Assignment 2: 3G wireless networks and 4G networks sweetie Professor: CLIFTON HOWELL
CIS 500
February 03, 2014

INTRODUCTION
For one to compare and contrast 3g versus a 4g network, we first have to define what a wireless network is. Radios are considered to be the most popular for wireless technologies. Wireless communication is transferred between multiple points which are not connected to an electrical conductor. Wireless is playing a big part in the cellular network communication field.
Literally, on all the channels on TV it’s impossible to go 3 minutes without seeing advertisements from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint claiming to be the best network provider. Each cell phone provider promote their own version of 3g and 4g networks. Carriers do this to draw the attention to endorse their services and to bring in new customers. As a result, it makes it very difficult for consumes to make a choice between the competitors. Consumers make their choice between providers based upon the price and coverage which are both vital to most consumers. With all the promotions and dramatic advertising it can be hard to know the truths about each wireless company. In this paper 3G and 4G networks will be compared and contrasted, 4G LTE, 4G WiMAX and 4G WiBro networks and competition will be identified. Lastly, this paper will identify why the competition between the 4G LTE carriers has been so fierce.
3G and 4G Networks
Technology has allowed advance speed to voice and data and it is known as a 3G network. It is also known as the third group or third generation of cellular telecommunication. 3G speeds are faster than 1G and 2G networks examples includes multimedia photos and applications. The wide area cell based is the 3G network architecture. CDMA 2000, UMTS, EDGE just to name a few are the applications and services operated on a 3G network. User Equipment (UE) and the UMTS are the two most important parts of the 3G network. The Terrestrial Radio Access Network is the brain of the network. The UTRAN and the UE make up different layers. The medium access, the physical layer, the radio link layer and the radio resource layer are the lower layers of the network architecture. For most carriers who uses a 3G network, the 3G data throughput can support up to 3.1 Mbps with average speeds ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 Mbps. 4G is the evolution from 3G for mobile devices and mobile communication. 4G is the fourth generation of the mobile technology standards. In these days, 4G is used by most cellphone providers worldwide. Most consumers take advantage of a 4G network to use the fast speeds. Using a jet pack or a wireless modem for a laptop or desk top are the benefits of consumers wanting to take advantage of the 4G. The data throughput for a 4G network is 2Mbps to 12Mbps. The 4G network architecture is a combination of wireless LAN and Wide area. The applications and services for a 4G network are Wimax2 and LTE-advance.
So the million dollar question for consumers and their perception of a 3G and 4G network is how much faster is 4G versus 3G? The network speeds are determined how the network is structured. Providers such as Verizon Wireless which uses CDMA networks have stretched the limits on how fast their 3G network operates. The benefits of a 4G network for cellphone providers allows them to comprise data transmission speeds up to 3 to 4 times faster than a 3G network. Now here is the kick, AT&T and T-Mobile uses a GSM network and still have room to improve their 3G network to reach increasing speeds of a 4G network. (LTE) Long term evolution is intended to be backward compatible with HSPA and GSM. In layman’s term when a mobile device is outside of the 4G network it can work on a 3G network of course expecting the mobile device being capable of requisite radio technologies. Currently Verizon is the leading company in 4G technology. Verizon LTE is available in 190 cities covering 200 million American subscribers.
Digicel and LIME use WiMax and HSPA which falls under the 4G category. According to authors Turban and Volonino WiMax is a group of broadband wireless communications standards for metropolitan area networks. Sprint, Comcast and Time Warner Cable mainly use WiMax to deliver wireless broadband (Turban/Volonino, 2011). WiMax data transfer is up to 70 Mbps.
WiBro is also known as wireless broadband located in South Korea. Currently WiBro is offered in more than 80 cities. The primary function is to provide handover functionality and to integrate wired and wireless networks to enable seamless service anytime, anywhere (Turban/Volonino, 2011). WiBro data transfer rates are up to 50 Mbps.
COMPETITION BETWEEN THE 4G LTE CARRIERS
In today society, smart phones have become the significant feature of day to day living. As a result cell phone companies have no choice but to respond to the enormous market. Because everyone wants the finest on the market mobile devices quality has changed and raised as manufactures attempt to make products that are better than their competitors. The primary reason why competition is fierce between cell phone carries is because of the pricing. Due to the aggressive competition cell phone providers who give mobile devices is also impacted. Cell phone providers offer different pricing options and levels to stay competitive. Ultimately, wireless technology can give a cell phone provider a competitive advantage through increased productivity, better customer service, and more timely communication and information exchange.

CINCLUSION Verizon is in the lead for more reliable and expansive network services because of the early adoption of the LTE network. Usually Verizon offers better uploads and downloads out striding the other competitors such as AT&T. WiMax and HSPA have progressed over time in reference to speed. All 4G networks are not equal. LTE is by far the best and fastest network available. Your area determines the coverage and speeds. Speed is not at all times the most important features for customers. Most customers will choose the providers based upon the cost and customer service. The way technology has advanced receiving calls and text messages is no longer a primary use for smartphone in today’s world.

References
Charles, J., Convergence Communications E-SPONDER, Law and order, March 2006.
Forrester, Business Data Services, Enterprise Network and Telecommunications survey, Q1 2007.
Turban/Volonino. (2011). Information Technology for Management 8th Edition. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.