Sunday, July 3, 2016

The biggest pros and cons of 4G networks

Image courtesy of JCDecaux Creative Solutions at Flickr.com
Technology changes rapidly nowadays. And mobile technology changes even faster. Mobile networks have been a trend topic since they appeared on the market. Now they are working with 4G networks that bring a totally new game to the market. What are their pros? What are their cons? You are going to find out in this next text where we, alongside Don Burns, analyse the 4G networks and some of its advantages and disadvantages.

Let us first define what 4G networks are so we can then move on to analyse its pros and cons for the market. 4G networks is a collection of fourth generation cellular data technologies which succeed the 3G network and is also called "IMT-Advanced," or "International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced." The 4G network concept was first developed in 2005 in South Korea under the name of WiMAX. It was then spread to several European countries over the next few years. In the United States it appeared in 2009 when Sprint went out of the nutshell to offer a 4G cellular network.

Since 4G networks is a series of networks, as its name says it, all 4G standards must conform to a set of specifications created by the International Telecommunications Union. Download and speed may vary but in the end, 4G networks need to have certain unified terms and conditions in order for it to work around the world. For example, all 4G technologies are required to provide peak data transfer rates of at least 100 Mbps. Also, there is no single 4G standard. The way it works is that different cellular providers use different technologies that conform to the 4G requirements. For example, WiMAX is a popular 4G technology used in Asia and Eastern Europe, while LTE (Long Term Evolution) is more popular in Scandinavia and the United states.
Now that we understand this, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of 4G networks:

PROS:


One of the main advantage of 4G over 3G networks is it amazing speed. It has an increased bandwidth that leads to much faster data transfer speed. These networks allow users to have non-stop connectivity and very fast data transfer for videos, chats and conferences, stream music, videos and movies. Also, all this information is easier to share online with the 4G networks.

The coverage that 4G networks offers is similar to those offered by WIFI connections where there has to be hubs or spots where the signal is retransmitted and where the signal can be captured and used. Well, 4G networks work the same and offer 30 miles coverage and sometimes more.

Image courtesy of Michael Coghlan at Flickr.com
In this connected world, privacy and security are becoming more important as time passes. In WIFI networks the biggest problems are always related to privacy and security, especially in mobile devices. On the other hand, 4G networks offer complete privacy, security and safety. This is beneficial for people that are looking to keep some information private or for business and corporations that handle delicate information and want to retain corporate secrets.

It is an advantage, but honestly, the price is not a key factor in 4G networks. They are affordable, although more expensive than WIFI, but they offer more benefits for the money people pay.

The amounts of plans that can be created with this type of network are very large. Companies take advantage of this as they can offer customers several options on the network, devices and equipment. Many mobile companies offer special introductory offers for new customers that will make them come back to the company and thus to the network.

CONS:


One of the most visible disadvantages of 4G networks are their connectivity limitations as it depends on the region and specific carriers. A lot of big cities around the world have these networks, but it will take some time to get full coverage for the main cities and capitals in the world.

The devices for this technology are cheap and available in the market. This means that equipment needs to be installed and that companies have to include these expenses in their budgets. This is not a con, but only a small setback.

Battery issues are now a big problem in mobile devices. Since 4G mobile networks use multiple antennae and transmitters, the phones will need to use more battery capacity. This would mean larger mobile devices with more battery power so people can stay online for longer periods of time.

4G networks are the rule nowadays, and they are very useful. Some of their disadvantages are now being addressed and overcome. The biggest problem still remains when 4G users have to switch to 3G or WiFi in the areas that do not yet have 4G mobile network coverage. Anyway, 4G still is an amazing system of networks, although they have had minor setbacks since it went live.

Also take a look at this amazing article on Apps and communication advances

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