Apple iPhone, iPhone 5G, is set to release somewhere around Spring. It's beyond our imagination as to what a 5G smartphone can really do!

For now, if at all you're interested in giving 4G network a go, here's something you need to know. To be honest, 4G Internet is very expensive for a layman to afford. 4G networks operate by their own set of plans, ranging from $30 to $300 on a monthly basis. If you really need to stay connected with the world, regardless of the time of the day, spending such a hefty amount on availing 4G network services makes some sense. However, if your Internet usage is limited to checking your Facebook account and updating Twitter statuses, I won't really recommend 4G network. That said, here's a concise list of what all you can expect from 4G network. Take a look for some revision.

    * 100 Mbits/sec data rate for moving users
    * 1Gbits/sec for stationary users
    * Wireless LAN roaming over multiple networks
    * Bandwidth up to 40 Mhz
    * Video Chat and Conferencing
    * Really, really fast

You asked what is 4G network able of. Seems to me, you have an answer now. Undeniably, 4G network has scored out 3G with its extraordinary features, bringing lightning fast Internet technology right at your feet. Here's hoping, we can soon avail all the benefits of 4G network, which seems to have revolutionized technology in its own innumerable ways.

How Fast is 4G

One of the most significant developments in recent technological history is the advent of the 4G network. This leads one to ask the question How fast is 4G, since all promotions of the network talk about blazing fast speed for mobile Internet and over the air data plans. If you look at all the new smartphones that have been released recently, or are on the way out soon, then they are all 4G compliant, and this goes to show the rising expectations from this network.

What is 4G?

4G implies the fourth generation of wireless Internet standards, and this is a step above the currently functioning 3G network. Over the 4G network one can enjoy extremely high speeds of data exchange and data transfer, and one can also enjoy enhanced levels of network security. What this means is that wireless networking will get faster, safer and more satisfactory than anything we have seen so far. Activities like streaming videos over the web, watching movies in real time, exchanging information and even watching live TV will become far more quicker and trouble-free than what it is already.

4G Internet service will primarily be used for cell phones, since these are the primary wireless devices in play today. Apart from these, even wireless broadband Internet will benefit from the 4G standards, and they will also witness an increased capacity for transferring HD videos, high quality voice protocols and other exchanges. Read more on what is 4G.

How Fast is 4G Internet

This brings us back to the original question. The kind of speeds that we can expect from the 4G network will be anything between 5 Mbits/second to 100 Mbits/second, depending on the kind of 4G network your service provider will offer you. The upper limit of this speed is hard to pin down and state accurately, since it depends heavily on a bunch of external factors. The infrastructure that is put in place by the service provider will play the biggest role. It is this very infrastructure that will take some amount of time to put into place, so we cannot expect the best possible results from 4G network just as yet. To get a clearer picture we must remember that the 3G network took almost a decade to get into place completely.

The major service providers in the United States at present are AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. Each of them now offers their own variant of 4G connectivity, but many people claim that these are not true 4G networks. The fact of the matter is that 4G connectivity will fall into place gradually, and not overnight. Here are the different variants of 4G network available.

    * HSPA+: T-Mobile provides this form of 4G Internet speed, and they say it has rolled out to almost 100 cities in the US. Download speeds can run up to 42 Mbits/second here.
    * WiMAX: This service is provided by Sprint, and it offers download speeds of almost 100 Mbits/second. The next level of WiMAX will apparently reach as high as 1 Gbits/second. Currently, 71 cities can enjoy this service.
    * LTE: Also known as Long Term Evolution, this service is provided by AT&T and Verizon. Right now 40 cities can enjoy speeds of around 100 Mbits/second, but this is perhaps the network with the most potential.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas last week, we saw a slew of 4G phones announced, and you can read about them in this article on new Android phones 2011. Even though 4G connectivity will take a few years to be perfected, we can expect 2G and even 3G technology to be phased out slowly. With this rapid change, it is wise to know all about 'How fast is 4G Internet'. Read more on 4G vs 3G.

Right now 4G connectivity is just something to brag about, and it is also pretty expensive. It is only a matter of time till the prices fall though, and for the network to be widely available to one and all. Once you realize how fast is 4G, you will not want to go back to the comparatively slower 3G mobile phones network. You will even get the option to use 4G Internet cards to access this network pretty soon. So all we need to do is cross our fingers and hope that this excellent new service comes rolling out sooner, rather than later.

4G Network

The 4G network has been getting a lot of media publicity recently, thanks to the introduction of a few smartphones from Samsung and HTC which work on this network. 4G is nothing but the fourth generation of wireless technology, and it simply implies faster download and upload speeds on the network. The biggest benefactors of this are going to be mobile phone users, because they will get highly advanced connectivity now.

The primary purpose of 4G network is to provide better transfer rates, more secure connections and enable better reception quality in general. This will inadvertently result in lesser dropped tasks, and clearer levels of reception as well. While the 1G network was used in the 80's, the 2G in the 90's and 3G in the noughties, it is now time for the 4G network to come to the forefront.

More About the 4G Network

As of now 4G is only limited to certain areas inside the United States, and this is because infrastructure and other facilities need a massive overhaul for this network to function. This is something that will happen in phases, as more and more mobile phone service carriers will start providing the service then. It is claimed, and these claims have evidence to back them up, that 4G network download speeds are 10 times faster than those of the 3G network, and this is huge for the mobile telecommunications market in general.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has still not approved the detailed plans of these networks, but there are some variations of the 4G network that are in place today. These are simply prototypes of the 4G network, but they are pretty impressive as well. These are the WiMAX network and the LTE network.

The WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network has been in use since 2006, and it offers speeds of up to 10 Mbit/second while working on the IEEE 802.16 wireless network standard. Sprint is a mobile service provider in the United States that offers this network. On the other hand, LTE stands for 3GPP Long Term Evolution, and this network is provided by Verizon, and this is said to be faster than the WiMAX connections, in spite of it still being in its infancy. Another form of 4G that is coming out slowly is the HSPA+ enabled 4G network that is provided by T-Mobile. The Verizon 4G network and 4G wireless broadband network from Sprint are limited to only a few geographical circles as of now, and it is only a matter of time before they spread to the entire country.

4G network is commonly abbreviated as MAGIC (Mobile multimedia, Anytime anywhere, Global mobility support, Integrated wireless solution, Customized personal service), and this accurately depicts what one can expect from the network. To understand the complex mechanism of the network itself one would need to look at many technical aspects, but from the users point of view we are only concerned with the levels of performance that it can bring us.

Complete implementation of the 3G network took many years, and it is going to be a similar situation with the 4G network as well. It will take time for the enhanced speeds to reach everyone, and till it does the service it is going to be an expensive one. Once it establishes itself properly, we can enjoy all our online activities at an even faster rate. Moreover, the security of the connections will also be assured, and we will not have to worry about such things again. You may also like to consult this article on 4G vs 3G.

The 4G network is yet another step in the telecommunications industry, and it will certainly revolutionize many things for us. Here's looking forward to it, and hoping that we can utilize all its features soon.

4G Internet

We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.
~ Carl Sagan

Continuing in the line of the above quote, there is much brouhaha these days with regards to 4G Internet and mobile devices and services being the in things in the domain of communications technology. Everyone is talking about getting that latest 4G cell phone model or thinking of dumping their current service providers in favor of getting a 4G Internet connection. However, other than knowing that 4G is the hot new wireless Internet access and communication technology that imparts God speed to all electronic and telecommunication media, very few are properly acquainted with what 4G actually means. Well, here's a workable guide if you wish to get a closer look at the wireless communications and Internet technology which you are presently using or which you intend to use soon. After all, it is always good to know the technological allies of your daily life up close, if not inside out! Won't you agree?

What is 4G?

4G is the acronym for 4th generation - 4th generation of cellular wireless standard. This technology has been developed with a view to provide a solely IP-based wireless, portable broadband solutions for wireless networking and communication devices such as laptops, smartphones, etc. So, what is 4G all about? Well, a 4G network is equipped with Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) digital modulation scheme as well as Single Carrier FDMA. Coupled with these are such coming-of-age technological conjunctions as dynamic channel allocation, multiple antennas and channel dependent scheduling. The speed requirements suggested for this wireless communications standards is fixed at 100 Mbit/s for wireless communication in a high mobility environment while you are on the go (such as from trains, cars, etc.) and at 1 Gbit/s for wireless communication in a low mobility environment (such as when you're commuting on foot or are stationed at a fixed spot).

So, How Is 4G Internet Service Better Than It's predecessors?

Well, as far as 4G vs 3G is concerned (or for that matter, if compared with any of the preceding standards of technology), 4G offers better quality and faster video streaming and allows smoother and faster upload and download of data. This is due to the fact that it is equipped with WiMAX, a telecommunication protocol which provides excellent, secure and a comprehensive service for mobile Internet access and wireless communication.

4G Internet Speed

All this talk about lighting speed data exchange and communications promised by 4G Internet must make you want to ask, "Get to the point, dude. How fast is 4G Internet?" As mentioned above, it's at the rate of 100 mbps for computing and Internet access on the move and 1 gbps for stationary users. If that ain't speedy enough then I don't know what is! Moreover, with 4G Internet, you're getting worldwide roaming facilities over a number of networks and you can enjoy a bandwidth flexibility up to a limit of 40 megahertz. Add video chat, Internet TV and video conferencing to it along with unbroken connectivity and you have a lethal combination of speed, efficacy, continuity and mobility. Unless you're a NASA scientist who's keeping a tab on satellites and space crew every minute of his life - even when he's on his way to the NASA laboratory (or whichever place it is where they do all these techno-geeky stuff), you're getting more than you need on a daily basis from your 4G Internet card!

So, I guess now you know 4G Internet better than you did before hitting this page. Therefore, if you have your eyes on that iPhone 4G for sometime now, you know for sure what you're gonna get in the entire package. 4G is for better, faster and continuous Internet access and this technology is here to stay - till of course 5G or any other advancement or upgradation is conceived and evolved.

What is 3G Network

Welcome to the third generation of mobile networking and communications. If you're still nonplussed over what is 3G network, I can't help but making a straight face. An extensive array of enhancements accompanies 3G mobile phones, for example, high-speed Internet, enhanced multimedia access, and international roaming, making it a rather better pick for wireless technology access. If you're fond of having Internet access onto your phone, 3G network offers connectivity to your phone with the Internet and other IP networks, so that you can easily make voice and video calls, while also download and upload data. Precisely, this is what is 3G network used for, most extensively. What follows below is a treatise to those who look forward to learn more about the third generation of wireless technology.

What is 3G Network: A Comprehensive Review

Those immensely tech-savvy would, in the aptest way, set forth what does 3G network mean to them. No wonder, the latest trends of smartphones has got them hooked to 3G in ways impossible to escape from. Now, what makes 3G better than the previous generations? To start with, 3G offers several times higher data speed, with not only quicker, but high-definition audio and video streaming. What's more, it's because of the third generation of wireless networking that video conferencing support is made available to tech junkies. Not only this, but should you savor watching television on your smartphone, 3G network offers IPTV or Internet TV, a service with the help of which, you could watch TV through the Internet. It wouldn't be wrong to call this technology a revolution in itself. I think we reach accord here, don't we?

When talking about the universal appeal of 3G network, one wonders, is 3G really for everyone? In my view, it proves useful to only those who understand the realms of technology, and prefer being informed twenty-four-seven. People, due to their busy schedules, prefer staying connected with their friends and family. Even though 3G isn't a cheap service to avail, people are using it to savor connectivity on the move. One can enjoy 3G network service on their smartphone with the help of a variety of plans that their providers offer. For every megabyte the user downloads or uploads, he's charged in accordance with the plan he has taken up. You know, where wireless technology such as Wi-Fi aren't available in many places, it is 3G networks that have an edge over all other wireless technologies, for they are available on the move. What's more, who knew you could make free calls abroad, thereby, saving a lot of money, all with the help of these wireless services?

In order to avail the service of 3G network, one must possess a device that is 3G compatible, in the first place. For example, the Apple iPhone 3G is created, keeping in mind the requirements of 3G network in a device. This device also has two cameras, where the front camera is meant for making video calls. As for the connectivity, your provider will provide you with a 3G sim or data card, for you to get connected to Internet anywhere, anytime, provided you are within the 3G network.

The increasing affluence and exposure of masses to technology, the third generation of mobile phones has long been surpassed by fourth and fifth generations. Don't believe me? You have the much, much successful iPhone 4G, followed by the iPhone 5G, release date of which is Spring, 2011, supposedly. The experience of using enhanced technology cannot be put to words. Instead, it's when you tip your hand at these full-fledged technological devices, that you understand what is 3G network and 4G network capable of. All in all, you might be missing something extremely interesting, if at all, you're yet to get a 3G network enabled device for yourself. Swear.

3G vs WiFi

Due to several different advancements in Internet and telecommunication technologies, there are many modern features and facilities that are made available to laptop and mobile phone users today. The use of wireless systems is on an increase for fast-paced communication, data transfer, and other online processes. Two of the primary technologies are 3G, also referred to as 3rd Generation; and WiFi, also known as Wireless Fidelity. Before moving on to an explanation on 3G vs WiFi, let us first discuss the fundamentals of both these technologies.

3G and WiFi

3G and WiFi are major communication technologies that are used by most people today. Both these technologies render wireless Internet access and services to users, and can be used on devices such as laptop computers, smartphones and PDAs, and other entertainment gadgets. 3G is largely used on mobile phones for purposes such as watching mobile TV, videos on demand, video calls and video conferencing, etc. The activation of 3G services depends on the service provider. On the other hand, WiFi is also a wireless access standard which is used in laptop computers and smartphones with WiFi facility. WiFi web connection depends on the hotspots with wireless routers for Internet access within a particular range. In the following, you will get to know more about the difference between 3G and WiFi.

3G vs WiFi - The Differences

3G vs WiFi - Functioning
As mentioned above, 3G is a service that is completely provided by the service provider, whereas WiFi access can be controlled by a WiFi router located in a specific range from the access point. For availing the WiFi facility, you will have to visit a hotspot which provides a WiFi zone. Today, most malls, cafes, and major streets have WiFi routers for quick Internet access. For availing 3G, you need to get in touch with your service provider.

3G vs WiFi - Range and Signal
The 3G technology scores well over WiFi with regards to range and signal. Since it depends on the mobile service provider, you will receive signal reception as long as you are in the network range. In case of WiFi, you will be able to receive reception as long as you are within the range of the router situated in the hotspot. Therefore, while traveling, using 3G access is more appropriate. However, 3G signals may drop if you are traveling away from metropolitan cities.

3G vs WiFi - Speed
When it comes to the speed of both these technologies, WiFi is faster as compared to 3G. The maximum speed of the 'N' standard of the latest WiFi technology is reported to be 600 mbps. The data transfer speeds in 3G technology differs according to the kind of device and also whether it is stationary or in motion. The maximum speed on 3G network is considered to be about 2.05 mbps. However, if the reception is to be initiated on a cell phone in a moving vehicle, the speed can drop down to 128 kbps.

3G vs WiFi - Cost
The cost of 3G access depends on the plan you have chosen from your service provider. When it is regarding availing WiFi facilities, you might have to pay the owners of the hotspots. WiFi at some hotspots is free, while others may charge a certain amount. Users of the WiFi facility at hotels and cafes can either pay using a credit card on a payment page hosted by the appropriate authorities, or can pay in cash for getting the network access code. Some hotspots are even code free, and you can directly access the web without the access password.

This is some general information on 3G vs WiFi. If you want to know more about 3G vs WiFi, battery life is also an important factor to be considered. It is believed that 3G consumes more battery than WiFi access. When it comes to 3G and WiFi differences, remember that there are many complicated and technical details of these two advanced wireless communication technologies. Therefore, you need to choose according to your specific needs.

What does 3G mean

If you have been shopping lately for a cell phone, eBook reader or the Apple iPad, you must have noticed a term called '3G' in the specifications of the device. It seems to be the most discussed specification, when buying cell phones and other wireless devices, offering Internet connectivity. So if you are curious about what does 3G mean, keep reading ahead to know all about it.

About Generations of Wireless Communication Technology

To know what does 3G mean on the iPad, you will need to be provided a bit of background of mobile phone communication technology, because the term 3G is related to it. With so many communication channels made available today, it is hard to believe that there was a time when the only mode of direct communication was a landline telephone.

Things rapidly changed in the latter part of the 20th century as computer technology and wireless radio found widespread applications. Bell's wired invention, was combined with Marconi's radio to create the world's first mobile phones, and the rest is history.

These first cell phones were based on what is known as the first generation analog communication technology. This technology could be known as 1G technology. Then came the second wave of change in electronics technology, which was the digital wave, which engulfed cell phones too. Signal quality improved as the calls were digitally modulated and transmitted, providing better voice clarity. This is what is known as the 2G technology of mobile phones. With that bit of history, you are all set to understand what does 3G mean on Kindle and other such electronic devices.

What Does 3G Mean on Electronic Device Specifications?

The history that you read above, should have given you some clue about what does the 'G' in 3G mean. What does 3G stand for? It stands for 'Generation' and 3G means 'Third Generation of Wireless Communication Technology'. Officially known as 'International Mobile Telecommunications-2000' or 'IMT 2000' and branded as 3G, these are a complete set of new technologies developed to boost wireless communication speeds and provide a greater range of services to users of wireless communication. Compared to the earlier 1G and 2G services, 3G mobile phones can provide a maximum data transfer rate of 200 kbps! Read more on what is 3G network.

In the earlier generation of technologies, it was not possible to transmit voice and data over the network, at the same time. 3G makes it possible to transmit voice signals and data signals simultaneously. This, along with the high data transfer speeds has made facilities like video calling and Internet use on cell phones possible. There were many technologies developed simultaneously around the world, which are collectively branded as 3G. These include UMTS and CDMA2000 technologies that are used world wide today.

So what does it mean, when you find 3G listed in the specifications of any device like Kindle, Apple iPad, Apple iPhone or a cell phone? It means that the device has the capability to transmit and receive data over the 3G spectrum and has the requisite technology built into it. The devices which come with the '3G' enabled tag, provide wireless connectivity for Internet usage and communication. An even speedier technology is already launched, which supersedes the 3G technology in terms of speed and is known as fourth generation (4G). Check out this 4G vs 3G comparison to know more about it.

Hope this article has effectively cleared out your any doubts about what does 3G mean in case of cell phones and other electronic devices. As we saw, it is the new high speed technology, which allows for simultaneous transmission of voice and data over the same bandwidth. If you need a fast Internet connection on your device and you plan to make video calls, your cell phone or any other device must be 3G enabled. Therefore, you could take 3G as a specification that ensures high speed data and voice communication.