What is a 4G Network?
4G, a successor to 2G and 3G, enables faster and better Internet speed with many more services to make your life easier. Greater bandwidth, greater download/upload speed, and high-quality video streaming are some of its salient features.
Veethi Telang
4G or the fourth 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 provides its users with a secure Internet Protocol solution, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), allowing better video streaming, greater download/upload speed, anywhere and anytime. For a user who is moving in a car or train, the highest download speed is not less than 100 Mbit/sec, whereas for a stationary user, the speed requisites for 4G service set the highest download speed at 1 Gbit/sec.
Unlike its predecessors, 4G provides its users with 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, IP telephony, gaming services, 3D television, and cloud computing make up for all that 4G network is in line for.
When integrated with communication devices such as smartphones, 4G offers wireless LAN roaming with flawless connectivity. This is 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 what more does it 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.
However, on the other hand, 4G Internet is very expensive for a layman to afford. 4G networks operate by their own set of plans, ranging from USD 30 to USD 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 such a service makes some sense. However, if your Internet usage is limited to checking your Facebook account and updating Twitter statuses, using it is not recommended.
That said, here's a concise list of what all you can expect from a 4G network.
- 100 Mbit/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 data transfer
Undeniably, 4G has scored out 3G to a considerable extent, with its extraordinary features, bringing lightning fast Internet technology to you. It has revolutionized technology in innumerable ways, which reflects in the way the people are availing its benefits in today's times.
