3G and 4G Wireless Networks - Term Paper Example

3G and 4G Wireless Networks Grade (Oct. 27th, 3G and 4G Wireless Networks The 4G Wireless Networks succeeds the 3G Wireless Networks as standards for mobile communication that defines how airwaves must be applied for transmitting both voice and data information (Agbinya, 2009). Despite the fact that the improvements that are found in the 4G Wireless Networks over the 3G are not very well pronounced, there are major differences in the ways in which the two standards of transmitting mobile communication function (Misra, 2013). Thus, this analysis seeks to compare and contrast the functioning of the 3G and the 4G Wireless Networks under various information transiting criteria. Comparison and contrast of 3G wireless networks to 4G networks in terms of: 1.1 Services and application The 3G and the 4G Networks differs in terms of service and applications, through having the 4G networks applying the Wimax2 and LTE-Advance service applications, while the 3G applies the EDGE, UMTS and CDMA 2000 service applications (Zheng, 2010). In this respect, the 4G service applications of Wimax2 and LTE-Advance allows the data and voice communication to be transmitted at 40 MHz and 100 MHz bandwidths respectively (Misra, 2013). On the other hand, the 3G Networks applies the CDMA 2000 which offers up to a maximum of 1.25MHZ bandwidth, EDGE, which is a single bandwidth carrier and UMTS that offers multiple-frequency bandwidth carrier (Agbinya, 2009). 1.2 Network architecture The Network architecture of the 3G and the 4G Networks compares in the sense that both applies the Wide Area cellular-based infrastructure, which allows users to access the internet, communicate and access the virtual private networks anywhere within the regions where the cellular-based service is available (Turban& Volonino, 2010). Nevertheless, the Network architecture of the 3G and the 4G Networks contrasts in that; while the 4G Networks allows for the combination of both the Wide Area cellular-based and the Local Area Network connections, the 3G network architecture is only limited to the Wide Area Cellular-based networking connections (Agbinya, 2009). 1.3 Data throughput The data throughput for the 3G networks is relatively lower compared to the 4G networks data throughput. The 3G applies a Data Throughput system that allows up to a maximum of 3.1Mbps (Yant, 2012). However, the average data throughput for the 3G networks averages between 0.5 Mbps to 1.5Mbps. On the other hand, the 4G networks data throughput averages at between 2 to 12 Mbps, although this form of mobile communication network has a potential of offering a data throughput of up to between 100Mbps to 300Mbps (Yant, 2012). 1.4 User perceptions The user perceptions of the 3G and the 4G Networks is that the difference between the two networks is more nuanced than pronounced, owing to the fact that the consumers are not yet able to tell the difference between the two networks with a high degree of precision (Agbinya, 2009). Nevertheless, in terms of speed, the users are of the perception that the 4G Networks offers high speed that is up to four times compared to the speed offered by the 3G Networks (Turban& Volonino, 2010). However, there are some other users who are of the opinion that since the 3G Networks has the potential for bringing upgraded speed, then, its speed can compare to that of the 4G Networks (Agbinya, 2009). 2. Distinguish between the 4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 4G WiBro networks based on: 2.1 Upload and download speeds The 4G Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) is an efficient form of communication information transmitting network, which offers high speeds of uploading and downloading, where the 4G LTE download speed can run up to 100Mbps, while the download speed runs up to 50Mpbs (Zheng, 2010).The 4G WiMax network has a different mode of operation when it comes to the upload and download speeds, owing to the fact that it offers a flat rate of upload speed of up to 70Mbps and a download speed of up to 70Mbps (Yant, 2012). However, the WiBro 4G network seem to offer the lesser speed amongst these networks, considering that the upload speed for the WiBro 4G is up to 30Mbps, while its download speed is up to 50Mbps (Misra, 2013). 2.2 User perceptions The user perceptions as regards the 4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 4G WiBro networks is a bit confusing, owing to the fact that the users perceive all these networks as similar, since they offer a way of connecting a computer device or work station to the internet (Yant, 2012). Nevertheless, for the commercial users and the more advanced users of these networks, higher preference is placed on either 4G WiBro compared to the 4G WiMax, owing to the fact that the 4G WiBro network offer a wider area coverage while allowing the users to move from one place to the other while still accessing connectivity (Yant, 2012). On the other hand, the 4G WiMax is limited to the application of a stationery antenna, thus limiting the application of this network by users on transit from one place to the other (Yant, 2012). 2.3 Backward compatibility Backward compatibility is available for the 4G LTE Network, owing to the fact that that; if the user goes beyond the coverage of the 4G LTE Network, the network can then revert to the lesser 3G Network and continue to offer the connectivity services to the user (Turban& Volonino, 2010). Similarly, the 4G WiMax 2 which is the most recent version of the WiMax is also compatible to the previous versions, on the event that the circumstances limits the full access to 4G WiMax (Zheng, 2010). The 4G WiBro also offers backward compatibility, with the more advanced version of 4G WiBro 802.16e being backward compatible to the previous version of 4G WiBro 802.16 (Agbinya, 2009). 2.4 Service availability The service availability of the 4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 4G WiBro networks is comparable, owing to the fact that all these networks offer a wide range of area coverage, while at the same time not limiting the accessibility of the networks to certain number of people (Misra, 2013). In this respect, as long as a user has a device that is compatible with these networks and is within the range of coverage of the networks, then the user will access the services. 3.0 Identify why the competition between the 4G LTE carriers has been so fierce and describe the benefits of this competition to the subscribers. The competition between the 4G LTE carriers has increased immensely due to the availability of choices, where the customers can now choose from (Yant, 2012). The availability of the mobile broadband networking speeds that are equal to the fixed line technology speeds has also driven the competition high, since most people are now preferring the use of the mobile broadband networks, since with them, they can still access the same speeds as they would do while at their offices or homes, using the fixed line networking technology (Yant, 2012). Further, the competition is also driven by the need for business and governments to increase both telephone communication and internet accessibility in the remote regions where their branches are hindered from effective communication, due to the lack of appropriate fixed line technology infrastructures (Misra, 2013). Thus, the competition is becoming stiff between the 4G LTE carriers, since they have to offer the customers low prices considering that there are a range of 4G LTE carriers from whom the customers can choose from. In this respect, the consumers are benefitting through accessing the 4G LTE Networks at lower prices, while at the same time benefitting from the accessibility of the networks even in the remotest areas, since the fierce competition has forced the carriers to seek the markets far and wide, thus reaching even the remote areas (Yant, 2012). 4.0 In January 2012, Verizon stated that 4G LTE is available in 190 cities covering 200 million American subscribers. According to AT&Ts Website, they had plans for covering 20 million Americans in 15 markets by end of 2011. Conclude why Verizon is able to cover more markets than AT&T. Verizon is able to cover more markets than AT&T due to the fact that Verizon entered the USA market earlier that AT&T, thus taking advantage of the full year that it was in operation as the monopoly firm in this sector to develop the necessary infrastructure, which has enable it to spread its services faster than AT&T which entered the market one year later, thus needed to adjust to the trends set by Verizon first (Yant, 2012). Further, Verizon is able to compete well than AT&T, since it has a wider customer base derived from its initial offer of unlimited service plans and selling in wholesale through their third-party vendors, as well as the introduction of popular handsets that were data equipped (Misra, 2013). This has made its services more accessible, thus enabling it to cover more markets. References Agbinya, J. I. (2009). Planning and optimization of 3G & 4G wireless networks. Denmark: River Pub.. Misra, I. S. (2013). Wireless communications and networks: 3G and beyond. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill Education. Turban, E., & Volonino, L. (2010). Information technology for management: Improving performance in the digital economy. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley. Yant, J. (2012). 4G Wireless Networks. JamiaYant.com, Available at: http://www.jamiayant.com/article4gwirelessnetworks.html Zheng, P. (2010). Wireless networking complete. Amsterdam: Morgan Kaufmann/Elsevier. Read More