Detailed Comparison of 3G and 4G Technologies - Essay Example

?3G vs 4G At the present, latest information and communication technologies are revolutionizing the entire world. Everyday, we see latest and amazing technologies are emerging. In this scenario, third generation and fourth generation are latest wireless technologies, which have modernized the entire world. This paper outlines the differences between Third Generation (3G) and Fourth Generation (4G) in the wireless technology. 4G technology is very high speed wireless Internet access. 4G technologies are basically the extension of the 3G technology in terms of speed and quality. Our analysis provides the major differences between 3G and 4G wireless technology in terms of price, speed, and quality. 1. Introduction In the past few years, modern communication and collaboration technologies have developed so fast, that it can be a bit hard to deal with everything new. Simply a couple of years before we had to get used to new technology with third generation communication systems. Without a doubt, this technology based systems were offering faster and better mobile communications standard as compared to ever before. 3G systems are offering data rate and download speed of up-to 3.1 Mega Bit per second. Though, not long ago an innovative standard was initiated by telecommunication corporations globally, known as 4G communication systems (GBESX; Chavis). In this scenario, 4G technology is the 4th generation of wireless cellular communication standards. At the present, there are 2 major categories of 4G communication and data networks developed in the United States: (GBESX; Chavis) WiMax: that is established by Sprint in cooperation with its technology and business associates LTE: that is a technology based extension of the GSM communication network used by T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T In addition, both the Third Generation (3G) and Forth Generation (4G) are standards developed for wireless and mobile communication technology. Basically, these Standards demonstrate how the airwaves can be used for transmitting data and information. This data can be voice or files. 3G was initially launched to the public in Japan in the year 2001. However, currently, the networks for the majority of wireless communication technology and carriers in the United States were 3G. 3G communications technology networks were a major development over old technology of 2G communication networks, presenting superior speeds for information transfer. However, the upgrading that 4G presented over 3G is frequently less pronounced (Diffen). Basically, 3G and 4G mobile technology have many differences. The most of them are remarkable, their communication rate, rates of data transfer; signal quality, cost, technology and power are extremely divergent. Though, the application of 4G networks has faced a number of challenges and difficulties. Unlike 4G, 3G technology is not completely defined by leading bodies having control of wireless technology management (Chavis). Moreover, the purpose of the 4G communication network is to noticeably increase data transmission rate. As compared to earlier communication networks, it focuses on data and information transmission, rather than voice based data. That in itself is extraordinary, for the reason that it outlines the reformation from voice based mobile communication networks to data based mobile communication networks. It as well is a possible threat for cable Internet suppliers, for the reason that 4G speed can be as fast as optical fiber data transmission speed (Himalaya; Segan). 2. Upgrading From 3G to 4G This section discusses the motive behind the upgrade of the 3g technology to present 4g technology based systems. Though, all this accomplishment of the 3G network all through the globe took almost a decade. In this scenario, The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) plans to have the 4G communication network rolled out to the worldwide marketplace in a great deal more efficient as well as timely way. On the other hand, improvements made between 2G and 3G necessitate considerable developments in the hardware technology for mobile systems, although corporations developed a wide variety of smart phones used in 3G networks for compatibility regarding latest technology of 4G networks and related standards. Though, issues regarding safety and stability have reduced down a number of developments, as service suppliers desired to make sure they guard their client’s data and information (Snyder). 3. Technology Evolution 4G Technology is fundamentally the extension or a latest version of previously established 3G technologies offering more bandwidth as well as services those were presented in 3G technologies. Basically, the 4G technology is the new and next generation of future technologies that is frequently in its development period. In this scenario, the anticipation for the 4G technology is fundamentally the high quality video and audio based streaming over network arrangement with an end to end Internet Protocol support. If the multimedia sub-system supported by Internet Protocol need to be moved that attain what is going to accomplish, nothing of this perhaps will concern. Additionally, the mobile structural design or WiMAX will turn out to be increasingly more transparent, as well as consequently the reception of numerous architectures through a particular communication network operator increasingly widespread (Freewimaxinfo). There are many new technologies those appear in a wide variety of flavors and have a lot of diverse tags linked to them; however that does not actually signify that they are moving in different tracks. The technologies that included in the 4G groups are OFDM, UMTS, TD-SCDMA, SDR, WiMAX and MIMO to the some extent back. In addition, the next generation 4G technology presents high data rates that will set modern trends for the marketplace and prospects for well-established and new telecommunication companies. 4G networks, when attached together with mobile phones through inbuilt superior resolution digital cameras as well as moreover High Definition potentials will support video blogs back (Freewimaxinfo; Segan). Following flourishing accomplishment, 4G technology is probable to facilitate ubiquitous technology based computing, that will at the same time connect many high speed communication networks and presents perfect handoffs all the associated geographical areas. Additionally, a large number of network operators probably make use of technologies for instance; wireless mesh networks and cognitive radio communication network to ensure secure connections and competently assign uniformly network data traffic and communication bandwidth (Freewimaxinfo, 2012; Berger; Sullivan; Geek). Moreover, a number of corporations are attempting to adopt 4G technology of mobile communication at 100 Mbps for mobile users and up-to 1Gbps on a fixed network communication station. In this scenario, they are planning to publicly launch their initial profitable wireless network around 2012. In so far as other corporate competitors of mobile communication businesses operate on 4G technology are increasing. In this scenario, Sprint Nextel was intended to offer WiMAX over 4G based broadband communication mobile network in the US. A number of other nations similar to UK established plans for sale through auction of 4G technology based network mobile frequencies in the next couple of years back (Freewimaxinfo, 2012; Berger; Sullivan; Geek) ? 4. Speed One of the basic differences between 4G and 3G is data transmission speed. In fact, 4G technology transfers data up-to 10 times much faster and better as compared to 3G technology based systems. Similar to the data and information transfer speed there is a difference between high-speed cable modem and DSL. Average download network speed on a traditional 3G communication network is between 600 Kbps-1.4 Mbps with peak download data rate of up-to 3.1 Mbps. On a 4G communication network the standard download data rate is 3-6 Mbps with peak data rate of over 10 Mbps. In fact, this data rate dissimilarity is important and sufficient for people to totally discard old 3G mobile broadband communication network immediately, because there is enough 4G network exposure (GBESX). In addition, the data rate of a 3G communication network completely depends on, how it is applied? In the United States, in 2010 Verizon and Sprint (both CDMA communication networks) had arrived at the edges of how speedy they could create their 3G communication networks. However, the emergence of 4G communication networks allowed these mobile technology corporations to present data transmission speed up to 4 times faster as compared to their old 3G communication networks. Though, the 3G networks of GSM carriers T-Mobile and AT&T were intended such that there was space to improve 3G communication and data transfer speeds. In mid 2010, it was predicted when T-Mobile and AT&T mobile companies improved their 3G communication networks. At the present, their communication speeds turn out to be similar to 4G from Verizon and Sprint (Diffen). 5. Design Principle and Applications Both the 3G and 2G communication networks were designed mainly for voice communications based transmission rather than data transmission. Alternatively, 4G is intended particularly for data based transmission rather as compared to voice based communication. Consequently 4G presents much better access to data with mobile phone systems. For instance, streaming video functions in a much better way with 4G, through fewer stuttering as well as a superior resolution. Likewise, multi-player online games and video conferencing functions improved with the quicker data and information transmission presented by 4G technology (Diffen; Chavis; Berger). The third generation network technology of mobile communication networks is intended for high speed data transmission/exchange and offering applications similar to streaming, video conferencing and a wide variety of other facilities. Basically, they bring two calibrations namely 3GPP2 and 3GPP. As indicated by the ITU the major design related aspects must be followed in the 3G networks: (Himalaya; Agbinya) 1. Network downlink communication speed of 144 Kbps intended for mobile handsets as well as 384 Kbps intended for pedestrian traffic.  2. 2 Mbps data rate of indoor downlink communication speed. 3. On demand communication bandwidth as well as 2 Mbps internet communication access. In addition, the 4G technology is the fastest and latest mobile communications networking technology. It is a precursor of 3G communication networks. It works with 100 Mbps in extensive mobile atmospheres and about 1Gbps in fixed communication arrangements. This data transfer amount is actually a big mass of data transfer and it appears similar to that the file we immediately took were previously there in our system’ hard-drive. Hence, the 4G is the ultimate technology of the technologies that we presently have. Given below are some of the design specifications of the 4G communication network: (Himalaya; Agbinya) 1. 100Mbps network data rate in high mobile communication atmosphere as well as 1Gbps in fixed atmospheres 2. Network function on IP data and information packets (The entire IP network) 3. Dynamic communication channel provision through channel network bandwidth being changed from 5MHz to 20 MHz as necessary through the application 4. Soft-hand over potential. 7. Quality One more major benefit of 4G over 3G is the quality of services (QoS) support. Quality of Service is one of the most important services offered by a network technology that is utilized by land-based data communication networks. Fundamentally, Quality of Service makes it possible to differentiate between priority levels for diverse data streams. For instance, VoIP typically attains the uppermost priority to make sure flawless communication link quality. For instance, watching HD videos on the web typically has a higher priority as compared to other data. In addition, the accomplishment of Quality of Service in 4G networks will facilitate people to make use of VoIP software, for example Skype, on their mobile sets without any loss of communication and collaboration quality. It will as well facilitate clients to watch high quality web based movies directly using their wireless mobile phones (GBESX; Agbinya; Himalaya). 8- Price Without a doubt, with the evolution of 4G mobile communication networks, people now have an additional selection to make. In fact, people have to make only a decision whether they want smart phones and networks for 3G or 4G based technologies. 4G offers a Smartphone as well as its communication network more potential; however it as well costs more as compared to 3G technologies. Finally, a number of people would not even make use of 4G for everything, particularly if they previously have not used 3G (Williams). In addition, for Smartphones, the standard 3G communications plan runs everywhere from $20 to $50, relying on what communication plan a user wants to move on. In this scenario, Verizon Wireless presents limitless data consumption package, as other network communication carriers placed restrictions on changeable rates. Anyhow, the majority of communication networks will charge augmented premiums for 4G communication networks for smart phones, which outlines that customers who previously have problems paying for 3G might not desire to transfer to 4G technology based. As far as cost is concerned, 3G communication technology is the leading choice. The majority of clients would not be eager to sacrifice more changes for faster speed anyways (Williams). Moreover, still with support financial pricing, smart phones are extensively costly. Without an agreement, 3G communication phones normally cost more than $500. In fact, phones are able to yet cost a couple hundred dollars with a contract. The same will be true for 4G communication technology based smart phones, however the prices can be even greater, particularly for phones without an agreement. Certainly, we would not observe $1000 smart phones for either 3G or 4G. That little cost dissimilarity between these 2 kinds of smart phones can just discourage a number of users though. Consequently, 3G smart phones are a bit less costly as compared to 4G smart phones (Williams). 9. Coverage The 4G technology is still not available in the majority of locations across the nation. For the major part, communication networks have rolled out 4G network in main cities and occupied regions. In fact, people in smaller areas, fewer peopled regions are typically out of luck. On the other hand, 3G networks are incorporated immediately about all over the places in the nation; consequently it is more eagerly accessible. Alternatively, 4G communication networks work well in the regions in which they exist, consequently people there will desire to jump onto the 4G communication side. Certainly, a person who does not have 4G available in their region should not attempt to utilize it there (Williams). In addition, the coverage of 4G communication network is considerably less wide as compared to 3G network coverage. In fact, the majority of communication networks present it simply in main cities hence, it is necessary to check our network support previous to getting a 4G phone. Though, a number of 4G communication technologies are improved, able of penetrating structures as compared to 3G coverage, outlining that it is probable that the service will be improved in covered regions (Davis; Al-Muhtadi, Mickunas and Campbell). 10. Technology Both the 4G and 3G technologies make use of radio waves to broadcast signal; however with 4G network signals we are able to get a wider bandwidth at superior frequencies. As compared to 3G, 4G is not intended to carry voice; with voice service being offered through older communication technology in other network radio wave bands as the 4G signal completely carries data. Thus, it allows 4G cell sites to be lesser as well as more well-organized as compared to those of the earlier generation as yet transmitting information up to 10 times faster (Davis). 11. Conclusion This paper has presented a detailed comparison of 3G and 4G technologies. Basically, both the Third Generation and Forth Generation are standards developed for wireless and mobile communication technology. In addition, these standards demonstrate how the airwaves can be used for transmitting data and information. This data can be voice or files. Additionally, 3G and 4G technologies can be distinguished in many ways. Some of the differences are remarkable, for instance their communication rate, rates of data transfer; signal quality, cost, technology and power are extremely divergent. This paper has presented a detailed comparison of 3G and 4G technologies on the basis of their price, quality, speed, technology and services based analysis. Works Cited Agbinya, J. I. Planning and Optimisation of 3g and 4g Wireless Networks. River Publishers, 2009. Al-Muhtadi, J., D. Mickunas and R. Campbell. "A lightweight reconfigurable security mechanism for 3G/4G mobile devices." IEEE Wireless Communications, Volume 9 Issue 2 (2002): 60-65. Berger, Sandy. 3G and 4G Cellular Technologies Explained. 2012. 10 October 2012 . Chavis, Jason. What Is the Difference Between 3G & 4G? 13 March 2012. 10 October 2012 . Davis, Susan. What is the Difference Between 3G & 4G Phones? 21 February 2012. 10 October 2012 . Diffen. 3G vs 4G. 2012. 10 October 2012 . Freewimaxinfo. 4G Technology. 2012. 10 October 2012 . GBESX. What Is the Difference Between 3G and 4G? 2012. 12 October 2012 . Geek. Smartphone 3G & 4G Technology. 2012. 10 October 2012 . Himalaya. What is the Difference between 3G and 4G Networking? - Technology Times. 16 February 2012. 12 October 2012 . Segan, Sascha. 3G vs. 4G: What's the Difference? 2012. 10 October 2012 . Snyder, Scott. 4G is about more than just Bandwidth. 25 August 2009. 10 October 2012 . Sullivan, Mark. 3G and 4G Wireless Speed Showdown: Which Networks Are Fastest? 16 April 2012. 09 October 2012 . Williams, Errick D. 9 Tips for Choosing Between 3G or 4G Smartphones/Networks. 01 April 2011. 10 October 2012 . Read More