Mobile communication enables you to talk to people who are far away from you without having to be connected physically. It becomes possible to transfer audio and multimedia files between mobiles and computers without the need for any physical connection. A cell phone or a mobile phone is one form of mobile communication.
There have been many technological advancements in improving user experience and making mobile communication more efficient. Originally known as 1G, it is now widely used as 4G technology. The fourth generation (4G) of mobile network technology was released before the advent of 5G networks and replaced 3G networks.
What is 4G?
The 3G network was succeeded by the 4G network that is also known as the fourth generation of mobile or wireless communication technology. Rapid data transmission enabled by its speed makes possible high definition video calls, quick downloads and uploads, live streaming, online gaming among others. This includes a 4G system that complies with ITU’s specification for IMT advanced which has defined features and capabilities of such a system including transmission technology and data speed. A 3G network can have speeds up to 100 Mbps; this is much slower than what a 3G network can do.
Due to the fast nature of 4G, people may have continual access to high-definition video and audio streaming. Furthermore, it enables wireless broadband connection hence doing away with fixed wired internet connections for consumers.
Types of 4G
A breakdown of these two groups is given below in (i) Long-Term Evolution (ii) WiMAX(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access):
- LTE(Long-Term Evolution)
- WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
LTE(Long-Term Evolution)
Long-Term Evolution, or LTE, is a standard for fast wireless communication that is frequently utilised in 4G connections. In technological terms, it differs from 4G; that is, 4G and 4G LTE are not equivalent. LTE data transmits more quickly and with less delay. Global access to the LTE network is possible for both industrial and consumer applications.
The term LTE is only used in marketing contexts because 4G’s stipulated speed and technical requirements were unachievable at the time of its introduction. Therefore Compared to 3G, LTE offers far greater speed and capacity, although it does not imply a certain rate. The speed varies from 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps based on the carrier.
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
One kind of 4G wireless internet is called WiMAX. It functions similarly to wifi, which allows users to access the internet without using cables. It’s not the same as wifi, though, as wifi can only cover a small area, whereas this technology can cover large areas, like cell phone networks with broadband-like high-speed internet access. A 4G network is a type that includes mobile WiMax, however not all 4G networks are WiMAX. Over 20 MHz wide channels, WiMAX offers peak data rates of 128 Mbps for downlink and 56 Mbps for uplink.
How Does 4G Network Works?
In essence, a 4G mobile connection uses radio frequencies to send a signal through an antenna, enabling mobile devices to connect to mobile networks.
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) technologies underpin 4G’s transmission and reception capabilities. In comparison to 3G, 4G delivers higher capacity and bandwidth because of these technologies.
In contrast to 3G, MIMO technology helps reduce network congestion and allows more customers to be served without any bottleneck occurring.
All IP protocols for data and voice communication are supported by 4G networks. Because 4G is an all-IP network, it can be operated more efficiently by mobile network operators than they can handle different voice and data network technologies.
Features of 4G
- Data can now be transferred faster and more securely than ever before with the onset of 4G communication technology.
- For organizations and individuals that want internet access, 4G communication technology offers a high speed data link at a reasonably reasonable price as compared with previous technologies.
- The manner in which we communicate has been changed via 4G mobile communications technology, which affords consumers better features like global mobility, portable services, and scalable mobile networks.
- This makes it possible to have faster speeds on the internet since with streaming video or audio or large file downloads among other data intensive activities with 4g communication technology thus making its best option for companies who want access to internet quickly at lower cost than other earlier technologies.
- Users of 4G networks get access up to rates of about one hundred megabits per second (Mbps), far much faster than what their counterparts accessing Internet via a third generation (3G) network could get.
Advantages of 4G
- Users can use a 4G connection without a wired connection or phone line. Rather, it use the same mobile phone’s internet connection for operation.
- Because 4G offers portability, users can access the internet from anywhere, at any time.
- Compared to 3G, the cost of internet services has significantly decreased with 4G. It provides high-speed internet at a lower cost as a result.
- Since everything is hosted online these days, customers need fast internet in order to use cloud services, which is achievable with 4G (and soon to be 5G) connections.
Disadvantages of 4G
- In accordance with the network signal. Mobile network customers face a serious problem with this, especially in rural locations where signal quality can be poor.
- 4G requires increased battery usage. This is so that transmission and reception can occur at the higher data rate of 4G.
Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
VoLTE means voice-over LTE. It’s an improved version of 4G LTE for voice and video calls. In essence, you get HD voice and video calls, and it’s a great experience overall with better coverage and battery life increase. If you upgrade to 4G LTE, ensure you also get 4G VoLTE.
Is 5G equivalent to 4G LTE?
- No, it’s not. One 4G technology is LTE.
- The fifth generation of mobile networks is called 5G. 4G LTE is not replaced by 5G. 5G and 4G cooperate.
- The deployment of 5G network technology, 5G services, and 5G-capable handsets has begun.
- It goes without saying that 5G LTE does not exists.
With its significantly higher speeds and more dependable connections, 5G technology is anticipated to be a game-changing advancement in the mobile communication industry.
For more detail please refer to the difference between 3G and 4G Technology, and the Difference between 4G and 5G articles.
Frequently Asked Question on Technology for 4G Mobile Communications – FAQs
What is 4G?
The fourth generation of mobile communication or wireless communication technology, which has replaced the Third Generation Network is called as the 4G network. This provides for fast transmission speeds for data that can support high definition video calls, quick downloads and uploads, live streaming, online gaming and more.
What are the features of 4G ?
With the introduction of LTE technology, much faster and safer transfer of data has now been made possible.
4G communications have affordable prices for high speed internet based services unlike previous alternatives.
In addition to universal mobility, service portability and scalable mobile networks being some remarkable features in this product, our way of communicating has been changed by the advent of 4G mobile communication technology.
What frequency range used for 4G ?
600 MHz to 2.5 GHz
What is LTE ?
As an improved version from the UMTS which was a third generation (3G) standard Long Term Evolution that improve on existing performance ensuring speed also known as LTE marks the end of its evolution process into fourth generation (4G).
What is the future of 4G with respect to 5G?
Although 4G will still be more than sufficient for daily operations, 5G is expected to gain popularity as the network of choice for next-generation applications that demand the fastest speeds, lowest latency, and smoothest device connectivity. Every 4G and 5G network has advantages and disadvantages of its own.