Paper: 4G

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There is no single definition for 4G. Identify different definitions for 4G and state, which one is the most appealing to you.

[edit] Different definitions of 4G

(4G - Fourth Generation Mobile Networks)

First of all, there are some areas which all definitions of 4G share. It is always the main goal to deliver higher throughput to the mobile stations (e.g. customer). The fourth generation networks will be completely IP based and will offer QoS functionallity to enable VoIP and multimedia streaming. 4G is expected to deliver more advanced versions of the same improvements promised by 3G. The way this is going to be achieved, however, depends on the interests of leading techonolgy companies and regional historical telecomunication development. [see Reference 1]
It is possible to divide the world in three zones, which will be determinate for the development of 4G networks. Of course, it is not always simply a black and white issue and the boundaries are not yet set. [see Reference 2]

In North America the development of 4G networks will mainly be based on WLAN technology. Service Provider didn’t agreed on one technology standard for 2G networks and developed there own systems. This led to a market with no unitary network. GSM is now slowly introduced as a quasi standard for 2G networks but due to the roll out of 3G, will never reach the same propagation as for example in Europe. Therefore, telcos in North Amercia are focusing on Hot-Spot technology to deliver high speed broadband access to the customers. They already started to provide WLAN throughout complete cities (for example San Francisco, U.S.A, Ottawa, Canada). There are several vendors like Belair Networks which have products ready to provide connectivity with either old WiFi or newer technologies like WiMAX. [see Reference 3]

Europe as another region has it’s main focus on the integration of existing and upcoming technologies. This includes roaming between technologies like 2G (GSM with GPRS), 3G (Umts with HSDPA) and Hot-Spot based networks like WiFi and WiMAX. As a result of the frequency-band auctions all over Europe during the new economy boom in 2000, the telcos invested a lot of money in their 3G network plans. T-Mobile for example paid 8.5 billion euros for only the German license. [see Reference 4]
Since they didn’t have any return on their investment yet, you can easily understand why they will hold on to the 3G network. They had spent too much money to skip the 3G technologies and focus on completely new ones. Existing technologies will be integrated to one system which will offer the customer the best service depending on their location.

The third region is Japan and Asia. They are focusing on completely new technologies. Analysts say, they might even skip 3G and will start with 4G networks within the next few years. Bejing, for example, plans the world’s first operational 4G network in 2008 for the start of the Olympic games. [see Reference 5]
Unlike 1-3G networks, 4G in Asia will no longer focus on celluar technologies. Ad-hoc and peer-to-peer networks will gain greater importance to avoid single point of failure. In the beginning WiFi (802.11) infrasturcture networks will be used to connect end users. Those AP, however, will then form a meshed wireless 4G network on their own. [see Reference 6]

In my opinion, a combination of all three approaches would be the best solution. The basis of 4G networks should be the roaming capability like the one preferred in Europe. This provides connectivity for the customer no matter where they are. City areas for example can offer networks with higher throughput than rural areas. What I do not like about the European approach is the focus on ‘old’ technologies. (old by 2010). 3G networks can play a role to cover rural areas but high speed technologies like WiMAX or newer versions of WiFi should be used to boost network speeds. Besides the cellular nature of those technologies known today, ad-hoc networks should be used to extend the range of hot-spots. One for example could think of a scenario, where cars on a highway form an ad-hoc network and gateways to the internet are only needed every two or three kilometres.

--Olli 13:10, 5. Apr 2006 (CEST)