4G Is Coming: Sooner Than You Think
Dave Greenfield | Date: 02-04-10 | Comments: 1
- Today’s 3G phones have already revolutionized the way we play and work, and their peak data rates are about 10M bps. But imagine what they could do if at 100M bps? Much-hyped 4G mobile technology won’t reach those speeds in the United States until 2010, and more likely 2012, but residents of Oslo and Stockholm are getting a sneak peek of the technology today.
TeliaSonera, the Nordic telecommunications operator, has
opened the first
commercially available 4G (fourth generation) network. The increased speed
and bandwidth will allow users to watch television, play games, participate in
Web conferences and much more with their mobile devices. TeliaSonera has
provided customers with 4G modems so they can connect and explore the features
a full year ahead of everyone else.
4G speeds, says TeliaSonera, will be between 20M bps and 80M
bps. While not tapping into all of 4G’s potential, 20M bps is still seven
times faster than the 3G network powered by AT&T, which is the fastest in
the United States.
80M bps is 22 times faster. As more 4G devices are released abroad,
applications will be developed to take full advantage of the capability and
data transfer rates.
By the end of 2010, the telecommunications operator plans to
extend this further into Sweden
and Norway,
though a 3G modem will also be necessary if outside the 4G network. The move by
TeliaSonera has ignited even more interest in 4G technology. Verizon plans on
releasing its own 4G systems next year and is currently running trials. The
wireless giant claims that it will provide more than 95 percent of the U.S.
population with 4G network coverage. Initially, however, it will be offered in
25-30 U.S.
markets.
4G technology will supplant 3G eventually and offer a wide
range of features, including end-to-end IP, faster data transfer, video
streaming, and likely a combination of Wi-Fi and WiMax. It is hoped that
connectivity will be smooth, allowing transitions from sites throughout a
geographical area.
At the same time, it is precisely that sort of ubiquitous
connectivity that has some people worried. This will be the first time mobile
devices will be inherent VOIP (voice over IP) devices, and as such, require an
IP address. There simply aren’t enough IP addresses to go around for every
mobile device.
Because of this, the deployment of 4G devices also will drive
the demand for new IP-addressing technologies. This is a complicated area that
includes IPv6 addresses, but will also require service providers to install
carrier-grade NATs (Network Address Translators) within their networks and
other conversion mechanisms to allow the IPv6 devices to communicate and
retrieve content from the greater Internet. How effectively this hidden network
layer is designed could significantly impact the performance of tomorrow’s 4G nets.
