International Journal of Electronics Communication and Computer Technology (IJECCT)

Volume 2 Issue 6 (November 2012)

ISSN:2249-7838 IJECCT | www.ijecct.org 287

Comparative Study of 4G Technology, Applications
and Compatibility in Prevailing Networks
Ishan Shah
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Ahmedabad. India
Nupur Mehta
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Ahmedabad. India
Shiv Shukla
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Ahmedabad. India
Nirja Mehta
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Ahmedabad. India
Rohan Shrotriya
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Ahmedabad. India
Shivang Bakliwal
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Ahmedabad. India
Abstract With increasing end user demands for wider
service due to the rapid growth and variety of IT
(information technology) industry, the service with the
data rate of 30 Mbps cannot accommodate the future
mobile multimedia environment. The Continuous
improvement in semiconductors and computing
technologies has encouraged service providers to consider
implementing the 4G-enabled services to the customers.
This paper describes the applications of 4G technology
considering the importance of switching to 4G systems as a
better service compared to the 3G technology.
Keywords-4G(Fourth generation); I nternational Standards
Unions (ITU); WiMaX; Wi-Fi; CDMA; EDGE.
I. INTRODUCTION
Each generation has its unique needs and aspirations[1].
Fourth generation (4G) technology will offer many
advancements to the wireless market, including downlink data
rates well over 100 megabits per second (Mbps), low latency,
very efficient spectrum use and low-cost implementations [2].
With impressive network capabilities, 4G enhancements
promise to bring the wireless experience to an entirely new
level with impressive user applications, such as sophisticated
graphical user interfaces, high-end gaming, high-definition
video and high-performance imaging [3]. Before discussing the
future aspects of 4G technologies and its applications, it is
important to understand the current state of 3G networks. The
third generation (3G) of mobile communications has been
successfully standardized and implemented throughout the
world. International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-
2000) technology is a representative realization of 3G
technology [4]. 3G (Third generation) networks includes the
International Standards Unions (ITU) IMT-2000 technology
that defines the globally acclaimed 3G technologies for use in
the IMT-identified radio frequency bands.
WCDMA,CDMA2000,TD-CDMA and EDGE are the only
technologies that currently meet these requirements. Over the
past few years, there have been several improvements in radio
technology claiming to be the updated versions of the 3
network. To differentiate their importance ,these technologies
are often called the higher variants of 3G such as 3.5G and
3.9G.These different 3G technologies use similar repertoire of
tools with different combinations and variations that aim at
optimizing the available bandwidth usage. The increased
bandwidth and location information available to 3G devices
has given rise to applications that were not previously available
to the 2G mobile phone users. Some of the applications are:
Mobile TV a provider redirects a TV channel directly to
the subscriber's phone where it can be watched.
Video on demand a provider sends a movie to the
subscriber's phone.
Video conferencing subscribers can see as well as talk to
each other.
Tele-medicine a medical provider monitors or provides
advice to the potentially isolated subscriber.
Location-based services a provider sends localized
weather or traffic conditions to the phone, or the phone allows
the subscriber to find nearby businesses or friends.
In spite of its growing popularity, 3G technology is often
prominent only around higher populations (traffic) cities at the
moment. Thus, its services are available only to users present
in opportune locations. Therefore, worldwide radio and mobile
communication institutes and companies started the R & D of
4G mobile communications system prior to completing the
implementation of IMT-2000 system and providing its service
[5]. 4G systems are expected to adjust efficiently within a fast-
changing environment from radio transmission to applications
and thus require extended evolutionary and adaptation
capabilities [6]. This paper is organized as follow: Section II
defines and explains the ITU IMT-A standard that constitutes
4G. Section III analyses the development and implementation
of 4G services. Section IV describes the key attributes and
application of the 4G networks. Section V is about the future
International Journal of Electronics Communication and Computer Technology (IJECCT)
Volume 2 Issue 6 (November 2012)


ISSN:2249-7838 IJECCT | www.ijecct.org 288

scope of 4G networks followed by the Conclusion in Section
VI.
II. THE ITU IMT-A STANDARD
The ITU IMT-A Standard has emerged as the authority
framework to what constitutes 4G. ITUs IMT Advanced
(IMT-A) is a concept that intends to build on the success of
IMT-2000 as a benchmark for 3G.The IMT-A systems are
expected to have capabilities beyond those of IMT-2000 by the
orders of magnitude, which currently provide peak data rates of
around 1-5 Mbps for 3G systems. The IMT-A concept outlined
in the ITU IMT-2000 document states: With the expectation
that there will be a need for commercial services in multi-user
environments targeting peak data rates approaching 100 Mbps
for highly mobile users, and up to 1 Gbps for nomadic (low
mobility or stationery) users, the IMT-A concept requires
mandatory backward compatibility with prior systems to match
these high data rates. Under 4G, access is not limited to
mobile users only, but is expanded to stationary or nomadic
users just as the network itself is not limited to Radio Access
Networks (RANs), but includes the whole: wireline access,
wireless radio access, core command, and control and back
office functions in a unified system. Fig. 1 represents the ITUs
high-level view that delineates IMT- 2000 and its Enhanced
version versus what is to follow IMT-A. IMS Support for
mature IP Multimedia Systems (IMS)-based network is another
requirement to be considered in the definition of 4G.

Figure 1. Boundaries of IMT systems
Originally, concepts and specifications for IMS were
developed by the 3GPP group in cooperation with IETF to
meet the needs of GSM operators in providing IP-based
services. With IP as the underlying transport protocol,
standardization relies on mature technologies and the focus is
shifted to what matters most to the subscribers and operators:
services.
The overall use of the wireless networks by the users is an
important parameter while discussing any new wireless
technologies. Fig. 2 summarizes the evolution of how the basic
senses of sound and sight as well as knowledge are
fulfilled by various generations of mobile wireless networks.

Figure 2. Comparison of various networks in terms of user requirements
III. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF 4G SERVICES
Some service providers and equipment manufacturers have
already staked claims to 4G service by providing mobile access
rates above 3Gs 15 Mbps. HelloSoft, Comsys Mobile and
dmedia announced the joint development of a low cost
integrated WiMAX/GSM/WiFi phone [7]. Today, 3G provides
considerable high access rates along with lower latencies.
Improvement in communication between the user and network
using HSDPA technology took 3.5G into existence [8]. But,
just improving access speeds alone should not qualify as 4G
without an entire suite of network-level integration. The
dilemma faced by 3G groups 3GPP and 3GPP2 is that
they cannot claim anything to be 4G under their 3G banner.
The notion of 3G LTE has been established for a number of
years now. But, the standard making process in most developed
countries are outpaced by the rapid advancements in
technology.3GPP began with the 2G GSM base to evolve via
WCDMA as the core technology while 3GPP2 evolved from
CDMA to CDMA2000. Both standards groups promise
consistent and comparable performances within the available
radio spectrum. Both have adopted OFDMA as the standard for
at least the downlink (base station to mobile user) direction and
have further promised to allow IP as the preferred packet
format, beyond unique MAC layers. Another emerging
technology in the field of wireless networks is the
WiMaX.Recently, ITU delegates declared WiMaX as an IMT-
2000 technology.As a result, WiMaX now has gained the
coveted status of a 3G technology. While WiMAX (IEEE
802.16e) has gained acceptance globally as a mobile broadband
technology, its spectrum allocation is inconsistent. As a result,
is not fully recognized in some countries that would like to
follow ITU specifications strictly: China being a case in point.
The frequency of 2.5 GHz is included in the WiMAX standard
as a valid profile and authorized in the United States, Russia
and the United Kingdom, but is reserved by IMT-2000 for
WCDMA in some other countries.
When a standard definition of 4G is accepted, it will
encompass all existing generations of fixed and mobile
wireless technologies with major improvements in performance
and capabilities. Fundamentally, 4G intends to alter the
paradigm of user-network communication via a single device
connected to a (mostly) single network. Since 4G is expected
International Journal of Electronics Communication and Computer Technology (IJECCT)
Volume 2 Issue 6 (November 2012)


ISSN:2249-7838 IJECCT | www.ijecct.org 289

to be more than 3G phone service, it allows all sorts of portable
devices onto the network. Embedding broadband in all types
of consumer devices is a goal of 4G. The World Wireless
Research Forum anticipates some 17 trillion devices connected
for seven billion people by the year 2017. If the scale is
matched, 4G will do for portable consumer devices what 3G is
predicted to do for individual phones and laptops in terms of
advances in connectivity and productivity. Fig.3, published by
the ITU, depicts the IMT-A vision of various access systems
(networks) interconnected to provide services in a
cooperating manner.

Figure 3. ITUs Vision of IMT-Advanced providing service continuity
To achieve this vision, ITU defines layers of network based
on the geographic scope of coverage and extent of mobility
offered by each layer.
Fixed (i.e., DSL, cable, fiber) fixed wireline networks
Personal (i.e., Bluetooth, UWB) cars, cell phones, PDAs
Hot-spot (i.e., Wi-Fi/802.11) restaurants, coffee shops,
planes
Cellular (i.e., UMTS, WiMAX) highly-mobile users
The standards groups covering existing technologies
mentioned above are working on the next-generation versions,
which include higher speeds and more advanced network
integration and enablement for service offerings.
Interactions among networks are not limited to horizontal
(intra network) or vertical (inter network) handoffs for service
continuity, but include all the complex functions of billing,
security, privacy, Quality of Service (QoS), network resilience,
fault location and recovery to provide a seamless experience
to the user. This vision essentially eliminates the need for the
user to know anything about the network (operator, topology,
radio or other technology), and requires a lot of heavy lifting
by the networks to make it a reality.
IV. KEY ATTRIBUTES AND APPLICATIONS OF 4G
Based on the requirements for seamless interaction between
networks, 4G is characterized by the following key attributes:
A. Support for Multiple and Efficient Applications and
Services- 4G provides support for unicast, multicast and
broadcast services and the applications that rely on them.
Prompt enforcement of Service Level Agreements (SLA)
along with privacy and other security features.

B. Quality of Service -Consistent application of admission
control and scheduling algorithms regardless of
underlying infrastructure and operator diversity leads to
an increased quality of service(Qos) to the users.

C. Network Detection Selection A mobile terminal that
features multiple radio technologies or possibly uses
software defined radios if economical, allows
participation in multiple networks simultaneously,
thereby connecting to the best network with the most
appropriate service parameters (cost, QoS and capacity
among others) for the application. This requires
establishing a uniform process for defining eligibility of
a terminal to attach to a network and to determine the
validity of link layer configuration.

D. Seamless Handover and Service Continuity A base
station that features intra- and inter-technology
handovers, assuring service continuity with zero or
minimal interruption, without a noticeable loss in service
quality. Support for this function requires continuous
transparent maintenance of active service instances and
inclusion of various access technologies, from Wi-Fi to
OFDMA.

4G technology has indeed upgraded the services provided
by other conventional networks. A brief comparison of 4G with
other existing networks is shown in the table below.
TABLE I. COMPARISION OF 4G WITH OTHER NETWORKS
3G 4G
Data
Throughput
Upto 3.1 Mbps Practically
Speaking, 3 To 5
Mbps But Potential
Estimated At A
Range Of 100 To
300 Mbps.
Peak Upload
Rate
50 Mbits/S 500 Mbit/S
Peak
Download
Rate
100 Mbit/S 1 Gbit/S
Switching
Technique
Packet
Switching
Packet Switching,
Message Switching
Network
Architecture
Wide Area Cell
Based

Integration Of
Wireless LAN And
Wide Area.
Services And
Applications
CDMA 2000,
UMTS, EDGE
etc

Wimax2 And LTE-
Advance
Forward
Error
Correction
(FEC):
3G Uses Turbo
Codes For Error
Correction.

Concatenated Codes
Are Used For Error
Corrections In 4G.
Frequency
Band
1.8 2.5GHz

2 8GHz


Mobile Broadband is doing to internet what mobile phone
did to telephony - bringing it anywhere, anytime. Driven by
personalization and always-on internet demand, Mobile
International Journal of Electronics Communication and Computer Technology (IJECCT)
Volume 2 Issue 6 (November 2012)


ISSN:2249-7838 IJECCT | www.ijecct.org 290

broadband is becoming a natural part of daily life and we
believe that broadband will become a necessity [9]. History
suggests that when social communication media grow in
capability, pace, scope, or scale, people can use these media to
construct more complex social arrangements - that is, they use
communication tools and techniques to increase their capacity
to cooperate. As we explore the use of 4th Generation (4G)
wireless networks, we believe it is important for future
designers to look back before they look forward [10].
At the moment, when mobile phone users are demanding
more handset features as well as broader bandwidth, the fourth
generation (4G) wireless telecommunication standard is
emerging [11]. It is generally accepted that 4G networks will
provide more than just wireless voice telecommunications. In
fact, the main thrust of 4G technologies is to provide high-
speed, high-bandwidth, packetized data communications. It is
generally expected that in 4G even voice traffic will be
delivered to the handset in packets (as opposed to delivery via
dedicated circuit switching).
Circuit switching refers to the technique in which a
dedicated channel is used to transmit and receive voice or data.
Packetized data communications refers to the digital signaling
technique in which information (voice or data) is converted
into binary code and partitioned into short segments. These
segments are then reassembled in the correct order and
converted back into usable information at the destination.
Packet switching is more desirable to carriers and providers
than circuit switching for a host of reasons. One reason is
capacity. It is inefficient to serve only a single subscriber per
channel because the full bandwidth of the channels is not being
used at all times during a voice call. When a typical user makes
a call, there are lulls where neither party is talking. In circuit
switching, that lull is still being transmitted over the channel.
The first generation of wireless (cellular) technology used this
technique.
Current wireless systems share channels in a packet
environment to deliver voice communications. In packet
switching, only actual voice content is packetized and sent to
the system. Advances in technology and in multiple access
techniques have made this possible. Unfortunately, todays
wireless access techniques do not support high-speed or high-
bandwidth transmissions. This limitation is the impetus for the
evolution of wireless communications.

In todays wireless marketplace, users demand value-added
services. With all the hype heralding third-generation (3G)
services, users have come to expect that the next generation of
wireless technology will be not only a voice communications
medium but will have Internet-like functionality. Service
providers and application developers are on the path to
realizing these user expectations, but there is still a long road
ahead.
In reality, the dream of Internet-style functionality via
wireless communications may not be fully realized in the 3G
deployment. The multiple access techniques planned for 3G
will not support the bandwidth and data transmission speeds
required for the advanced applications users expect. 3G
technologies will certainly have greater functionality than
todays wireless systems; however, not until 4G deployment
will these so called killer applications be supported. Such
killer applications are broadly classified in four categories:
A. Live Mobile Video.
4G wireless networks provide many features to handle the
current challenges in video communication [12]. The WiMax
and Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G networks now being built
will be able to handle broadcast-quality data loads over much
cheaper, faster, and more mobile connections than satellite
trucks. For instance, one developer, Nomad Innovations, offers
a WiMax-based modem that attaches to the back of a
professional video camera, obviating the need for satellite
connectivity in the field.
B. Mobile/Portable Gaming
Since most gaming platforms have Wi-Fi connectivity built
in, you can easily use the portable modem to share a 4G
connection with five to eight different devices thus broadening
the use of 4G for swift portable gaming experience.
C. Cloud-Based Apps
The emergence of the 4G wireless network will make cloud
computingworking with data and apps that are stored
onlineeven more winsome than it is today with the cloud
services becoming considerably more reliable, functional and
secure for the mobile users.
D. Emergence Response and Tele-medicine
4G networks have the ability to transfer large files(like x-
rays) in quick time along with providing interactive video for
remote physician monitoring and direction.This has led to the
development of special gears and services for the health-care
operations that will provide better, faster, and less expensive
medical and emergency care.
V. FUTURE OF 4G
According to a report by the Yankee Group, 2011
predictions for 4G are as follows:
A. 4G will be a drop in the ocean. By the end of 2011, the
worlds most important 4G technology (LTE) will
account for only 0.04 percent of all mobile lines.
B. 4G will fail to win the enterprise. Currently, less than a
third of enterprise decision-makers believe 4G is
important; that number wont budge by year end.
C. The 4G killer device will be a hotspot. Users will
gravitate to hotspots simplicity and savings, reducing
4G subscriptions in the long run.
D. Competition in the U.S. will create a 4G marketing mess.
As operators slap the 4G moniker on everything from
WiMAX and LTE to HSPA+, confusion will abound.
E. A denial-of-service attack will take a 4G network down.
In their rush to roll out 4G, operators are cutting corners
on security; one unlucky operator will pay the price.
F. Chinese vendors will beat 3G incumbents in their own
backyards. Both Huawei and ZTE will make key 4G
wins outside Asia, to the detriment of established
players.
International Journal of Electronics Communication and Computer Technology (IJECCT)
Volume 2 Issue 6 (November 2012)


ISSN:2249-7838 IJECCT | www.ijecct.org 291

G. 4G users will spend twice as much time on the mobile
Web as their non-4G counterparts. Companies that
invest in mobile Web sites and free or near-free rich
media content will benefit most.
H. Mobile video will not drive consumers to 4G. Mobile
video wont be the killer 4G app everyone expects;
instead, consumers will spend more time with music
services like Pandora and Slacker.
I. The Web will not save operators in the mobile apps
market. Operators think 4G will give them a leg up in
mobile apps, but Apple and Google will still lead the
market in 2011.
J. MVNO hype will build, but most of it will lead to nothing.
4G MVNOs will fail for the same reason most 2G and
3G MVNOs failed: Most wont complement their hosts
businesses.
K. Pricing will end in tiers. 4G will herald the introduction
of tiered mobile data pricing models, and flat-rate pricing
will be gone forever.
L. Carrier VoIP will still be AWOL, despite 4G. 4Gs speed
and bandwidth are multimedia must-haves but not big
voice necessities. Few operators will launch services
before 2013, allowing over-the-top companies to gain an
early lead.
M. Google will take the wheel in mobile data. Currently
behind Apple and others in the mobile space, Google will
quickly grab the mobile lead as 4G rolls out. More
bandwidth means more data traffic, and Google is the
most successful company at monetizing that traffic,
states Yankee.
The report additionally predicts that 4G will fail to win the
enterprise putting enterprises on the losing end and slating
Sprint as a big winner. And the prediction that 4G users will
spend twice as much time on the mobile Web as their non-4G
counterparts ultimately hints that companies such as Wal-
Mart, Jet Blue, Jumptap and Apple are to benefit, while
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and all those that currently dont
offer mobile Websites, are poised for losing out, concluding
that companies across the industry need to position
themselves for the coming changes.
VI. CONCLUSION
There are many complex and interdependent moving parts
that must work together before a standard definition of 4G is
solidified. The benefits to service providers and end users drive
the adoption of 3G services that, in turn, lead to the demand for
even more advanced services. The realization of 4G tears down
the wall between wireless and wireline services, a challenging
endeavor. Realistically, wide-scale availability of 4G is several
years away somewhere in the middle of the next decade.
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