4G wireless network

4G Wireless Networks

1.0 3G Wireless Networks Of 4G Networks In Terms of:

1.1Services and Applications

The creation and design of smart devices capable of performing a wider variety of

functions prompted the emergence of wireless networks. As manufacturers continue to

compete with releasing devices that vary in terms of processing capability, memory and

display capability, a corresponding need arose to develop networks capable of fully utilizing

these features. Many of the devices currently bears numerous services and applications that

exert more pressure on mobile networks than earlier envisioned (Tekinay, 2001).

In light of this complex situation, the goal of 4g and indeed even 3G networks is to

enable communication between devices, operating in any network, and support a wide range

of users. The existing internet protocols being inappropriate for mobile technology, wireless

network systems have continued to evolve to facilitate this state (Tekinay, 2001). The 4G

wireless network systems attempt to overcome the failures of preceding systems by creating a

modular architecture that will support various services and application requests without

adversely affecting bandwidth.

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1.2 Network Architecture

The typical 3G network consists of three layers with the lowest level being the

personal network level (user equipment), the second level being the cellular network (radio

access) and the topmost layer being evolved packet core. The main weakness of the 3G

architecture lies in its inability to provide truly global mobility. This is in part due to the

structure of the network that is heavily reliant on the cellular networks. The addition of a

satellite network in 4G wireless systems is expected to solve this shortcoming thus enabling

faster exchange and better multimedia data transfer rates.

The differences in the two networks are based on the network hierarchy. In 4G

networks, vertical handovers are made from the topmost layer, Satellite network level to the

lowest layer, personal network level . The personal network level includes smart devices

communicating with each other, the next level, local network is slightly larger and includes

LAN’s. The second level in the hierarchy consisting of the cellular network based on 2G and

3G technology and the topmost level consisting of satellite networks.

1.3 Data throughput

The shortcomings of first and second-generation wireless networks prevent users from

enjoying high data throughput for connectivity and multimedia communication. Due to these

failures, third generation wireless network was designed with a goal of creating a single set of

standards for greater bandwidth and data throughput to support multimedia

communication .These third generation networks are expected of supporting more

sophisticated data applications with their rich quality of service features.

The 4G networks came into being to overcome two major shortcomings of preceding

wireless network systems such as 3GPP, the main one being data throughput. Whereas 3G

networks were designed to support bandwidth as high as 2mbps, realistically achieving this is
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often impossible in areas with high mobility. As a result the maximum speed is only

attainable in small areas covered by a single base station. Due to this failure, 4G networks

were designed to use alternative switching mechanism that can facilitate speeds as high as

100 Mbps . The 4G networks are based on packet switching technology that utilizes IP

technology to simulate dedicated lines.

1.4 User Perceptions

User perception in relation to 3G and 4G networks remains a major issue as mobile

devices continue to evolve rapidly placing much greater burden on existing mobile networks.

For example, in 2007, the inclusion of a GPS receiver was an exceptional inclusion only

available in a few mobile devices such as the Nokia N95 (Sauter, 2013). By 2012, evolution

of mobile devices has advanced such that GPS receivers are typical components of all smart

phones. Some of the first chipsets in these phones were designed with built in GPS receivers

in the main chip eliminating the need of a dedicated GPS chip (Sauter, 2013).

Applications that require support GPS have advanced in location algorithms but still

require data from at least four satellites in addition to information on the exact orbit of the

satellites. This information alone exceeds the capability of 3G wireless network technology.

As users become more accustomed to these applications, the need for improved technology

for wireless systems has become mandatory.

2.0 The 4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 4G WiBro Networks Based on:

2.1 Upload and Download Speeds

Owing to the evolution of devices and the increased need for bandwidth wireless

network technology has spawned various techniques aimed at increasing upload and

download speeds to facilitate improved wireless broadband connectivity . The 3GPP LTE
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technology was introduced as the next major advancement in the Universal Mobile

Telecommunications System (UMTS). It is designed to enhance user experience of wireless

broadband networks. LTE is designed to support scalable bandwidth of between .25 and 20

MHz and Fixed and Time division network sharing mechanisms . It can reach a downlink

peak of 100 Mbps and a peak upload link of 50 Mbps.

WiMAX is a part of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Technology

designed to support the convergence of mobile and fixed broadband networks using wide

area broadband radio access technology . WiMAX is capable of peak downlink speed of 63

Mbps and peak uplink speed of 28 Mbps.

WiBRO which is one of the intermediary 3G alternative technologies that is expected

to evolve to 4G wireless technology. This integrated mobile LAN service facilitates LAN

services on a wireless network. The technology is designed to enable maximum uplink of

7.6Mbps and maximum downlink of 5.1 Mbps (Cooper, Madden & Lloyd, ).

2.2 User Perceptions

The two main wireless broadband technologies being commercialized today are LTE

and WiMAX. Both are currently being enhanced to support high peak rates, lower latency,

higher throughput and coverage to create a richer user experience (Ghosh & Ratasuk, 2011).

Because of this several service providers are considering deployment of these technologies on

their cellular networks.

WiBRO, which is a radio-based extension of WiMAX, comes with its share of

weaknesses, which have seen it perform poorly in many countries. The WiMAX technology

is prone to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)

attacks, which compromise the security of packet data being transmitted on the network. This
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places it at a disadvantage when compared to DSL (Digital Subscriber line) and PON

(Passive Optical network). Due to these weaknesses identity theft, subscriber masquerading,

and data errors are more common in this technology framework . In addition to these issues,

WiMAX offers shared bandwidth that reduces throughput with increased traffic whereas the

majority of mobile broadband users prefer dedicated bandwidth.

2.3 Backward Compatibility

As devices continue to evolve and technology struggles to keep pace backward

compatibility is a significant issue to consider in selection of broadband wireless technology.

LTE was designed to enhance 3GPP that is built to precise specifications for mobile devices

and radio interfaces. For this reason LTE is the most backward compatible of existing 4G

wireless broadband technologies .

On the other hand WiMAX and WiBRO wireless broadband technology were

designed in Korea. WiBRO is based on the IEEE path and uses the 802.16d standards to

support wireless communication. WiMAX utilizes CDMA technology to support wireless

broadband technology. Whereas both are relatively compatible they have evolved along

unconventional paths such as traditional EDGE and HSPDA that are widely used and

backward compatible with Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology (Luo, 2011).

2.4 Service availability

Time division SCDMA is a relatively new system that uses a new antenna, new node

B, enhanced RNC (Radio Network Controller) and GSM, GPRS, UMTS FDD network

infrastructure. Based on this the technology can be integrated with existing networks by

including additional equipment (IEC, 2004). For this reason WiMAX services are not widely

available though they have aggressive support of service providers.

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On the other hand, LTE technology is widely available owing to design that adheres

to the principles used in WCDMA wireless technology evolution. This relationship allows

network carriers to include HSPDA technology on a similar carrier as existing 3G

technologies allowing carriers to introduce greater bandwidth with minimal modification to

existing systems. The main advantage of HSPDA is not the peak rate but significant increase

in throughput capacity (IEC, 2004). For this reason LTE services are the most widely

available.

3.0 The 4G LTE and the Benefits

As devices continue to make efforts to evolve alongside technological advancement,

competition has become very fierce impending launching of LTE technology across the

majority of network carriers. The reason for the increased competition is the huge market

share that the carriers capable of providing 4G technology are likely to capture. Already

several companies have designed devices for the technology, which was launched in 2001. It

is expected that the $g market will double handset sales from 70 million in 2012 to 150

million in 2013. The increased competition among carriers is beneficial in that it will improve

overall quality of service offered to the consumer.

4. Why Verizon is able to cover more markets than AT&T.

The above question is best answered by a quote from The Motley Fool stating, “What

other Multi Billion seller of high tech goods can double sales and earnings year after year”.

Following the mad rush to incorporate LTE technology Verizon wireless and Research in

Motion (RIM) formed a formidable alliance in the US market. While other manufacturers

haggled for a place in the market Verizon and RIM had the perfect device using the latest

technology.The American consumers have since established a loyal following and esteemed
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perception towards the Blackberry brand giving both Verizon and RIM huge ever-increasing

revenues year after year.

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list of references

Cooper, R., Madden, G., & Lloyd, A. (2006). The Economics of Online Markets and ICT

Networks. Printed in Germany: Physica-Verlag-Heidelberg.

Dhalman, E., Parkvall, S., Skold, J., & Beming, P. (2007). 3G Evolution: HSPA and LTE for

Mobile Communication. California: Academic Press.

International Engineering Consortium (IEC). (2004). Broadband Wireless and WiMAX.

Chicago: International Engineering Consortium.

Sauter, M. (2013). 3G, 4G and Beyond: Bringing Networks, Devices and the Web Together.

West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Tekinay, S. (2001). Next Generation Wireless Networks. Massachusetts: Kluwer Academic

Publishers.