21-06-2012, 12:31 PM
4G Wireless Networks: Opportunities and Challenges
INTRODUCTION
The existence of 4G Networks in today’s technology-driven society is important indicators of advancement and change. 4G, or Fourth Generation networks, are designed to facilitate improved wireless capabilities, network speeds, and visual technologies. It is anticipated that as these networks continue to thrive, the demand for advanced related technologies will also grow, thereby creating new alternatives for savvy technology users to exceed their desired expectations. The following discussion will evaluate the current state of 3G Networks and will examine the future potential of these networks in expanding technology-based capabilities for consumers and industries alike.
In this paper we present an overall vision of the 4G networks starting by presenting some of the key features they will provide, and then discussing key challenges the researchers and vendors are attempting to resolve, and finally briefly describing some of the proposed solutions to these problems.
BACKGROUND
Within the cable television industry, the expansion to 4G Networks is a very real possibility in 2009. Recently, Comcast and T-Mobile have collaborated and agreed to the development of a “mobile 4G network” to be tested in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD [11]. However, this process is lengthy, and the rollout of such a network is not expected for close to two years, as the network requires extensive and detailed testing in order to ensure that there are no “bugs” that could interrupt the flow of mobile traffic across the network [11]. This type of opportunity is of critical importance in developing a network that is capable of advancing technology to never-before-seen heights.
Similarly, AT&T, one of the world’s largest telecommunications providers, will begin its own rollout of a 4G Network in 2011, enabling its vast user base to explore new downloading speeds and capabilities [18]. The utilization of LTE mobile broadband technology is an opportunity for the corporation to expand its horizons into 4G territory, upstaging current 3G capabilities [18]. In the process of expanding into the new 4G enterprise, AT&T will seek to overcome any limitations brought on by the 3G Network process. As AT&T begins its rollout process, there are many considerations involved in ensuring that the transition is a success, and that existing networks are not interrupted in the process of developing the 4G platform. In addition, mobile providers such as AT&T will likely develop new pricing strategies from some of their most popular products, including the iPhone, in response to the challenges of developing faster networks [21].
The 4G Network process requires a unique approach to developing effective models for strategic purposes. The necessity for 4G networks is associated with the increased utilization of data websites such as You Tube and Facebook, which require tremendous bandwidth in order to be used successfully [10]. Because these websites are becoming
increasingly popular amongst the general public, it is more important than ever for telecommunications providers to develop opportunities to accommodate the needs of the consumer population. Consumers have come to depend on different sources of data as a source of entertainment and for convenience. Therefore, it is important that organizations such as Verizon and AT&T continue to identify areas where technological improvements are required.
In January 2009, the first operating 4G Network was established by a joint venture between Clearwire and Intel, which reflected an opportunity for residents and businesses in Portland, Oregon to “connect wirelessly anywhere in Portland at true broadband speeds” [13]. However, with the technology quickly approaching a widespread rollout, many cities, states, and countries will soon possess similar capabilities, as consumers and businesses alike will be provided with different opportunities to expand their networks and interfaces with advanced capabilities. Furthermore, it is evident that the Clearwire strategy is not without its disadvantages, and additional efforts must be made to overcome any technology-related problems that might persist before a widespread rollout is even considered.
OPPERTUNITIES
In general, it is believed that the existence of the 4G network is designed to facilitate the development of a superior alternative to the existing 3G strategy in terms of quality and data transmission speed. For developers of 4G Networks, there is a great dependence upon advanced technologies and increased speed in order for the network to be a success. It is known that in terms of the 4G Network, “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” [5]. From this perspective, it is important for the new data network to meet the expected demand of the consumer and of different industries, which have come to depend upon high-speed data networks with minimal interruptions for a variety of needs.
Cost and Affordability
In terms of 4G Network cost and affordability, there are a number of issues to consider that reflect some degree of risk, as well as opportunity, so that these networks are successful once rolled out to the general public, and in general, 4G Networks are designed in order to create an environment that supports high-speed data transmission and increased profit margins for organizations that utilize these capabilities [2]. Developing a successful 4G Network platform is a positive step towards the creation of a wireless and broadband environment that possesses rapid transmission speeds, data integrity modules, and other related events that encourage users to take additional risks in promoting successful utilization of these 4G tools.
Cababilities and Features
Although the 4G Network platform is not brand new, many telecommunications providers have not yet developed their own alternatives that will support this network in full. Therefore, 4G-related products are still in the development phase, with additional products to be developed and rolled out on a periodic basis. With the creation of these alternatives, it is likely that 4G Networks will continue to expand their scope and promote their own brand of personalization for consumers that seek these types of alternatives [16]. In general, the possibilities associated with 4G Networks are endless, as high-speed data transmission and associated capabilities are more feasible than ever. This supports the notion that the demand for more complex networks and related capabilities are stronger than ever, as a greater number of consumers continue to buy into the potential that exists with advanced networks, such as 4G.
With the appropriate combination of resources, it is possible for 4G Networks to create alternatives that exceed consumer and industry expectations. Therefore, 4G developers must consider the appropriate security measures, the promotion of high-speed data transmission across the network, and must also consider the ways in which data quality and integrity might be preserved in order to provide the most satisfactory results.
This 4G is intended to replace the current 3G systems within few years. The ambitious goal of 4G is to allow everyone to access the Internet anytime and everywhere. The provided connection to Internet will allow users to access all type of services including text, databases, and multimedia. 4G, unlike 3G, is IP based, that is every user connected to the Internet will have an IP address. This feature makes it easier to integrate the infrastructure of all current networks and consequently will it easier for users to access services and applications regardless of the environment. 4G will also provide higher bandwidth, data rate, lower authentication overhead, and will ensure the service is constantly provided to the user without any disruption.
Another key feature of 4G networks is high level of user-level customization. That is, each user can choose the preferred level of quality of service, radio environment, etc. Accessing 4G networks will be possible virtually by using any wireless device such as PDAs, cell phones, and laptops. Figure 1 illustrates elements and techniques to support the adaptability of the 4G domain.
INTRODUCTION
The existence of 4G Networks in today’s technology-driven society is important indicators of advancement and change. 4G, or Fourth Generation networks, are designed to facilitate improved wireless capabilities, network speeds, and visual technologies. It is anticipated that as these networks continue to thrive, the demand for advanced related technologies will also grow, thereby creating new alternatives for savvy technology users to exceed their desired expectations. The following discussion will evaluate the current state of 3G Networks and will examine the future potential of these networks in expanding technology-based capabilities for consumers and industries alike.
In this paper we present an overall vision of the 4G networks starting by presenting some of the key features they will provide, and then discussing key challenges the researchers and vendors are attempting to resolve, and finally briefly describing some of the proposed solutions to these problems.
BACKGROUND
Within the cable television industry, the expansion to 4G Networks is a very real possibility in 2009. Recently, Comcast and T-Mobile have collaborated and agreed to the development of a “mobile 4G network” to be tested in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD [11]. However, this process is lengthy, and the rollout of such a network is not expected for close to two years, as the network requires extensive and detailed testing in order to ensure that there are no “bugs” that could interrupt the flow of mobile traffic across the network [11]. This type of opportunity is of critical importance in developing a network that is capable of advancing technology to never-before-seen heights.
Similarly, AT&T, one of the world’s largest telecommunications providers, will begin its own rollout of a 4G Network in 2011, enabling its vast user base to explore new downloading speeds and capabilities [18]. The utilization of LTE mobile broadband technology is an opportunity for the corporation to expand its horizons into 4G territory, upstaging current 3G capabilities [18]. In the process of expanding into the new 4G enterprise, AT&T will seek to overcome any limitations brought on by the 3G Network process. As AT&T begins its rollout process, there are many considerations involved in ensuring that the transition is a success, and that existing networks are not interrupted in the process of developing the 4G platform. In addition, mobile providers such as AT&T will likely develop new pricing strategies from some of their most popular products, including the iPhone, in response to the challenges of developing faster networks [21].
The 4G Network process requires a unique approach to developing effective models for strategic purposes. The necessity for 4G networks is associated with the increased utilization of data websites such as You Tube and Facebook, which require tremendous bandwidth in order to be used successfully [10]. Because these websites are becoming
increasingly popular amongst the general public, it is more important than ever for telecommunications providers to develop opportunities to accommodate the needs of the consumer population. Consumers have come to depend on different sources of data as a source of entertainment and for convenience. Therefore, it is important that organizations such as Verizon and AT&T continue to identify areas where technological improvements are required.
In January 2009, the first operating 4G Network was established by a joint venture between Clearwire and Intel, which reflected an opportunity for residents and businesses in Portland, Oregon to “connect wirelessly anywhere in Portland at true broadband speeds” [13]. However, with the technology quickly approaching a widespread rollout, many cities, states, and countries will soon possess similar capabilities, as consumers and businesses alike will be provided with different opportunities to expand their networks and interfaces with advanced capabilities. Furthermore, it is evident that the Clearwire strategy is not without its disadvantages, and additional efforts must be made to overcome any technology-related problems that might persist before a widespread rollout is even considered.
OPPERTUNITIES
In general, it is believed that the existence of the 4G network is designed to facilitate the development of a superior alternative to the existing 3G strategy in terms of quality and data transmission speed. For developers of 4G Networks, there is a great dependence upon advanced technologies and increased speed in order for the network to be a success. It is known that in terms of the 4G Network, “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” [5]. From this perspective, it is important for the new data network to meet the expected demand of the consumer and of different industries, which have come to depend upon high-speed data networks with minimal interruptions for a variety of needs.
Cost and Affordability
In terms of 4G Network cost and affordability, there are a number of issues to consider that reflect some degree of risk, as well as opportunity, so that these networks are successful once rolled out to the general public, and in general, 4G Networks are designed in order to create an environment that supports high-speed data transmission and increased profit margins for organizations that utilize these capabilities [2]. Developing a successful 4G Network platform is a positive step towards the creation of a wireless and broadband environment that possesses rapid transmission speeds, data integrity modules, and other related events that encourage users to take additional risks in promoting successful utilization of these 4G tools.
Cababilities and Features
Although the 4G Network platform is not brand new, many telecommunications providers have not yet developed their own alternatives that will support this network in full. Therefore, 4G-related products are still in the development phase, with additional products to be developed and rolled out on a periodic basis. With the creation of these alternatives, it is likely that 4G Networks will continue to expand their scope and promote their own brand of personalization for consumers that seek these types of alternatives [16]. In general, the possibilities associated with 4G Networks are endless, as high-speed data transmission and associated capabilities are more feasible than ever. This supports the notion that the demand for more complex networks and related capabilities are stronger than ever, as a greater number of consumers continue to buy into the potential that exists with advanced networks, such as 4G.
With the appropriate combination of resources, it is possible for 4G Networks to create alternatives that exceed consumer and industry expectations. Therefore, 4G developers must consider the appropriate security measures, the promotion of high-speed data transmission across the network, and must also consider the ways in which data quality and integrity might be preserved in order to provide the most satisfactory results.
This 4G is intended to replace the current 3G systems within few years. The ambitious goal of 4G is to allow everyone to access the Internet anytime and everywhere. The provided connection to Internet will allow users to access all type of services including text, databases, and multimedia. 4G, unlike 3G, is IP based, that is every user connected to the Internet will have an IP address. This feature makes it easier to integrate the infrastructure of all current networks and consequently will it easier for users to access services and applications regardless of the environment. 4G will also provide higher bandwidth, data rate, lower authentication overhead, and will ensure the service is constantly provided to the user without any disruption.
Another key feature of 4G networks is high level of user-level customization. That is, each user can choose the preferred level of quality of service, radio environment, etc. Accessing 4G networks will be possible virtually by using any wireless device such as PDAs, cell phones, and laptops. Figure 1 illustrates elements and techniques to support the adaptability of the 4G domain.