A 4G network is the fourth generation of wireless communication. While still in development, the foundations for the replacement of the present network is currently being researched and constructed by the cellular phone industry and other technology developers. The overall goal for the network is to provide a comprehensive and secure Internet Protocol solution with much faster data speeds than previous generations.
The first wireless network, known as 1G, was founded during the 1980s. 2G was introduced in the early 1990s as a way of allowing more transmissions to occur per communication channel. The foundations of 3G were established in the late 1990s and have been implemented throughout the majority of the world as of the early 21st century. While the 3G network was the first to allow for multimedia applications, 4G promises to take this basic technology and amplify its usage.
The specifics of the 4G network are geared towards a higher quality of service. Better reception and less dropped data and information exchanges are a priority. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the organization that oversees the standards of the present wireless networks, has stated that it requires substantial improvements to multimedia messaging services, including video services, in order to approve a new generation. It wants a data speed transfer rate of at least 100 megabits per second while a user is physically moving at high speeds and a one gigabit per second data rate in a fixed position. The ITU also requires interactive roaming between networks.
A variety of working groups have been established to help develop the 4G network. Proposals from these organizations include implementation of WiMax, a faster version of wireless data transfer than WiFi networks. The groups also plan to utilize packet-based information exchange based on standard IP technology. This promises to be the fastest mobile communication method without cables ever devised.
In order to make the 4G system work, the concept of smart antennas must be developed and implemented. With the establishment of the 2G and 3G networks, a number of different methods of data transmission were created. Many of these technologies can be rolled into the 4G network, however, the working groups and ITU prefer a standardized antenna system that can communicate across company lines.
One of the proposed technologies to make this happen is known as spacial multiplexing. Spacial multiplexing uses a series of antennas linked into a single transmitter and receiver. These antennas are capable of functioning simultaneously, speeding up the space-time data exchange rates.
Overall implementation of the 3G network around the world took nearly a decade. The ITU plans to have the 4G network rolled out to the global market in a much more effective and timely manner. With the speeds and video technology, the possibilities for wireless communication will revolutionize the global communications network. However, concerns over stability and security are also prime factors in the development.