Running Head: 4G NETWORKS

Assignment 2: 4G Wireless Networks

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Abstract

This paper will compare and contrast the 3G and 4G networks. The paper will attempt to

distinguish between the 4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 4G WiBro networks and what makes up the

differences. It will also analyze the competition amongst the carriers that support the 4G LTE

networks and the fierce battle targeting smartphone users via television ads. Progression from

3G wireless networks to 4G networks was just the initial development of an emergence in mobile

technology.
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Assignment 2: 4G Wireless Networks

1. How does the 3G and 4G wireless networks compare in terms of: Service and
applications, architecture, Data, and User opinion?

In order to evaluate and distinguish between 3G and 4G wireless networks, one must

identify the variation of each of these networks. 3G is the third generation of mobile telephony

(that is, cellular) technology that that provides information transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s and

includes the technologies and standards such as GSM EDGE, UMTS, CDMA2000, DECT and

WiMAX. 3G offers many services and these include include wireless telephone, video, and

wireless information transfer on a mobile basis (Fitchard, 2013). On the other hand 4G is the

successor of 3G and includes the technologies such as Wimax2 and Long Term Evaluation

(LTE) Advance. The 4G system affords broadband internet access on the mobile phone and

includes functions such as amended mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-

definition mobile TV, video conferencing, 3D television, and cloud computing (Times, 2006).

3G wireless networks have large region cell support network architecture. 4G wireless

systems have the incorporation of both Local Area Networks (LAN) and wide area. 3G

networks have data throughput up to 3.1Mbps. Peak download rate is 100Mbps and upload rate

is 5Mbps. On the other hand, 4G systems have data throughput between 2 to 12 Mbps. Peak

download is 1 Gbps and upload is 500 Mbps (Mitchell, 2012).

3G was designed first and foremost for voice exchanges rather than information. It is

available in most parts of the world today. Many users are happy using 3G services since it is

readily available in most places but its cost also deters them. Alternatively, 4Gs primary design

is for transferring data instead of voice and users prefer it because it offers more security faster
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access to data using mobile phones (Diffen). Even with all the advances in mobile technology,

4G networks are still not easily available in many locations outside the United States and remain

to have lacks in coverage areas in some parts of the country (Segan, 2012).

2. Differentiate among the 4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 4G WiBro networks?

4G Long Term Evolution (LTE), can ferry data to you at download speeds of 100 Mbps

and support upload speeds of 50 Mbps (diffen). The 4G Worldwide Interoperability for

Microwave Access (WiMax) information has revealed that permanent WiMax can deliver speeds

of up to 75 Mbps and Portable WiMax can provide speeds of up to 30 Mbps (Mitchell, 2012).

Wireless Broadband (WiBro) is very similar to WiMAX and the transmission speeds are similar.

However the key variance is that WiBro can follow a mobile receiver on the move. Often

referred to as mobile WiMAX.

Many people using 4G LTE Services seem satisfied with the existing amenities provided

by the carrier. Occasionally, reporting of poor connection speeds and outages still plague

customers. 4G WiMax has a fee to usage percentage that surpasses many current technologies

and consequently now provides access to millions of customers. On the other hand WiBro is a

radio service for broadband, Korean developed mobile access that provides an ability to have

connectivity on the go (Times, 2006). Users prefer it while it is available. Transmission speeds

for both WiBro and WiMax are closely similar. The big difference is that WiBro maintains the

capability to outline a receiver moving at speeds of up to 74 miles per hour (Times, 2006).
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LTE-Advanced is considered to be backward compliant with LTE. Like LTE, WiMax is

also backward compatible. When fixed WiMax was upgraded to a more modern mobile WiMax

it also maintain compliance with the former variety (Mitchell, 2012).

4G LTE networks are generally available in most metropolitan areas but places that are

far away from cities with fewer cell sites are especially problematic. 4G WiMax has as limited

service availability and after a set amount of users on the fixed network it will stop any further

users from accessing the connection. Finally WiBro has the least service availability since it is

still being developed. Hopefully in the near future as it progresses in development, WiBro will

reach the goal of maintaining connectivity while traveling at high speeds (Mitchell, 2008).

3. Identify reasons why the rivalry amongst the 4G LTE carriers has been so aggressive

and define the benefits of this rivalry to the Customers?

The competitive rivalries between the 4G LTE carriers are becoming ferocious since the

number of consumers with different choices is increasing. Besides mobile broadband service

suppliers are also competing with fixed line access providers. Subscribers can benefit from this

competition since the fees are remaining relatively low because multiple carriers offer similar

amenities. 4G packages are more and more reasonably priced and the aspiration to be the

winning carrier is causing companies to continuously look to improve their networks and

systems on a daily basis (Segan, 2012). Increasing 4G coverage areas is also a high priority for

the carriers and consumers in each new market they establish are reaping the benefits. Besides,

the extreme competition forces the providers to make changes in their systems and alter

consumer plans more frequently.

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4. Why is Verizon able to cover more 4G markets than AT&T?

As stated previously, Verizon offered the 4G capability in the United States before any

other carrier. They launched an entire year before their staunchest rival AT&T. This contributed

to their competitive advantage to develop their coverage areas. In 2013, Verizon claims to

service over 500 markets across the United States, serving over 260 million Americans with their

4G LTE network. While numbers are possibly a little inflated and hard to accurately measure,

the one thing that remains clear is that Verizon has the upper hand against AT&T with reference

to 4G LTE coverage and could potentially have a market coverage advantage for a long time to

come.

However, sometimes being first is not all it is cracked up to be. In remembering the fable

of the tortoise and the hare, it is not always which competitor gets the fast start that wins the

race, but more important on which one maintains quality and consistency. Although AT&T

started at least a year after Verizon in installing its 4G structures, over the last several years,

AT&T has routinely outperformed Verizon on various network speed and performance tests.

Part of the justification lies in overcrowding or congested networks. Verizons excessively

congested and slow 3G networks is one of the main factors that led the company to the 4G LTE

network ahead of the completion. Verizons 4G network is hardly reaching full occupancy

currently, as its maintaining average speeds in excess of 10 Mbps, but it has more LTE devices

on its network by virtue of having sold them for far longer (Fitchard, 2013). Obviously, the

above statement provides a possible justification that Verizons coverage is greater than AT&T.

On the flip-side, it does beg the question as to if AT&Ts average speeds are significantly faster;

then it could indicate that their networks are significantly further away from reaching capacity.

It is relatively easy to understand that at its current growth rates, Verizon will potentially
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experience full capacity earlier than their bitter rival (Fitchard, 2013). Expect that neither

provider will allow their networks to reach that level of congestion. Verizon is presently

developing the next generation of LTE network. AT&Ts next LTE network remains in all

probability several years away.

Technology today is changing faster than the companies can get the product on the

market to be sold. All a person has to do is watch the television advertisements for a short period

of time to realize these advances. As these competitors continue to improve their product and

increase their customer base more and more advancements will be introduced to the market. So

lets sit back and enjoy the ride.

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References

difference. (n.d.). Retrieved from Diffen.com: http://www.diffen.com/difference/3G_vs_4G

Fitchard, K. (2013, July 10). AT&T is Trouncing Verizon in LTE Performance Tests. Retrieved
from GIGAOM.com: http://gigaom.com/2013/07/10/att-is-trouncing-verizon-in-lte-
performance-tests-heres-atts-explanation-why/

Mitchell, B. (2008, August 31). What is WiBRO. Retrieved from About.com:

http://compnetworking.about.com/b/2008/08/31/what-is-wibro.htm

Mitchell, B. (2012). WiMAX vs. LTE for Mobile Braodband. Retrieved from About.com:
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessinternet/f/wimax-vs-lte-mobile-
broadband.htm

Park, W. (2010, May 18). LTE vs WiMAX - The 4G Mobile Broadband Shootout. Retrieved from
Intomobile.com: http://www.intomobile.com/2010/05/18/lte-vs-wimax-the-4g-mobile-
broadband-shootout/

Segan, S. (2012, February 24). 3G vs 4G: What is the difference? Retrieved from PCMag.com:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2399984,00.asp

Times, E. (2006, June 30). South Korea Launches WiBRO Service. Retrieved from EE Times:
http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1162241