4G is the next wireless standard for cellular phones. The "G" stands for "generation," indicating a significant evolution in wireless technology. 4G will bring powerful new wireless technology to next-generation cell phones.
Tech Talk
The fundamental difference between 4G and 3G is in the rate of data transfer. The best 3G can do is about 2 megabits per second (Mbps). 4G, on the other hand, could reach speeds of 100 Mbps. That's fifty times faster, and will allow for the kind of robust Internet service currently available on PCs with broadband.
Features
Some of the features 4G could potentially provide are video conferencing, high-definition streaming video and live TV and radio. In addition, 4G will arguably lower the cost of data transfer, since more bandwidth will be available for less.
Other Changes
4G would make a cell phone more like a computer, as it is assigned an IP (Internet Protocol) address and uses packets to send and receive data. Current trends toward "cloud" computing--maintaining remote data accessible via many devices--would certainly be hastened by the coming of 4G. Cell phones could take the place of computers in many contexts.
Portability
Another feature of 4G is that it can easily hand over a connection from one network to another. Theoretically this would allow users to maintain a steady Internet connection, even when traveling at high speeds. When Samsung was testing its first 4G network, they had testers stream video and access the Web on a bus traveling at about 40 mph.
Short Term
At the moment, 4G is still nowhere near the norm. Experts say that only about 30% of wireless subscriptions worldwide will be 3G or 4G by 2013. Early adopters will want the technology as soon as they can get it, but for the moment, 4G is limited to mobile hotspots and other more complex technology.
Tags: data transfer, wireless technology
