TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

4G Is Coming: Sooner Than You Think

Dave Greenfield | Date: 02-04-10 | Comments

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.