A Simple Guide to 4G Wireless

Many of us who live in the mobile broadband life have heard of the 4G cellular network and its heralded arrival. Anyone who is using a cell phone, smart phone, iPad, iPhone or any number of devices running on cellular services is getting excited about the 4G network. However, a few people have not been exposed to this new generation of mobile broadband technology. Here is a brief overview of what 4G wireless technology is and why you should be excited by its arrival.

Understanding What a 4G Wireless Network Is
This is the 4^th generation of wireless network services and therefore the marketing term 4G stuck with most cellular carriers. Most cellular carriers are expected to be offering speeds of anywhere between five and ten times what current 3G wireless network services have. These speeds will translate to faster download speeds for the end users. At 3G wireless network speeds, downloads where between 400 kilobits per second and 1.5 mega bits per second. However, with the new technology of a 4G wireless network end users should see speeds between 2 mbps up to 6 mbps. Some cellular carriers have claimed that they will be able to offer 10 to 12 mbps eventually.

Why You Want a 4G Wireless Network
With the abundance of all the applications that are available on most mobile wireless systems, having that additional speed will greatly improve their performances. Network gaming, streaming videos, and videoconferencing to name just a few applications that the 4G wireless network will enhance. In fact, many users will want to replace their cable modem or DSL service at home and make use of the 4G wireless network and its much faster speed.

Learning The 4G Wireless Network Timetable
There are already a few cities that have the 4G wireless network in place. Over the next two years, many of the cellular carriers will have the 4G wireless network working in most metropolitan communities. Coverage will be extensive by the end of 2011 by most of the common cellular carriers.

How to Live 4G in a 3G World
Currently the 4G network is not supporting voice services in its simplest form. The 4G wireless network works on a different frequency than the 3G wireless network. Many of the new 4G wireless network phones available now will be a hybrid of both 4G and 3G networks. The 4G to handle data services and the 3G to handle voice calls.