One of the key technologies for 4G and beyond is called Open Wireless Architecture (OWA), supporting multiple wireless

air interfaces in an open architecture platform. A 4G system is expected to provide a comprehensive and secure all-internet protocol (IP) based mobile broadband solution to laptop computer wireless modems, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Facilities such as ultra-broadband Internet access, IP telephony, gaming services, and streamed multimedia may be provided to users.
4G mobile is not yet established as an agreed set of standards, so its features are currently simply goals rather than requirements. As well as drastically increasing data transfer speeds, 4G mobile should use enhanced security measures. Another goal is to reduce blips in transmission when a device moves between areas covered by different networks. 4G mobile networks should also use a network based on the IP address system used for the internet.

Mobile-to-mobile convergence is very similar to the older mobile technology of fixed-mobile convergence. However, the big difference is that the device equipped with mobile-to-mobile convergence does not have to rely on a specific service provider in order to make the transition from one network or system to another.

This article uses 4G to refer to IMT-Advanced (International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced), as defined by ITU-R. An IMT-Advanced cellular system must fulfill the following requirements:[3]

Based on an all-IP packet switched network. Peak data rates of up to approximately 100 Mbit/s for high mobility such as mobile access and up to approximately 1 Gbit/s for low mobility such as nomadic/local wireless access. Dynamically share and use the network resources to support more simultaneous users per cell. Scalable channel bandwidth 520 MHz, optionally up to 40 MHz.[4][4][5] Peak link spectral efficiency of 15 bit/s/Hz in the downlink, and 6.75 bit/s/Hz in the uplink (meaning that 1 Gbit/s in the downlink should be possible over less than 67 MHz bandwidth). System spectral efficiency of up to 3 bit/s/Hz/cell in the downlink and 2.25 bit/s/Hz/cell for indoor usage.[4] Smooth handovers across heterogeneous networks. Ability to offer high quality of service for next generation multimedia support.

4G is all about convergence; convergence of wired and wireless networks, wireless technologies including GSM, wireless LAN, and Bluetooth as well as computers, consumer electronics, communication technology and several others. 4G is a Mobile multimedia, anytime anywhere, Global mobility support, integrated wireless solution, and customized personal service network system

4G wireless technology is also referred to by MAGIC which stands for Mobile multimedia, Any-where, Global mobility solutions over, integrated wireless and Customized

services. 4G is an all IP-based integrated system will be capable to provide 100 Mbps for high mobility and 1 Gbps for low mobility , with end-to-end QoS and high security, and will offering various services at any time as per user requirements, anywhere with seamless interoperability, at affordable cost. The user services include IP telephony, ultra-broadband Internet access, gaming services and High Definition Television (HDTV) streamed multimedia.

4G Requirements - As per ITU's IMT-A All-IP packet switched network.

Data rates up to 100 Mbps for high mobility and up to 1 Gbps for low mobility. Seamless connectivity and global roaming Interoperability with existing wireless standards Smooth handovers. High QoS.

3G Vs 4G
Parameters Network Architecture 3G cell-based 4G Integration of various wireless technologies Speeds Frequency Band 384 Kbps to 2 Mbps 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps

Dependent on country or Higher frequency bands (2-8 continent (1800-2400 MHz) GHz)

Bandwidth Switching Scheme Access Technologies IP

5-20 MHz Circuit and Packet W-CDMA, 1xRTT, Edge No. of air link protocols

100 MHz (or more) Packet OFDM and MC-CDMA All IP (IP6.0

Reasons for New Research

Even though 3G has successfully been introduced to European mobile users, there are some issues that are debated by 3G providers and users. High input fees for the 3G service licenses Great differences in the licensing terms Current high debt of many telecommunication companies, making it more of a challenge to build the necessary infrastructure for 3G

Government are forced to support to the financially troubled operators 3G phones are expensive Lack of 2G mobile user buy-in for 3G wireless service Lack of coverage because it is still a new service i.e. Champaign-Urbana uses 2.5G Chicago is 3G equipped

Evolution to Fourth Generation systems

Communications Architecture Broadcast layer: fix access points, (iecell tower) connected by fiber, microwave, or satellite (ISP) Ad-hoc/hot-spot layer: wireless LANs (ie. internet at Starbucks) Personal Layer Gateway: devices that connect to upper layers; cell phone, fax, voice, data modem, MP3 players, PDAs Info-Sensor layer: environmental sensors

Impact of 4G

Socio-Economic Impact More affordable communication services

One device can communicate with all vs. many devices communicating with some devices TV, internet, phone, radio, home environment sensors all reachable through one device the cell phone Streaming HD video Too connected? Increase in social networking, invasion of privacy, security concerns Increase in regulation likely (ie. no driving and using a cell phone)

When? China Mobile, KPN, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, Intel, Motorola, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Vodafone already doing research on 4G Much of this information is proprietary at this time Expected release of 4G services as early as 2008. Majority of companies expect widespread use of 4G systems by 2010. Lifecycle of 4G is estimated to be 15 years.

Bibliography -Texts Agha, Khaldoun& Omidyar, Cambyse. Mobile and Wireless Communications Networks. Singapore, World Scientific, 2003 Glisic, Savo. Advanced Wireless Communications: 4G Technologies. Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, 2004 Lightman, Alex. Brave New Unwired World; The Digital Big Bang and the Infinite Internet. New York, John Wiley & Sons, 2002 Wang, Jiangzhou. Broadband Wireless

Communications. Norwell, Massachusetts, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2001Bibliography -Websites Charmed Technology wireless everywear. Charmed Technology. 11/16/2006 www.charmed.com OFDM Tutorial. Wave Report. 11/16/2006 http://www.wave-report.com/tutorials/OFDM.htm OFDM Tutorial. University of Edinburgh. 11/3/2006. www.ee.ed.ac.uk/~acmc/OFDMTut.html How VoIPWorks. HowStuffWorks.com11/16/2006. http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony3.htm W-OFDM Technology in 4G Cellular Networks. 11/16/2006. http://www.4g.co.uk/PR2004/August2004/2032.htmBibliography -Websites OFDM Overview. Intel Corporation. 11/16/2006 http://www.intel.com/education/highered/wireless/lectures/l07overview_of_ofdm.ppt Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. Intel Corporation. 10/30/2006 www.intel.com/netcomms/technologies/wimax/303787.pdf 4G Technologies Support Transmission Rates up to 100Mbps. www.4G.co.uk. 10/30/2006 http://www.4g.co.uk/PR2006/2067.htm Move over 3G here comes 4G. The Economist. 11/4/2006 http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id= 1816742