Abstract
The world is going digital each day, hence Scientists and researchers are busy improving the old technology while subjecting business and technology into a new era of fourth generation digital technology. It all started from first generation, and then evolved to the second and third generation. At the start of 2009, fourth generation became practical, thus substituting the third generation (3G). Fourth generation-popularly known as 4G addresses different challenges facing 3G technologies like; the amount of exactitude data, its potentiality in the market, and whether it can contain new and emerging technological advancements. Majority of modern telecommunication devices like mobile phones, personal computers, laptops and mobile broadband services require connections to a 3G network at a downloading speed of 3.60Mbps and 7.20 Mbps. Downloading speed is dependent on the type of network chosen hence, creating a barrier to acquiring fine signals. Different companies are developing a 4G network that will enable wireless transfer of data and information.
Introduction
Advancements in digital technologies induce comfort into the field of telecommunications. Through evolving technologies, telecommunication devices that were once bulky are now portable. Public demand has increased profoundly while increasing business attitude. Therefore, there has been great demand to acquire new technologies that are not only wireless, but also have a higher downloading speed as compared to previous technologies. Fourth generation 4G, is an emerging wireless technology constituting of several modes of information telecommunications. Simple network technologies like local area network (LAN) to complex technologies like mobile phone signals, Bluetooth, digital TV and radio broadcastings and satellite communications forms the fourth generation technology.
About thirty years ago, first generation (1G) was applicable where mobile phones people could use mobile phones. The second-generation (2G) came into the market during the start of 1990s in digital form, which allowed sending of messages-text messaging. Since people sent limited amount of data, the third generation solved this problem by allowing effectiveness in data handling. This led to creation of websites and an iPhone- the best example of 3G technology. So far, 4G technology is not applicable into the market and business arena due to some complications in set-up standards. 4G technology should address problems facing 3G technology. Businesspersons and scientists require a technology that will transmit data at a higher speed and provide a trusted network security. The current 3G technology used in mobile phone industry has many blips during transmission in multiply network-covered area. 4g technology will aim at reducing blips and centre its network under an IP address structure mainly applicable in internet industry.
Countries like United States and China have started applying 4G technology in their networks. 4G technologies fundamentally functions under Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), though at times 3G technological facets like smart antennas and adaptive signal processing increase 4G network efficiency when incorporated with OFDM. The most special feature under OFDM unlike other features in 3G network is its ability to send data over many parallel channels- hundreds of them, thus, making it easier to transmit large amount of information at a single time. 3G network can also be able to send more data under its Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network. Nevertheless, the problem is, it cannot allow information in parallel channels. In 4G technology, there are wide varieties of channels that depend on adaptive processing technology, which improves reception ability non-interference. The smart antenna technology applicable in radio communication signals is a product of 4G network effectively directing radio signals to the terminal base without interference, as they apply adaptive mechanisms and many antennas, which end up canceling data and signal interference.
Objectives
Many people have been wondering why there should be a new generation of technology considering the fact that 3G technology is effective in the market. The fact is that, 3G technology is effective in data sending but allows signal interference along its channels causing blips. To address this problem, 4G technology using OFDM aspect, can moderately eliminate these interferences. 4G technology can provide good quality of service (QoS). It reduces voice multiplexing while offering guaranteed services under controlled packet and bandwidth applications. In addition, 4G technology brings special feature into the digital telecommunication industry like video chat using webcam cameras, digital broadcasting technology multiple messaging services (MMS), and bandwidth services [1 : 290-380].
The fourth generation technology composes of special objectives, which are advantageous in wireless communication. Due to its multiple channel nature, OFDM technology is able to provide a greater network power as compared to 3G network. Another objective is to achieve greater downloading speed under a system spectrally constructed. If all IP address systems can have a network capable of packing all switches, then 4G will be of great importance. Modern technology requires wireless communication channels, which will increase interoperability across multiple networks. The 4G network will allow higher speed data transfer within the world thus creating a global village that can receive and transmit data at a speed of about 100 Mbps effective for smooth communication in any business environment. OFDM can enable transfer of information and data smoothly without interference. This happens due to the fact that, OFDM can connect heterogeneous networks freely through multiplexing and is able to remove cross-linking signals. In mobile telephone industry, all previous technologies like 2G, 2.5G, 3G and 3.5G have proved ineffective in terms of internet access. The 4G mobile technology allows computers and mobile phones to communicate without intervention of signals. It is widely believed that, people will now be able to receive internet connections at home via broadband connections without the use of cables or wires. The 4G technology brings wealth of freedom in terms of internet access without necessarily accessing wireless portal points when using a laptop to access internet services [2:10-16]
Approaches
Prestigious companies like Samsung, are the pioneers of 4G technology where application software WiMAX finds wide applications. WiMAX is the most common and effective software that enables the 4G to function well. Astonishingly, WiMAX and wireless broadband (WiBro) which was ineffectual some years back, is now applicable across computer communication. Special mobile phones consisting of special technologies that use 4G technology include Nokia N810 WiMAX and the HTC MAX 4G. These two mobile phone handsets can use 4G technology, which effectively sends data and information within heterogeneous networks.
The International Mobile Telecommunications together with government agencies and ministries responsible for information embark daily on the application and use of this technology. As technology is moving from low speed to high-speed multimedia access, there comes a need to acquire apply emerging technologies. Global competition generated by business and market venture prompts all stakeholders to adopt a promising technology. International meetings and forums carried out, create curiosities to use the emerging 4G technology. One of the core reason as to why this technology is of great importance is, its capability to transfer massive data wirelessly without application of devices like cables. Companies like Hawaii from China, Samsung and Nokia manufacture 4G devices and communication gadgets presently to attract attention in the market. Most importantly, is on how to capture the demand of people and find a common striking point between market players [3: Para. 4-14]
Consideration Points
If 4G technology becomes a success in the market, then it is due to a number of reasons whereby, they must convince all stakeholders in the market. In mobile telecommunication where 4G is widely applicable, the coverage area is a priority in considering its use. Currently, mobile communication is under Global Systems of Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). While GSM works under Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), able to gash frequency gaps into multiple channels, CDMA allocates different codes to decode single channel to many other canals which then offer data access. The second approach to consider in selecting a 4G technology is the spectrum under which it will operate. The 4G technology is able to work under a wide spectrum because; it combines 3G features together with OFDM. Due to effective radio signals in 4G technology, it is possible that, the radio environment is paroxysmal for data and text messaging. Other considerations include the business habits and execution mechanisms to consumers of communication services. Lastly, there should be consideration on the type of clients who are in demand of services provided by this technology.
Principal Technologies
The 4G technology operates under these techniques. Principal technologies provide an enabling environment for 4G to thrive effectively.
OFDM
This technology allows multiple signals to transmit over single transmission channel via communication medium like, a cable, or mostly a wireless system. Uniquely, every signal travels at its own frequency thus avoiding interference of signals by modulation. Data share out across different frequencies thus providing a wide spectrum of frequencies. OFDM provides smooth signals within radio frequency and a non- distortion channel frequency. In these scenario, mobile communication and radio broadcasting multiple channels functions well. OFDM technology is applicable in TVs in Europe and Japan. The OFDM is essential especially in digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and acts as a cornerstone to asymmetrical digital subscriber line, applicable in mobile phone industry. OFDM provides a medium of communication frequency whereby, wireless communication within a local area network is achievable. The result of using the 4G technology in business environments increases the number of channels operating at different frequencies thus giving communication interoperability boost [4: 2285-2298]
MIMO
MIMO (multiple input multiple output) is a wireless technology applied in antennas to transmit radio signals from the transceiver to the receiver antenna. In this technology, data access occurs via broadband wireless access (BWA) using different functionality an example being non-line of sight (NLOS). In mobile phone industry, transceiver base stations powered by MIMO technology transmit data from the transmitter to the receiver more effectively without data loss. Some scientists name this type of technology as spatial multiplexing simply because, the rate of data transmission speed is equal to the antennas used in communication [5:32-48]
Radio communication systems under the 3G technology have interference of signal problems since, signals transmitted sometimes move at the same frequency causing interference and blips. The 4G technology can remove these interference signals as OFDM and adaptive technologies assume different signals operating at different frequencies.
Turbo Code
Turbo codes used in satellite communications provide a good medium for data transfer within a wide spectrum of frequency without interfering with signals to give unwanted noise. Although they are widely applied in 3G mobile telephone, they are finding useful application in 4G technology where two data decoders operate at different frequencies for signal transmission.
4G Features
A move from one technology to another is all about the special features added to the pre-existing technology. Some features of 3G compose 4G technology. 4G technology comprises using new equipments basing foundation on IP address. Mobile phone computing used WiMAX to transfer data and voice from the transmitter to the receiver while in some countries, iBurst popularly known as HC-SDMA, is applicable in data transfer. WiMAX creates room for high data transfer at around IEEE 802.16m gap. The fourth generation has the following features: heterogeneous networks with multiple hop networks, higher speed data transfer with minimal data loss, higher mobility and equipment portability, an excellent quality of service (QoS), smooth signals and multimedia broadband services voice and video communication [6:1000-1014]
Components
Access Schemes
Each generation of technology operates at different abilities like, competence, the ability to handle massive data, and the spectrum of frequency. From TDMA of first generation to OFDM of fourth generation, there is change of features that make one generation unique from the other. TDMA is less effective especially in transmitting complex data while in the second generation, technologists combined FDMA and TDMA to give rise to CDMA. Code division multiple access (CDMA), is applicable in the third generation of digital technology. Under this technology, data transfer is at a greater speed as compared to previous generations. In addition, CDMA became instrumental especially in accessing TD-CDMA, TD-SCDMA, HSXPA, UMTS and IS-2000 but its sole disadvantage is inability to form a wide frequency spectrum. The 4G technology comprises of OFDM, single frequency signal FDMA, and all 3G features. Further, the emergence of WiMAX technology, which accepts OFDM, is an enhancer is realizing 4G technology. 4G does not demand complex systems as data transfer comprise different frequencies at different signals. MIMO technology act as a voice checker giving quality and complexity to spatial multiplexing of channels otherwise, an improved intonation [7:380-396]
IPv6 Support
The 4G technology surpasses with its figural high-speed data transfer. Internet data transfer under the 4G network is high as data is budge under internet protocol technology. Previous generations as the 2.5G and 3G contain internet switched nodes, packet or circuit. However, 4G technology will comprise only packet switching, which transmits data with minimal loss. 3G technology uses IPv4 system but it is not effective as downloading capacity is low if we compare it with IPv6 that prop up numerous telecommunication networks. IPv4 is efficient in areas with multiple IP addresses as it has the capability of handling big volumes of data.
Advanced antenna systems
In 3G technology, radio and satellite communication are not efficient in data and voice delivery. The 4G technology applies MIMO technology effectively to send data through transmitter antenna and receiving antenna. The recent invention of ‘multiple antenna expertise together with multiple multiplexing makes a wider bandwidth for data transfer. Since there are multiple antennas acting as receivers and transmitters at varying frequencies, data transfer is under minimal loss due to higher power efficiency. Multiple antennas ensure data transfer equally at same frequency with the receiving antenna. MIMO technology allows high-speed data within vanishing canals [8:13-23]
Software-Defined Ratio (SDR)
The 4G technology- wireless in nature encompasses several standards like software-defined radio hinted out as a wireless construction. In this case, radio signals converge to a single point where a wide spectrum under this technology. Most software companies are creating software materials that enable easier transfer of data within computers.
Developments
In United States of America, WiMAX companies fight to increase telecommunication services in business environments. In China and Japan, 4G telecommunication devices apply the largely staked network to realize network coherence. For example, in Japan, DoCoMo Telecommunication Company tested MIMO 4×4 VSF-OFCDM telecommunication technologies and found out that, data transmission speed of this technology range from a downlink of 1Mbps to an uplink of 5Mbps [9]. This technology proves worth in data transmission services. Network broadband technology, FLASH-OFDM working at 872 MHz is applicable in Ireland’s telecommunication industry by a company Digiweb. Radio communications applied through 4G technology can send data with diminutive power loss without attenuation thus creating an insidious network. Companies like Vodafone and Verizon Wireless plan to test 4G technology network as soon as possible so that they create a brand in the market marred by data transmission challenges. 4GLTE network is a brand crated by Rogers Wireless Communication Company who plans to resource its capability into the market in 2010. Canada is also in the process of incorporating 3G UMTS broadband network into a 4G broadband bandwidth provider by 2010, which will create a competitive information technology environment.
Applications
If all stakeholders accept 4G technology, its highest speed of around 100Mbps means that, a dvd-5 data like that of a movie can download in the shortest time possible, say three minutes.
4G Wireless standards
Within the 4G framework technology, high-speed data processing of information is an essential commodity in unleashing its business potential. The networks under the 4G technology send data efficiently with minimal loss due tom wireless nature of 4G components and equipments. Nevertheless, 4G technologies add value to the current 3G technology due to combined technologies that operate in orthogonal frequency.
Conclusion
The 4G technology is indeed a powerful technology beneficial in business environments. Its availability will render data transfer big improvement and immense scalability.
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