Everything you need to know about 4G.
History of 4G
In 2008, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defined 4G wireless cellular standards, which included transmission technology and data speeds. The ITU also stated that LTE, WiMAX and other "evolved 3G technologies" could be considered as "4G" at the 2010 ITU World Radiocommunication Seminar . The first commercially available LTE smartphone, the Samsung Craft, was offered by MetroPCS on November 4, 2010. Norway introduced it for commercial use near the end of 2009.
What is 4G
4G stands for "fourth generation" and refers to the latest generation of broadband cellular network technology. It's the successor to the 3G networks that have been the standard for over a decade.
The biggest benefit of 4G is dramatically faster data speeds. How fast? 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution), the most common 4G technology, can theoretically reach download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. In the real world, you'll typically see speeds of 5-12 Mbps. That's still several times faster than typical 3G speeds of 1-3 Mbps.
How does 4G work?
4G utilizes new frequency spectrums and advanced technologies like IP networking, antenna technology, encryption, and more to deliver turbo-charged data speeds and network performance.
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing ( OFDM ) transmits data in a way that's resistant to interference allowing higher data rates.
Multiple Input Multiple Output ( MIMO ) uses multiple antennas to transmit and receive separate data streams simultaneously over the same channel.
Ultra Thin Piloting ( UTP ) transmits just enough information for devices to lock onto the data stream, saving bandwidth.
Simply put, It takes full advantage of the available wireless spectrum by encoding and transmitting data with incredible efficiency. This allows way more data to move at much higher speeds.
4G Bands
4G Low-Band
Bands: 12 (700 MHz), 17 (700 MHz), 26 (850 MHz) (may bleed into mid-band depending on carrier), 32 (1500 MHz) (considered low-band in some regions)
Frequency Range: 600 MHz - 900 MHz
Typical Speeds: 5 - 12 Mbps
Benefits: Excellent coverage, especially in rural areas. Signals penetrate buildings better.
Coverage Area: ( Up to 10 km from Cell Tower ) Low-band frequencies are used for extensive coverage and penetrate buildings and obstacles for providing wide-area coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Drawbacks: Lower data transfer speeds compared to mid-band and high-band.
4G Mid-Band
Bands: 2 (1900 MHz), 4 (1700 MHz), 5 (850 MHz) (may bleed into low-band depending on carrier), 28 (700 MHz) (may push into low-band depending on carrier), 40 (2300 MHz) (considered high-band in some regions)
Frequency Range : 1.7 GHz - 2.5 GHz
Typical Speeds : 25 - 50 Mbps
Benefits : Offers a good balance between coverage and speed. Suitable for cities and suburban areas.
Coverage Area: ( Up to 1-5 km estimated from Cell Tower ) Mid-band frequencies hit a balance between coverage and speed for faster data rates than low-band frequencies but provide lower coverage than low-band.
Drawbacks: Coverage might be slightly less extensive compared to low-band.
4G High-Band
Bands: 7 (2600 MHz), 20 (800 MHz) (considered mid-band in some regions), 38 (2600 MHz), 41 (2600 MHz+), 66 (1700 MHz+) (considered mid-band in some regions)
Frequency Range:2.5 GHz - 3.5 GHz
Typical Speeds: 50 - 100 Mbps (can reach higher in ideal conditions)
Benefits: Offers the fastest data speeds among 4G options. Great for data-intensive tasks like streaming high-definition videos.
Coverage Area:( Up to 100-900 meters estimated from Cell Tower ) High-band frequencies are used for ultra-fast speeds and the lowest latency.
Drawbacks : Coverage area is usually limited compared to low-band and mid-band. Signals may struggle to penetrate buildings and trees.
How will you get benefit from 4G
With 4G, users can experience lightning-fast download and upload speeds, facilitating unlimited streaming of high-definition videos, rapid file downloads, and smooth web browsing.
If you're streaming your favorite TV shows, playing online games, or video calling your loved ones, 4G ensures uninter rupted connectivity and high-quality multimedia experiences.
For professionals on the go, 4G allows faster access to cloud-based applications, real-time collaboration tools, and email communication, growing productivity and efficiency.
4G networks deliver broader coverage and more reliable connectivity. Even in densely populated areas or remote locations.
As the foundation for appearing technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). 4G sets the stage for a more connected and innovative future.
4G: Pros and Cons
Pros
1: Data speeds up to 100Mbps.
2: Near fast media streaming/downloads.
3: Low latency for unlimited video calls/online gaming.
4: Bandwidth for high-quality video/audio consumption.
5: Fast web browsing is comparable to home broadband.
6: Reliability and consistency across the network.
7: Enabler for future 5G speeds and capabilities.
Cons
1: Shorter battery life from frequent data transmission.
2: Increased potential for network congestion issues.
3: Limited rural availability based on carrier buildouts.
4: Requirement for new 4G-enabled devices/plans.
5: Potential privacy concerns around location tracking.
6: Uncertainties around long-term health impacts.
(Source: Wikipedia)