At a glance:

Youve likely heard commercials from cellular companies promoting their

4G networks, but what exactly are they? Cellular networks are the towers
and infrastructure that provide roaming communication with your cell
phone or other mobile device. 4G is the name given to the most modern
cellular networks, with the latest advances in technology.


A new generation?:
The G in 4G stands for generation, and so this is the fourth generation of
cellular network. A generation however, is a loosely-defined term. Stan-
dards were once published that attempted to specify the exact definition of
a 4G network. The International Telecommunications Union composed this
list of performance requirements, which stated the minimum abilities a net-
work must have in order to be called 4G.


Advertisers change the definition:
Cellular vendors and marketers had their own ideas, however. It was a
good selling point to market networks as 4G, even if they didnt meet all of
the published requirements. Vendors were not simply misleading consum-
ers, as the new networks were much faster than the previous generation,
3G. Advertisers felt validated that these improvements should rightfully be
declared a new generation. The International Telecommunications Union
eventually agreed, and relaxed their requirements
1
. Ultimately, 4G does
not have a specific definition, but broadly refers to networks that are sig-
nificantly faster than 3G.

1. Source: www.pcmag.com



November, 2012
Evolution in Communication:
By: Dylan Atkinson
Understanding 4G Networks,
And the Choice Consumers now Face
Mobile Devices Are:
Cell Phones
Smart Phones
Tablets
Networks Transmit:
Voice (phone calls)
Text messages
Data (internet)
Timeline of
Generations:
1G: 1980s
Analog Signal
2G: Late 1980s
Digital Signal
3G: Early 2000s
Fast Speeds
4G: 2011-Current
Faster Speeds
What are 4G Networks?

















Upgrades to data, more than voice or text:
Most 4G networks simply still use existing 3G networks to
transmit voice calls and text messages, and little has
changed in those areas. On the other hand, significant ad-
vancements have been made in transmitting computer
data. This allows smart phones and other mobile devices
to take better advantage of the internet. Thus, 4G is a
faster network than 3G, meaning it can transmit com-
puter data at a faster speed.


A different method of transmitting data:
A notable advancement in 4G is the use of packet switch
technology to transmit data, rather than historical circuit
switch methods. Circuits are specific pathways within the
network that data uses to reach its destination. A simple
comparison is to think of circuits as streets, and then think
of data as vehicles using those streets. 3G handles data
using circuit switch technology, which devotes an entire
circuit for each transmission. This is comparable to closing
off all of the streets a vehicle will need in order to reach its
destination, and only allowing this one vehicle to use those
streets. Until the vehicle reaches its destination, every
street it will need is closed to other traffic. If a vehicle has
unforeseen delays on one street, then all of the other
streets it used or plans to use will remain closed. Much
efficiency is lost as streets are unnecessarily closed.


Packet switching:
The alternative, breaks data into smaller groups called
packets, and makes better use of the circuits available. A
vehicle that is delayed on one street will not cause other
streets to close down. As well, the smaller packets are
given more options to change their route and determine
the best path along the network. 4G adds much efficiency
and speed to data by using packet switch technology.







How has 4G advanced from 3G?
How much faster is 4G than 3G?

Recent tests have shown that 4G is
downloading data roughly three to
seven times faster than 3G
2
.
For example, a video that 3G
downloads in one minute would
only take 9 to 20 seconds with 4G.
This extra speed makes more ideas
possible in mobile communication.
2. Source: www.pcworld.com

















Limited Bandwidth:
Cellular networks run on radio frequencies, also known as bandwidth. Due to differences in underlying
technology, a frequency must be devoted to either 3G or 4G, but not both. Causing further constraint,
there is only a limited amount of bandwidth that is commercially available to cellular providers.

Choosing 4G bandwidth:
Carriers now have to choose the amount of bandwidth they will devote to 4G networks. 3G circuit switch
technology is still the most practical method for handling voice calls and text messages. Meanwhile, 4G
packet switch technology is the most effective for handling computer data. Phone calls and text mes-
sages form a big part of the demand for cellular service, and generate a large source of revenue. There-
fore, most carriers still keep a large portion of bandwidth devoted to 3G to satisfy voice and text custom-
ers. Whatever bandwidth can be spared from this is being upgraded to 4G for handling data.









A natural conflict:
Having bandwidth divided into 3G and 4G is not ideal for carriers. Networks would run more efficiently
if all bandwidth was devoted to one format, 4G. This is motivation to change the historical methods of
transmitting voice calls and text messages, to become more compatible with 4G.

A new solution for voice?:
Voice over Internet Protocol is the most developed method of sending voice calls in a format compati-
ble with 4G networks. You have probably heard of people calling over the internet, and perhaps seen
software that enables phone calls using your computer. This technology transforms phone calls into
computer data, which can be easily transferred over a 4G network. There is
a strong chance that this becomes the preferred method of handling voice in
the future. Network providers would like to offer all three services voice,
text, and data using the same bandwidth and technology.
The Transition from 3G: What to Expect Next?
Consumer Decisions: Is a 4G Phone Right for You?
Reasons to stay with 3G:

Availability: 4G may not yet be available in your region. 4G networks continue to be developed,
but not all communities currently have access.

Battery life: Most 4G phones have two modes they can run in. A 3G mode handles voice and
text, and a 4G mode handles data. Running both modes at once or constantly switching between
modes drains battery life.

Intended use: If you simply plan to make phone calls or send text messages, then a 3G phone
will suffice. Benefits of 4G phones relate mainly to downloading media, using the internet, or
handling other computer data.

Extra fees: Extra premiums may be associated with 4G services. There may be data limits or
other penalties which become expensive.
Reasons to switch to 4G:

Enhanced connectivity: Quicker download times provide more content with less delay. Media is
more accessible on the go. This adds informational, or entertainment, value to your phone.

Less congestion. Currently there are fewer users on 4G than on 3G. This means 4G often avoids
some issues 3G faces during peak times.

Business use: The added abilities of 4G may help productivity outside the office. Workers can
communicate more easily while waiting in lines, riding in a taxi, or facing other downtimes.

Staying ahead: 4G is definitely the wave of the future when it comes to cell phones. Purchasing
a 4G model now will ensure your phone does not soon become obsolete.
To reap the benefits of a 4G network, you
need a mobile device that was designed for it.
Here are the pros and cons of switching to a
4G phone, or staying with 3G: