Wednesday 20 March 2013

Just what is 4G Technology and What are the differences between LTE and WiMAX?

By Fred Kenny


4G is the fourth generation of mobile telecommunication standard, the successor of 3G (third generation). This will provide high-speed mobile internet access to 4G mobile phones, tablets, laptops and PCs linked to a USB modem and a number of 4G related mobile devices.

Of the two benchmarks that have been part of 4G - WiMAX and LTE, LTE appears to have taken over as the lead contender. 4G have provided cited download speeds over 100Mbps and upload speeds over 50Mbps. With these speeds in mind, forthcoming LTE 4G mobile phones could achieve up to 5x the speeds of 3G with HSPA.

One can visibly see that the future looks good for the next generation of technological breakthroughs in communications. A very consequential thing to be aware of before the official introduction of 4G is that the US and the UK do not use the same operators. The problem with having different operators is that there are characteristics in the UK version that the US version does not have and vice versa. In the UK, the operator for 4G is LTE while in the US, it is Wimax. The primary difference between them is that LTE has greater choice to restrict bandwidth than WiMAX.

What is LTE? LTE technology can be put to use simply and can provide fast data rates with low latencies across great distances. Known as 4G (fourth generation), it is superior than 3G systems. For instance, initial readings show the 4G network can easily attain data download speeds of almost 16 Mbps, as opposed to around 1 Mbps for 3G connections. The average upload speed for the 4G system is about 1.5 Mbps, compared with 0.7 Mbps for the 3G.

LTE networks are much easier to deploy than its predecessors. Its network architecture is much easier because it is only a network that is packet switched. The system does not have the capability to control SMS and voice calls inherently. Those types of services are mainly handled by networks that are circuit-switched, such as GSM and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).

The Simplified Architecture Evolution (SAE) of the LTE is basically a simpler kind of the architecture which is currently utilised by the Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS). The UMTS defines a comprehensive network system which encompasses the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), along with the core Mobile Application Part (MAP) network. It also validates users through their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

What is WiMAX? WiMAX is an acronym for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. This technology functions on wireless MAN basics. You need a particular IP address to access broadband on this platform. The value of expansion is reduced and broadband can be afforded to a greater number of customers. Only a few kinds are needed to upgrade the network rather than investment in equipment.

Mobile WiMAX platform allows you to move with your mobile device and still access broadband services so long as you are within the designated zone. Institutions, campuses and municipalities use this system effectively to supply large populations. The areas are known as hot spots. This design does not require use of a cable framework.

WiMAX is an economical alternative and has made it available to offer internet to isolated and sparsely inhabitated communities. Necessary infrastructure is easy and cheaper to lay down. It is not impacted by human activity like cuts or natural disasters such as floods. Broadband is accessible on mobile phones. You only need to stay within the hot spot.




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