What is 4G Network Let’s start with the “technical” definition. In 2007, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defined a new global standard called International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced), stating that it will be an IP (Internet Protocol) packet-switched network that uses VoIP (Voice over IP) instead of separate telephone call channels, like what is used in 3G networks. Features of 4G networks Defined by the ITU include the following points:
A high degree of commonality of functionality worldwide while retaining the flexibility to support a wide range of services and applications in a cost efficient manner Compatibility of services within IMT and with fixed networks Capability of interworking with other radio access systems High quality mobile services User equipment suitable for worldwide use User-friendly applications, services and equipment Worldwide roaming capability Enhanced peak data rates to support advanced services and applications (100 Mbps for high mobility devices, and 1 Gbps for low mobility devices)
Types of 4G networks So what are some of the standards out there that are sometimes marketed as “4G”? WiMAX, short for Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a technology standard for long-range wireless networking based on the IEEE 802.16 set of wide-area communications standards. At one point, WiMAX was considered to be a leading form of mobile data connectivity, but because of limited adoption and less than satisfactory real-world speeds, WiMax fell to the wayside.
LTE LTE, or Long Term Evolution, boasts theoretical downlink speeds of 100 Mbps and uploads of 75 Mbps. LTE, which is an IP-based system, is a complete redesign and simplification of 3G network architecture, resulting in a significant reduction in transfer latency. Because of this,