4G and Beyond Bringing Networks

Question: Discuss about the 4G and Beyond for Bringing Networks. Answer: Introduction 4G refers to the instances where a mobile device can be able to exchange mobile data at speeds exceeding 100mbs. Previous technologies were much slower, and did not prioritise data transmission. With the increase of 4G mobile devises and networks, it has been suggested that the era of pervasive computing, where connections across geographically dispersed areas will be seamless, is a possibility. 4G is a label which, like its predecessors, has been applied to both hardware and mobile networks alike. This paper will look at the background, status and expected impact of 4G networks (Berndt, 2008). The initial mobile devices and networks prioritised voice over all other services, including data. As the capacity increased, and data became a more important aspect of consumers demand, mobile networks companies and mobile device producers moved away from voice, to focus on other services as well. The first generation devices and were based on analogue protocol, and were almost entirely focused on voice. The second generation products were a drastic step form this. While having increased coverage, the 2G service was able to integrate digital standards for the first time. However, the service remained essentially voice based. Where the 1G phone could communicate at speeds averaging at a partly 2.4kbps, 2G could transmit data at 64kbps (Berndt, 2008). 3G was still designed for voice, though with a stronger emphasis on data than the rest. With 3G, firms could speak of being able to provide mobile broadband, a term that had not been used to refer to mobile technology up to that time. Data speeds saw a massive improvement yet again, jumping to an average of 2mbps. 4G has however redefined mobile communications. Coming at a time when more and more phones will be smart, and therefore specially tailored for data based services, 4G is specially designed for data, with voice communication being relegated for the first time. The technology is truly broadband, and uses IP protocols. It has speeds that average 100mpbs (Berndt, 2008). Mobile phone users, and especially those who use Smartphones, have become ever more demanding on the quality of service they require form their network providers and device manufacturers. Among other things, the market increasingly wants value for money, with smart phones being cheaper and more accessible. They also expect to be given support, and better tariffs. More importantly though, the market demands exemplary network performance, sometimes equated to increased connection speeds, which 4G networks are able to provide Wilkinson, 2011). While 4G has become ever more common around the world, it has also been used by businesses as a marketing gimmick. For instance, the first phone billed as a 4G phone is likely to have been 3G, sue to the level of mobile technology advancement at the time (2010). While there are several genuine 4G technologies today networks and devices, it is also likely that a large chunk of those who claim to be 4G are in actual sense other categories of 3G. Despite these issues, 4G technology has continued to advance and become even better (Sauter, 2013). Since the inception of 4G networks in early 2010s, there has been remarkable progress in improving mobile phone communications. As indicated before mobile communication is increasingly data based, with voice communication either been carried out digitally, or becoming less important on the analogue platforms. In the near future, 4G networks are expected to improve their speeds, reaching up to 1gbps. This will also be available to lower mobility users. It will be much simpler to use HTML, JAVA and other computing tools and applications using this faster version of 4G (Wilkinson, 2011). Conclusion Mobile phone technology has seen improving fast since the first mobile phone was unveiled in 1983. Over the years, mobile phone technologies have gradually shifted from voice only to taking on more services, including data. This has ushered in the era of 4G, a technology billed as having the fastest data transmission rates ever. However, this is only the start. In future, the speed is expected to be even greater. This will be motivated by the desire to satisfy customers, who demand faster speeds and greater support from network operators and device manufacturers. References Berndt, H. (2008). Towards 4G technologies: services with initiative. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. Sauter, M. (2013). 3G, 4G and Beyond: Bringing Networks, Devices and the Web Together. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons. Wilkinson, C. (2011). Mobile Platforms: Getting Information on the Go. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.