4G Network

A 4G network is the fourth generation of wireless, mobile communication. The overall goal for the network is to provide a comprehensive and secure network communication solution with much faster data speeds than previous generations. While still in development, the foundations for upgrading from 3G to 4G service started in the early 21st Century as companies began to introduce new technology. New standards such as WiMax and Long Term Evolution (LTE) have been referred to as 4G, though there is some debate regarding their status.
4G Specifications

The specifics of the 4G network are geared toward high-quality service and fast data transfer rates. Priorities for this standard include better reception, with less dropped data, and faster information exchanges. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the organization that oversees standards for wireless networks, has stated that substantial improvements to multimedia messaging services, including video services, are required to approve a new generation.

4G requires a data speed transfer rate of at least 100 megabits per second while a user moves at high speeds, such as being on a train, and a one gigabit per second data rate in a fixed position. The ITU also requires fast transfers between networks without service interruption or loss of signal. Phones on a 4G network also need to use Internet Protocol (IP) technology for data transfers through packets, rather than traditional phone methods.

Progress Toward 4G

A variety of working groups have been established to help develop the 4G network. Early developments toward this technology include WiMax, which is a faster version of wireless data transfer than WiFi® networks. LTE is another technology that improves upon older 3G systems, but neither standard quite fulfills the ITU requirements for data rates.

Both of them have been labeled as 4G networks, however, which has led to some confusion and controversy. As both methods utilize IP packets, and have shown a marked improvement over 3G standards, the ITU has approved their labeling as 4G. This is contingent upon the developers of WiMax and LTE pushing forward to meet the official standards for 4G, which they have continued to do.
Upgrading From 3G to 4G

Overall implementation of the 3G network around the world took nearly a decade. The ITU plans to have the 4G network rolled out to the global market in a much more effective and timely manner. Enhancements made between 2G and 3G required substantial improvements in hardware for mobile devices, while companies developed many smart phones used on 3G networks for compatibility with new 4G standards. However, concerns over stability and security have slowed down some development, as service providers want to ensure they protect their customers' information.
Early Networks Prior To 4G

The first wireless network, known as 1G, was founded during the 1980s. 2G was introduced in the early 1990s to allow more transmissions to occur per communication channel. The foundations of 3G were established in the late 1990s and were implemented throughout the majority of the world in the early 21st century. While the 3G network was the first to allow for multimedia applications, the 4G network promises to take this basic technology and amplify it significantly.

4g Cell Phone Network

•  Typically when acquiring new service, providers offer deals on the phone when its purchased through them and in conjunction with new service. Sometimes the phones are free with a service contract. Whether buying a cell phone independently or as part of a new service agreement, there are a few things to consider about the phone itself.
  
  
• Although most emergency telephone systems are equipped with upgraded E911 features, there are some that are not. The purpose of this upgrade is to accurately network with the cell phone system in order to process a 911 call location. Without it, emergency personnel are still able to close in on an emergency location using a cell phone tracking system with pretty good accuracy.

What Is 4G Mobile Technology?

Fourth Generation (4G) mobile technology is a set of standards for providing broadband Internet access to devices like cellphones and tablets. Though it first became available in the US in 2009, no specific technologies were officially designated as 4G until 2011. Despite this, many devices were labeled as "4G" even though they did not meet the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) standards for the technology. The main difference between it and previous standards is a big increase in data transfer speeds and the types of media people can access with it.
Features
The general features for 4G mobile technology are laid out in International Mobile Telecommunication-Advanced (IMT-A) standards written by the ITU. According to IMT-A, 4G mobile devices must be IP-based and able to provide data speeds of up to 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) when the device is being used while moving and up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) when stationary. All devices must also be able to be used for digital voice and rich media, which includes things like web pages with streaming videos or expandable banners. Additionally, they have to provide certain types of security for the transmissions.

 There are also a number of technical specifications, including things like the wireless standard, radio interface, and frequency spectrum used. As of 2011, there were only two technologies officially designated as 4G mobile: LTE-Advanced and WiMax Release 2. Though devices using these technologies can theoretically reach the data speeds and functionality requirements set out by the ITU, the actual function varies according to the network coverage, infrastructure, and location.
Other Versions

Former versions of LTE and WiMax, and another technology called HSPA+, are also commonly referred to as 4G; despite the name, none actually meet the standards set out in IMT-A. The technologies were marketed so often as "4G" that the ITU allowed them to claim the designation. Most major carriers in the US work with at least one of these standards, with some supporting both. Generally speaking, LTE services are faster than WiMax, but WiMax can often support a farther-ranging signal than LTE, meaning that a user could conceivably use the mobile device farther away from a hotspot. Additionally, LTE is primarily used for cellphones and similar mobile devices, while WiMax is sometimes used to provide at-home Internet connections.
As Compared to 3G

The main difference between 4G mobile technology and the previous standard, 3G technology, in terms of end usage is the data transfer speeds provided. This means that users can access much more sophisticated data that requires a lot of bandwidth very quickly. Depending on the service provider, however, 4G mobile devices may be limited to specific zones for making phone calls that are generally smaller than the areas covered by 3G. This means that people trying to make a call would have their call dropped if they went outside the covered area. Some 4G phones also have much shorter battery life than most 3G phones.

What Is 3G Technology?

3G technology is a standard of cellular phone service first approved by the International Telecommunication Union in 1999. The term 3G stands for third generation, as this level of technology follows two earlier mobile telecommunications standards, 1G and 2G. 1G was analog technology used mainly in the 1980s, while 2G, used primarily in the 1990s, was digital but only allowed voice and limited data functionality. Also known as International Mobile Telecommunications-2000, or IMT-2000, 3G offers several advantages over these previous iterations.

One of the benefits of using 3G technology is its capability to allow users access to voice and data functions at the same time. In addition to supporting traditional wireless phone calls and text messaging, Web-based applications such as streaming video, e-mail, and video conferencing are also supported. Phones designed to work with 3G, commonly known as smartphones, can also be used to browse the Internet and download data files. This allows users much more freedom to perform tasks, do work, and have access to information while they are mobile.

Another advantage of 3G technology is a faster rate of data transfer. Due to use of greater bandwidth and higher transfer rates, transmission of data is much faster than with 1G or 2G phones. Potential speed with 3G is around two to three Mbps; when compared to 2G’s maximum 144 Kbps, this is a significant increase.

Additional security features are another benefit of 3G technology. Encryption of data being transmitted is stronger and more robust than on the older 2G technology, using algorithms such as Kasumi and Advanced Encryption Standard, or AES. Equipment can also authenticate that it is accessing the correct network. Users can also choose to incorporate a VPN connection to add even more security for the data they are transmitting.
In order to offer 3G technology, wireless carriers were required to upgrade their infrastructure to allow for the greater bandwidth it requires. Some operators have had to expand the capabilities of existing networks and equipment, while others have had to build new ones. In some areas, it was necessary to license new radio frequencies to carry the signal. Due to the costs associated with all of these upgrades, rollout of 3G was at times delayed in some places. The first country to develop the capability and launch 3G was Japan in 2001, with other countries throughout the world following in the next few years.

Gsm Technology

• Many third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) smart phones use GSM technology so that they can act as wireless hotspots for computers. They can be connected to the computer via a USB cable or wirelessly over a wide-fidelity (Wi-Fi) network or via Bluetooth®.
  
  
• GPRS is one means by which mobile devices that use Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology make connections with the Internet for web browsing as well as transmitting and receiving data such as text messages, email and photos.

3g Cellular

3G, which as of early 2010 is still under development and in the early stages of roll-out across the United States, is claimed by its developers to be capable of speeds two to four times faster than the current 3G cellular transmission standard. A 4G phone can access the Internet and wireless data services at peak gigabit, or mobile ultra-broadband, speeds.

This enables users to create a WiFi network anywhere that can receive a 3G cellular signal. This can allow computers without an HSDPA modem to share in the wireless connection.

What Is Triband 3G Technology?

Triband 3G is a cellular phone technology that allows users to switch between up to three different frequencies depending on which is available. A cellular phone using this technology also has enhanced multimedia support and use of speech and data at the same time using this triband third-generation technology.

Triband is often referred to simply as 3G. It means a mobile phone may support the use of one of three frequencies to increase roaming capabilities when traveling between countries. Triband 3G phones may offer varying frequencies so that a consumer can choose a phone depending on geographic location and traveling habits.

The term 3G refers to phones that evolved from second-generation, or 2G, technology, the first digital phones that emerged in the 1990s. In 2001, the first 3G phones were introduced that could transmit voice and data at the same time. Standards required that 3G phones transmit data at least 384 kbits/s, much faster than 2G phones. In practice, 3G phones transmit even faster than specifications require at up to 14 Mbits/s, making the technology suitable for smartphones that allow users to access the internet. Even as 3G technology is still developing, new phones conforming to 4G standards are emerging.Although 2G phones were the first to have triband capability, triband 3G phones have become commonplace as consumers continue to seek out faster technologies and increased data transmission rates. Unfortunately, 3G phones required new networks and different frequencies than 2G phones. Additionally, countries developed different frequencies from each other because of historical differences. Phone manufacturers have had to produce triband 3G phones with the capability to work outside a service provider’s area.

The United States Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) frequency bands are 850, 1800, and 1900 while most of the rest of the world uses 900, 1800, and 1900. GSM phones are considered 2G and are still commonly used even as 3G technology is continuing to spread. Most of the world now uses 2100 MHz for 3G phones while 3G frequencies in the United States vary between service providers.

This presents a problem for the person traveling between nations, who will incur roaming charges when the frequency changes. Once a cell phone is used outside the home service area, it must switch to another service provider’s network. If a phone has the capability of switching between frequencies, roaming options increase. This makes triband 3G technology crucial for the cell phone user, especially if that consumer plans on traveling.