| With the deluge of information regarding the | | | | such as in a car or train. New 4G networks, on |
| coming arrival of 4G wireless internet, many | | | | the other hand, offer download speeds between |
| consumers are wondering exactly what the | | | | 3 and 6 Megabits per second, with bursts |
| differences are between the new 4G networks | | | | sometimes exceeding 10 Megabits per second, |
| and the 3G networks already in use. | | | | over three times the highest speed possible of |
| Commercials tout higher speeds without offering | | | | third generation networks. Additionally, 4G |
| any sort of explanation, DSL companies seem | | | | networks were designed for mobile use a high |
| convinced of the need to dissuade customers | | | | rates of speed, meaning that even when in-transit |
| from exploring the 4G option, and cellular phone | | | | in a car, train, or plane, users will be able to |
| manufacturers make comparisons with competing | | | | download data at the higher end of the data rate |
| phones using technology that has not yet | | | | spectrum when utilizing a 4G wireless internet |
| arrived. However, most consumers are not | | | | network. |
| exactly sure how these increased download and | | | | The application of these seemingly abstract |
| upload speeds will change their wireless internet or | | | | numbers reveals a significant difference between |
| cellular phone services. | | | | the two types of networks. As most 3G users |
| Speed is without a doubt the largest difference | | | | already know, handheld devices on 3G networks |
| between 4G wireless internet and the 3G | | | | will download static web pages with little problem, |
| networks that most Americans have grown | | | | but can not handle streaming video, or many web |
| accustomed to. There are two types of speeds | | | | pages that utilize Flash animation. Likewise, 3G |
| that are relevant to the comparison between 3G | | | | wireless internet networks necessitate a |
| and 4G networks, download speed, which | | | | substantial amount of time to download video clips |
| measures how quickly data can be accessed | | | | and movies onto a laptop. 4G Networks, on the |
| from the internet onto a handheld device or | | | | other hand, will allow handheld and laptop users to |
| laptop computer, and upload speed, which | | | | watch high definition television live, with no loading |
| measures how fast data can be transmitted from | | | | times, no hiccups, and no interruptions when |
| a handheld device or laptop to the internet. Both | | | | moving from one 4G wireless internet network to |
| of these speeds are measured in Megabits per | | | | another. Additionally, 4G users will be able to |
| second, which simply indicates how much data (in | | | | download a full-length feature film, a task that can |
| Megabits) can be sent or received in one | | | | easily take an hour on a 3G network, in less than |
| second. While 4G improves upon both types of | | | | five minutes. |
| speeds, the analysis of download speeds given | | | | This means that handheld devices utilizing 4G |
| users a slightly better idea of how 4G wireless | | | | technology will enable users to watch high |
| internet will change the way they use wireless | | | | definition television while taking a cab across town |
| communications, and is therefore our focus | | | | and 4G wireless internet users will have the |
| here. | | | | capability to download two or three movies while |
| With regard to download speed, 3G networks | | | | waiting to board a plane, for example. |
| generally range from 0.6 to 1.4 Megabits per | | | | Furthermore, as is the case with many advances |
| second, with occasional high-speed bursts up to | | | | in technology, in the wake of the implementation |
| 3.1 Megabits per second. However, 3G networks | | | | of 4G networks across the country, countless |
| are generally incapable of reaching the higher end | | | | innovations that were previously unthinkable will |
| of that range when the user attempting to | | | | likely become reality, making 4G truly a revolution |
| download data in moving at a high rate of speed, | | | | in wireless communications. |