What is 4G?

4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. It is an improvement over the previous generation, 3G. 4G technologies are anticipated to offer both network efficiencies and speed boost over 3G in order to adequately look after the growing data needs of subscribers using more bandwidth-intensive web applications.

Examples of online services which might be bandwidth intensive are multimedia messaging services, Internet TV, wireless broadband service, online gaming, media streaming and video chat. Even more of which services will become popular later on so when our Internet devices be sophisticated, we can only expect the demand for data to boost.

The 4G standards are assessed by a global regulatory body, the ITU. Presently, both frontline technologies allowed to be termed 4G are WiMax (802.16m) and LTE (Long-Term Evolution) Advanced. Both of these technologies offer high-speed and spectrum efficiency. In addition, they are both depending on IP (Internet Protocol) being built specifically to make available wireless Internet connectivity. WiMax and LTE are therefore alike in the features and specifications while they are competing technologies.

The flavor of WiMax that qualifies as 4G could be the 802.16m. When implemented, this 4G WiMax will offer you boosts to 1Gbit per second for stationary reception and 100Mbit per second for mobile broadband Internet. The WiMax standard is definitely an open standard; therefore, it's less expensive to create equipment for it. This is why WiMax networks are less expensive than LTE.

LTE Advanced will provide similar speed as 4G WiMax. It is a technology put together by a consortium of heavyweights inside telecommunication industry. These companies include both equipment manufacturers and cellular operators. Therefore, more companies have signed on to build LTE networks than WiMax. However, unlike WiMax, the first LTE networks are only being tested.

Compared to 3G, 4G specifications define these standards: flexible and wider bandwidth channels; peak stationary data rates of 1 gigabits per second ad mobile and global data rates of 100 megabits per seconds; better link and system spectra efficiencies inside the downlink; better interoperability and smooth handoff between different networks; seamless connectivity and high quality of service for bandwidth-intensive web applications. It also has an all IP, packet-switched network as well as compatibility with existing wireless networks.

These standards are formulated to ensure that there won't be conflicting specifications as different cellular operators build their 4G networks. They also help operators quickly move from 3G to 4G with the most favorable capital expense.

However, to suit your needs like a subscriber, these standards are available to ensure you get the best speed and service through the operators. In addition, it really is spelled out to ensure that you can view a noticeable difference between 4G and earlier standards. Because there are provisions for further resources, 4G networks can easily be scaled to handle more data load superior to 3G networks.

What 4G does is supply a fat bandwidth pipe in your case to truly experience wireless broadband Internet that rivals your fiber broadband so you usually takes along anywhere you are going.