4G Mobile Network

4G Mobile Network: 4G is what the next, next generation cellular might be. The idea is simple – universal high-speed Internet access. The thinking is WiFi Internet access (at up to 10 megabits per second) with blanket coverage and fewer base stations than are needed in today’s cell phone networks. Firms including IPWireless, Flarion, Navini, ArrayComm and Broadstorm offer just such a blend. But these are proprietary solutions, so far. Such proposed 4G wireless-broadband systems can be seen in two ways: as a rival to coffee shop WiFi or as a wireless alternative to the cable modem and digital subscriber line (DSL) technologies that now provide broadband access to homes and offices. IPWireless sees their system as a fast internet connection that follows you around. Navini calls it “nomadic broadband”; ArrayComm’s term is “personal broadband”.

Mike Gallagher of Flarion, a firm backed by Cisco, likens WiFi to cordless phones that work within a limited range of a base-station whereas 4G is akin to mobile phones that work anywhere. Advocates of 4G technology argue that, unlike with 3G and WiFi, the business case for 4G is sound. Nobody is sure how commercial WiFi hotspots will make money. The number of connections per day at most hotspots is still tiny. But 4G is being priced like fixed-line broadband, a service for which millions of users worldwide are already willing to pay about $50 a month. 4G networks may be built initially in regions where cable and DSL are unavailable, in order to capitalize on pent-up demand for broadband. Some cell phone companies are said to be considering skipping 3G altogether in favor of 4G.

Source: Newton’s Telecom Dictionary, 2nd Edition; 2006


*4G Developments*

NTT DoCoMo has been testing a 4G system prototype with 4x4 MIMO called “VSF-OFCDM” at 100 MB/sec while moving and 1GB/sec while stationary and is planning on releasing the first commercial network in 2010.

Digiweb, an Irish fixed and wireless broadband company, announced that they have received license from ComReg (Irish Telecom regulator) for the provisioning of 4G mobile communications.

Verizon Wireless announced in September 2007 that it’s planning a joint effort with Vodafone to transition its networks to the 4G standard LTE. In December 2008, Verizon Wireless announced that they intend to build, design, and begin to roll out a LTE network by the end of 2009.

Sprint announced the offering of a 3G/4G connection plan (which is currently only available in Baltimore).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G



More on 4G, pervasive networks, and mesh routing to come…stay tuned!