AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION FOR PHYSICS MAJORS

4th Generation
Technology

Zaiba, Sarvani, Thejaswini, Raseetha

4G Technology: What You Need to Know
UNDERSTAND HOW THE NEW NETWORK WORKS

4G Defined and Introduction Carrier Aggregation

Physics behind 4G 4G Features and Summary

Long Term Evolution Future of 4G

Signal Propagation Crossword

4G Defined
4G, the fourth generation of mobile
networks, elevates communication with high-
speed data, low latency, and enhanced
capacity. Building on the evolution from 1G to
3G, 4G enables seamless connections
among people, machines, and devices for
advanced mobile applications.
 Earliest phases of 4G started in 2008 as

Introduction to the International Mobile

Telecommunications - Advanced ( IMT -

4G Advanced) specification.

4G mobile communication allows Users can stream high definition audio

wireless internet access at high speed. and videos.

It enabled wireless broadband

4G is the fourth generation of mobile
(transmission & high speed internet
phone technology, following 2G and 3G.
connectivity ).
 Physics behind 4G
Here are some key physics fundamentals behind 4G communication:

Electromagnetic Wave Frequency Deviation Modulation &

Propagation Multiplexing Demodulation

Frequency deviation
4G communication primarily
multiplexing efficiently uses Encodes and decodes
utilizes radio frequency (RF)
spectrum by assigning information using techniques
electromagnetic waves to
different frequencies to like QAM and PSK.
transmit information wirelessly.
multiple data streams.
Key Physics
Concepts in 4G

IN 4G (FOURTH GENERATION)

Signal modulation plays a crucial role in

ensuring efficient and reliable data
transmission. Modulation is the process of
varying one or more properties of a high-
frequency carrier signal in accordance with the
information signal, which carries the data to be
transmitted.
 Signal Modulation
Signal modulation is crucial for efficient data transmission. It involves
varying properties of a carrier signal to encode digital data, using
schemes like QAM and PSK.

Data Encoding and Adaptation to Channel

Spectral Efficiency
Transmission Conditions

Aims for high spectral Uses adaptive modulation to

Efficiently encodes digital data
onto a carrier wave for
wireless transmission.
efficiency, transmitting large
data amounts within a limited
frequency spectrum using
advanced modulation
techniques.
adjust schemes based on
current channel conditions,
ensuring reliability in varying
signal qualities.
 OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiple Access)
1. Frequency Division:
Divides the spectrum into orthogonal sub-channels
for simultaneous and efficient data transmission.
2. Subchannel Allocation:
Assigns specific sub-channels to users, minimising
interference and optimising spectrum use.
3. Orthogonality:
Ensures non-overlapping sub-channels, allowing
multiple users to communicate concurrently without
signal interference
4. Dynamic Resource Allocation:
Adapts sub-channel allocation dynamically based
on user needs, optimising resource utilisation.
5. Spectral Efficiency:
Enhances spectral efficiency by facilitating
simultaneous communication, ideal for high-data-
rate wireless systems.
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple
Output) Technology
1. Multiple Antennas:
Uses multiple antennas for concurrent transmission
and reception, increasing data handling capacity.
2. Spatial Multiplexing:
Simultaneously transmits independent data streams
to boost overall data throughput.
3. Diversity Gain:
Enhances system reliability in challenging
conditions through multiple antennas.
4. Beam-forming:
Focuses signals in specific directions to improve
coverage, reduce interference, and enhance signal
quality.
5. Capacity and Throughput:
Fundamental technology in 4G and 5G, significantly
improving system capacity and throughput by
exploiting spatial dimensions.
 a 4G standard, utilises physics for high-speed wireless communication
through advanced modulation, MIMO technology etc.

1. Electromagnetic Spectrum:
LTE, a 4G standard, utilizes physics principles in the radio frequency spectrum
for wireless communication.
2. Modulation and Waveforms:
Long Term LTE employs advanced modulation schemes like QAM, applying physics for
high data rates.
Evolution 3. Multi-path Fading:

and 4G Physics principles guide LTE in addressing multipath fading, influencing signal
strength in 4G.
4. MIMO Technology:
LTE utilizes physics-based MIMO technology, enhancing data rates and
coverage in 4G networks.
5. Interference Management:
LTE employs physics principles to mitigate signal interference, crucial for
reliable communication in shared frequency bands.
Signal
Propagation
in 4G
What is attenuation?

LOSS OF COMMUNICATION SIGNAL

STRENGTH

An example : Wi-Fi signal that becomes

weaker the farther a divide travels from the
router.
Attenuation measured in dB per unit
distance..
Attenuation can occur within any wired/
wireless connection
Signal attenuation impacts networking by
disrupting transmission. Increased attenuation
means higher distortion (interruptions of signals
during transmission)
Factors:
Prevention:
1. Distance
1. Decreasing Distance
2. Frequency
2. Switching cables
3. Physical Surroundings
 IT IS A TECHNOLOGY THAT ALLOWS USAGE
OF MULTIPLE FREQUENCY BANDS FROM
DIFFERENT CARRIERS FOR HIGH DATA RATES

Carrier & EFFICIENCY

Aggregation in Physical Implications:

1. Increased Data Rates

4th Generation? 2. Enhanced Spectral Efficiency

3. Improved Coverage and Capacity

4. Advanced Antenna Techniques

 Advanced Antenna Techniques

For implementation of Carrier Aggregation, advanced

antenna techniques are used ( ex: MIMO)

Physical These techniques further enhance data rates,

coverage and overall network performance

Implications Enhanced Spectral Efficiency

This means that within a given frequency range,

imppriving overall network capacity

Increased Data Rates Improved Coverage and Capacity

Ability to combine multiple frequency bands,
more extensive bandwidth.
Hence, higher data rates and improved
network performance.
Simultaneously multiple data transmitted
and received
Enables better utilisation of available frequency
resources, leading to improved coverage and
increased network capacity. Benefitted in areas with
higher crowds
4G features
Better download speed
Extremely high voice quality
Easy access to Internet
Higher Bandwidth
Much faster than 3G
 Weakness of
4G Technology
With speed of wireless and web-based
applications, it comes with a fee
Many security threats, devices are often
infected with viruses and tracking of
cookies
Battery life of the device is heavily affected
Future of 4G
Technology
4G is a drastic change from 3G, however
5G, 6G and 7G are being thought about
4G provides a wider variety of services.
4G is more efficient, scalable and reliable
wireless services
Mobile Networks
and 4G Technology

1G 2G 3G 4G 5G

1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s Current

A network limited GSM, GPRS, Allowed faster Greatly impacted Significantly faster
to only voice call and EDGE communication, the requirements speeds with lower
capabilities. advancements web browsing, and set by requirements
video streaming in IMT-Advanced to support IoT
smartphones standards. devices
Do you have
any questions?
Ask away!