Frequently Asked Questions on 4G

What is 4G Wireless Technology?

At present 2G Technology (GSM) is widely used worldwide. The problem with 2G technology
is that the data rates are limited. This makes it ineffecient for Data Transfer applications like
video conferencing, music or video downloads, etc. To increase the speed various new
technologies have come into picture. The first is 2.5G (GPRS) technology that allows data
transfer at a better rate than GSM and recently 3G (WCDMA/UMTS) technology has come into
picture. The maximum theoretical data transfer with this 3G technology is 2Mbps (practically it
could be a max of 384Kbps or even less). The 4G technology which is at its infancy is suppose
to allow data transfer upto 100Mbps outdoor and 1Gbps indoor.

When is the 4G Technology going to be launched?

NTT Docomo is planning to launch 4G sevices in Japan around 2010-2015. Earlier it announced
that it would be launching the service in 2006-2008. But at the same time it has said that the data
transfer would be maximum of 20Mbps. Recently they have started calling this intermediate
launch as 'Super-3G'.

So is it only the Japanese Companies that are working toward 4G?

Not really. NTT-DoCoMo is jointly developing 4G with HP. A the same time Korean companies
like Samsung and LG are also looking into 4G. In Europe companies like Siemens are also
working on this. Recently Japan, China and South Korea has started working together on the
technology and they plan to standardise it together. See News section for more detail.

What would be the main features of 4G Technology?

The 4G technology will be able to support Interactive services like Video Conferencing (with
more than 2 sites simultaneously), Wireless Internet,etc. The bandwidth would be much wider
(100 MHz) and data would be transferred at much higher rates. The cost of the data transfer
would be comparatively very less and global mobility would be possible. The networks will be
all IP networks based on IPv6. The antennas will be much smarter and improved access
technologies like OFDM and MC-CDMA (Multi Carrier CDMA) will be used. Also the security
features will be much better.

What are the likely new features?

The entire network would be packet switched (IP based). All switches would be digital. Higher
bandwidths would be available which would make cheap data transfer possible. The network
security would be much tighter. Also QoS will imrpove. More effecient algorithms at the
Physical layer will reduce the Inter-channel Interference and Co-channel Interference.

Is HSDPA part of 4G Wireless technology?

No. HSDPA is part of 3G technology. See HSDPA Tutorial for more details.

Is 'Super-3G' same as 4G Wireless technology?

No. As mentioned earlier, 'Super-3G' is an intermediate stage between 3G and 4G. In this stage
the operators are planning to achieve data rates upto 100Mbps when travelling at speeds upto
100Kmph. Complete information is not yet available on this topic.

Why go for 'Super-3G' technology? Why not directly jump to 4G?

The main reason is that the mobile operators are scared of WiMax since they have invested
massive amounts in 3G licenses and infrastructure. They want to have a network better than
WiMax so they need this 'Super-3G'. Also the operators want to compete with each other so if
they see one operator going for 'Super-3G', all of them want to jump in the bandwagon.

Is LTE a 4G technology?

Long-Term (Radio) Evolution or LTE is also part of 3G technology. Its a 3GPP research item
for Release 8. Its also known as 3.9G or “Super 3G” by some researchers. Its planned to be
commercialised in 2009. It aims at peak data rates of 200 Mbps (DL) and 100 Mbps (UL).

Are there any other interesting features planned for 4G Wireless Technology?

Well, researchers are working on highly advanced features like speaking without using vocal
cords, communicating using our senses and knowing which direction the call is coming from,
how far your friends are, etc. Most of these features would not be ready in time for 4G, but will
come as they say, in time for 5G (Fifth Generation) technology.

Interesting! Can you expand on this fifth generation (5G) wirreless features?

One of the features is that you will be able to smell the background of the other person on the
phone. Say if someone is cooking something and he wants you to smell it, he will be able to do
that. Other feature is that you can speak without enitting any voice. This could be used in case
you are in Library (or in Exam Hall?) and you cannot speak out loudly. You will be able to
communicate just by moving your mouth. Please note that all these features are at initial stage of
research and is not viable long time to come.

I have heard some people referring to WiMax as 4G wireless technology, is that true?

The WiMax lobby and the people who are working with the WiMax technology are trying to
push WiMax as the 4G wireless technology. At present there is no consensus among people to
refer to this as the 4G wireless technology. I do not think this is popular with the researching
community. WiMax can deliver upto 70 Mbps over a 50Km radius. As mentioned above, with
4G wireless technology people would like to acheive upto 1Gbps (indoors). WiMax does not
satisfy the criteria completely. Also WiMax technology (802.16d) does not support mobility
very well. To overcome the mobility problem, 802.16e or Mobile WiMax is being standardised.
The important thing to remember here is that all the researches for 4G technology is based
around OFDM. WiMax is also based on OFDM. This gives more credibility to the WiMax lobby
who would like to term WiMax as a 4G technology. Since there is no consensus for the time
being, we have to wait and see who would be the winner.

Are there any forums like the 3GPP where i can get more information?

Not really. There are no special forums that have been formed for discussion about 4G
Standards. However there is are some websites that have research information on 4G technology.
The websites are as follows:

WWRF - Wireless World Research Forum

Mobile IT Forum, Japan
WSI - Wireless Strategic Initiative
MAGNET (My personal Adaptive Global NET)
WINNER (Wireless World Initiative New Radio)