Wireless Networks
4G Wireless Networks

Britney Green
CIS 500: Information Systems for Decision Making
Professor Frank Lazzara
November 4, 2012

4G Wireless Networks

“Wireless networks use packet switching and wireless networks. Patching switching is when the path of the signal is digital and is neither dedicated nor exclusive. Routers are devices that forward packets from one network to another network. Packets occur when the network breaks a file or e-mail message into smaller blocks of specific size. Wireless routers are actually wired routers with wireless access points (WAP) built in. It provides both wired and wireless at the same time”. (Turban & Volonino, 2011)
Third generation also called 3G; of cellular telecommunications technology supports multimedia and broadband services. Broadband means fast transmission speed. It is faster than the 1G and 2G. The third generation networks have far greater ranges because they use large satellite connections that connect to telecommunication towers. The fourth generation is called 4G. 4G mobile network standards enable faster data transfer rates. (Turban & Volonino) Right now 4G is the latest generation of wireless data technologies. It carries average download rates of 3 Mbps or more. “In contrast, today's 3G networks typically deliver average download speeds about one-tenth of that rate. The 2G and 3G started separately with their own purposes; soon both will be converted to the 4G network” (Turban & Volonino). 4G does not use a circuit-switched subsystem, as do the 2G and 3G networks. 4G operates on the packet-based Internet Protocol. Users can get 4G through WiMax or LTE (long term evolution). WiMax is the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access and is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard. It is being used by Sprint, Comcast, and Time-Warner Cable to deliver wireless broadband. Long-Term Evolution is a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) based technology that is used by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Turban & Volonino demonstrated the growth of high-capacity networks on table 4.1 (Turban & Volonino). The network standard EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) uses 3G and has a capacity of 474 Kbps; it is used by Cingular and T-Mobile. The network standard EV-DO (Evolution Data Only) uses the third generation and has a capacity of 2.4 Mbps; it is used by Verizon and Sprint. Wireless Broadband (WiBro) uses the 4G, and has a capacity of 50 Mbps. WiBro provides handover functionally and 4G networks will integrate wired and wireless networks to enable seamless service anytime, anywhere. It was manufactured and launched in South Korea. WiMax standard network also uses 4G and has a capacity of 70 Mbps that enables delivery from network to user WiBro access, as an alternative to cable and DSL. LTE uses the fourth generation and has a capacity of 277 Mbps. This standard was developed by the 3GPP, the same standards body already responsible for the GSM, GPRS, UMTS, and HSDPA standards. (Turban & Volonino, 2011)
Being that the fourth generation carries more network power than 3G it is obviously known to be faster. It delivers a faster download rate than 3G. The faster access that 4G provides allows users to browse the web, download pictures, stream music and many other features. “According to Huff Post Tech website, 4G will not fix technical problems like coverage gaps or dropped calls, but it could cause other issues. Faster wireless could lead to bigger bills because users will use more data if they have access to 4G network. AT&T has already seen an increase in data usage by users, almost an 8,000 percent increase. AT&T charges an extra ten dollars for ever GB over the limit. While Verzion offers unlimited 4G LTE for around thirty dollars, but not all cities are covered and have access to 4G.” (Lee, 2011)

Users of these wireless networks have “tweeted” how they feel about 3G and 4G networks. I read tweets on twitter and some people feel that 4G is not faster. A user stated, “is it just me or has 3g gone super slow since 4g started? I think its no faster they just slowed 3g down to make it appear so #conspiracy.” Another user said, “What's the point of having a 4g phone that acts like 3G or no G?” Many users use social networks on their mobile devices which run on either 3G or 4G. The fourth generation LTE has an advantage over the third generation only because it is designed to be available faster than the rest. It also is strikes problems when it is not available in areas that do not cover 4G. Overall, all networks and mobile companies are at competition to prove one is better than the other. The National Broadband Plan discusses how it is all competition. It states how years ago World Wide Web did not exist or how Americans had not seen a mobile phone, and broadband networks were available to only a few organizations. Today, technology has changes and is taking over the world. Broadband and others like it rule the creation of a wide variety of items and services. It discusses the three elements of broadband ecosystem, which are network, devices, and applications. Network involves competition with residential broadband markets and competition with mobile companies. Networks have many other factors to deal with besides competing, and this Broadband Plan explains and suggests alternatives for these issues. Devices, now you can chose a device that will allow access to email, stream music, download, etc. but before the only thing a mobile device did was make and receive calls. Along with the features smartphones offer, there are millions of applications to download with the phones. Over the years there has been a huge growth in applications and contents available over broadband networks. (broadband.gov)
According to Verizon Wireless coverage map, they obviously cover more places than AT&T. Verizon is first to build and operate a 4G LTE network, and it is the most advanced wireless network technology available. They are able to cover more places because they have a more advanced technology. Even before 4G LTE, Verizon covered more places, it seems as though they work hard to get their service more worldwide. They make new devices more so than other companies. Their new technology is available in 419 markets to more than 250 million people throughout the United States. Statistics show that more people are subscribers of Verizon than any other company, so they have to have more coverage to keep their subscribers in service. (verizonwireless.com)

Reference Page

Lee, Amy. "3G vs. 4G: What You Should Know Before You Switch." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 19 June 2011. Web. 04 Nov. 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/19/4g-network-what-you-should-know_n_879609.html>.
"LTE Information Center." LTE Information Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. .
“National Broadband Plan - Chapter 4: Broadband Competition and Innovation Policy.” .04 Nov. 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.broadband.gov/plan/4-broadband-competition-and-innovation-policy/>.
Turban, E., & Volonino, L. (2011). Information technology for management: Improving strategic and operational performance. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Son, Inc.
“Twitter” Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/search?q=4g%20or%203g&src=typd