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Almost every person in our country has a mobile phone. Most of us use this phone not only to make calls, but also to access the Internet. The further technology develops, the more mobile computer devices become. Today, you don’t need to look for a desktop PC to make a Skype call, check your email or social network account. It is enough to have a smartphone or tablet with a SIM card.

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New Generation

Today, the leading solution is the fourth generation of mobile communications (4 generation). Using such networks, you can make phone calls and enjoy a high-speed connection to the World Wide Web.

Every new stage The development of mobile communications means not only new technologies, but also equipment that requires special maintenance. Because of this, the transition between generations requires not only such an opportunity, but also time.

The third generation of mobile networks was developed in the already distant 90s of the last century. But it was possible to introduce 3G only in the 2000s. As for 4G, this technology began to be developed in the 2000s, but was launched only a few years ago.

What is the difference between 3G and 4G

In order to understand how the third and fourth generation of communications differ, it is necessary to understand the specifications of each of them. According to the standards of the International Telecommunication Union, 3G must have the following parameters:

• In a static position, the speed must be at least 2 Mbit/s
• For moving objects at least 348 kbit/s

It is important to understand the principle of operation of mobile communications. Each phone is served by the nearest tower. In third generation networks, code division of the signal was used. Which helped reduce problems with the operation of mobile phones while driving. When moving from one tower to another, to reduce the risk of communication interruptions, cellular operators forcibly smoothly reduced the signal from the moving tower and increased it from the approaching one.

The third generation of mobile communications uses radio interfaces based on technologies: FDMA, TDMA and CDMA.

4G networks are the most promising today. The big three mobile operators in Russia have switched to LTE, and other operators are also implementing them. The main difference between 4G and 3G is the introduction of packet data transmission. Actually, thanks to this protocol, it was possible to increase the speed of mobile Internet.

In addition, LTE networks have Voice over IP technology. That is, the ability to transmit sound signals via the Internet.

It is thanks to Voice over IP that we can make calls anywhere in the world over the Internet. That is, those that are not charged according to mobile tariffs. At unlimited internet their cost is minimal. Of course, mobile operators are resisting, but most likely they now need to pay more attention to Internet technologies. Phone calls without using the Internet will become a thing of the past. This has already been decided.

According to ITU standards, 4G must have:

• Transferring information divided into packets
• Minimum speed 1 Gbit/s

Strictly speaking, modern WiMAX and LTE networks are not 4G. And they are called as such only thanks to the marketing conspiracy of cellular operators. In order to understand this, just download an application on your smartphone that can measure the data transfer speed. Popular today (LTE networks) do not provide data transfer speeds close to 1 Gbit/s.

Advantages and disadvantages of 4G networks

Advantages of 4G networks:

• The minimum data transfer speed is 100 Mbit/s. 3G networks have 348 kbit/s
• Packet data transfer
• Voice over IP – telephone communications via IP protocol

Disadvantage of 4G networks:

• Smaller coverage area compared to 3G

LTE-Advanced, or 4G+

Some operators call it experimental this moment LTE-Advanced format with 4G+ networks. But it is LTE-Advanced that is the true fourth generation networks. This is indicated by data rates and frequency range aggregation. A device that supports this technology is able to operate simultaneously in different frequencies available to the operator, significantly expanding its channel. This allows you to increase the data transfer speed.

For example, subscribers have access to a 40 MHz channel on the 2600 MHz band. Plus, users can also use a 20 MHz channel on the 1800 MHz band. By summing these channels, data exchange can be “overclocked” to 450 Mbit/s.

Unfortunately, LTE-Advanced with such parameters currently only works “on the bench”. In field conditions, the technology is used by Megafon. But this operator is far from ideal.

Which is better 3G or 4G?

Of course, answering the question, which is better 3G or 4G? We will answer the fourth generation network and we will be right. But, we should not forget the fact that not all devices currently support LTE (it is on the basis of this technology that fourth generation networks are being developed in our country). You also need to understand that the coverage area of ​​4G networks is smaller than that of 3G. But this does not mean that LTE network coverage will not improve in your region after some time.

Video. LTE-Advanced - mobile Internet that is faster than wired

The time when we bought mobile phones based only on external features or the camera is over. The era of 3G and 4G technologies has arrived! However, not everyone today properly understands difference between 3G and 4G. Don't these designations seem strange to you? They are used to describe various technologies in phones. The letter "G" stands for generation. This nomenclature has been used for phones since the release of 1G devices - the so-called first generation (phones that are available on the market). After that, 2G devices came out. These devices belong to the second generation. Digital technologies began to be used with the introduction of 2G models to the market.

As you know, the third generation 3G is characterized by a higher information transfer speed. Thus, new opportunities appeared that needed high speed: downloading audio, video and much more. Cellular companies have spent large sums of money proving the need for a 3G network for the average user. Today, a more advanced technology called 4G is relevant. What is the difference between 4G and 3G? Let's look into this issue.

The difference between black and white can be determined by understanding what each color represents. The same is true in our case.

3G is a wireless system that has replaced the previous wireless technology, which has received certain innovations. The main advantages over its predecessor include increased data transfer speeds, improved multimedia access and new roaming capabilities. 3G technology is designed to connect cell phones with the Internet and other IP networks. Also used for transmitting video and voice, downloading information, and working with the Internet.

Considering 4G, we will denote innovations by the services offered, modified transmission technology and frequency values. We are talking about the most reliable solution available today for various IPs. IP telephony, Internet games, broadband Internet access, and streaming multimedia capabilities are supported.

There are excellent software developments for optimizing 3G connections on Android devices. We recommend using them (easy to find on the Internet).

Define difference between 4G and 3G Some characteristics will help.

1. Speed

Speed ​​is perhaps the most important point of comparison 3G and 4G. In this case, it is not easy to answer the question: “Where is the speed best?” In the case of 3G, you need to focus on the Internet channel being used. It is generally accepted that files are transferred 4 times faster in 4G compared to 3G. But a large number of Experts emphasize that today's 4G is ideally an improved 3G. In fact, they plan to make 4G speed 10 times faster than 3G in the near future. However, 3G is also expected to change in terms of increasing the main characteristics.

2. Network

When the 3G standard appeared, mobile phone owners were able to use the information transfer function and voice modes simultaneously at a fairly high speed. The value of 4G information transfer speed is in any case higher than that of the third generation. In addition, 4G opens up access to opportunities modern games, multimedia, as well as Internet connections makes it better.

3. Frequency range

Difference lies in the frequency of information transmission. Frequency range 3G and 4G is the same and equal to 2000 - 2500 MHz. In the case of 4G, data transmission of 100 Mbit is used for moving vehicles; 1 Gbit for stationary vehicles and when moving on foot. The 3G network indicator in a calm state and when walking is 2 Mbit; for moving vehicles - 384 Kbps.

It is clear that the 4G system is more advanced, and in the future the emphasis will be on it!

It's hard to believe, but once upon a time mobile phones were actually called "phones", not smartphones, not superphones... They fit into your pocket and can make calls. That's all. None social networks, messaging, uploading photos. They can't upload a 5MP photo to Flickr and they certainly can't turn into a wireless hotspot.

Of course, those dark days are far behind us, but as promising next-generation wireless high-speed data networks continue to emerge around the world, many things are starting to seem confusing. What is “4G”? It's higher than 3G, but does it mean it's better? Why are all four US national carriers suddenly calling their networks 4G? Answers to these questions require a short excursion into the history of the development of wireless technologies.

For starters, "G" stands for "generation," so when you hear someone refer to a "4G network," that means they're talking about a wireless network built on fourth-generation technology. Using the definition of “generation” in this context leads to all the confusion that we will try to sort out.

1G

The story begins with the emergence of several innovative network technologies in the 1980s: AMPS in the US and a combination of TACS and NMT in Europe. Although several generations of mobile phone services existed before, the trifecta of AMPS, TACS and NMT are considered the first generation (1G) because these technologies allowed mobile phones to become a mainstream product.

In the days of 1G, no one thought about data services - these were purely analogue systems, conceived and designed solely for voice calls and a few other modest capabilities. Modems existed, but because wireless communications are more susceptible to noise and distortion than conventional wired communications, data transfer rates were incredibly slow. In addition, the cost of a minute of conversation in the 80s was so high that a mobile phone could be considered a luxury.

Separately, I would like to mention the world’s first automatic mobile communication system “Altai”, which was launched in Moscow in 1963. "Altai" was supposed to become a full-fledged telephone installed in a car. You could simply talk on it, like on a regular telephone (i.e., the sound passed in both directions at the same time, the so-called duplex mode). To call another Altai or a regular phone, you just had to dial the number - like on a desk telephone, without any channel switching or conversations with the dispatcher. A similar system in the USA, IMTS (Improved Mobile Telephone Service), was launched in the pilot area a year later. And its commercial launch took place only in 1969. Meanwhile, in the USSR, by 1970, Altai was installed and was successfully operating in about 30 cities. By the way, in Voronezh and Novosibirsk the system is still in effect.

2G

The early 90s saw the rise of the first digital cellular networks, which had a number of advantages over analogue systems. Improved sound quality, greater security, increased performance - these are the main advantages. GSM began its development in Europe, while D-AMPS and Qualcomm's early version of CDMA started in the US.

These nascent 2G standards do not yet support their own tightly integrated data services. Many of these networks support short text messaging (SMS), as well as CSD technology, which allows data to be transmitted digitally to the station. This effectively meant that you could transfer data faster - up to 14.4 kbps, which was comparable to the speed of landline modems in the mid-90s.

In order to initiate data transfer using CSD technology, it was necessary to make a special “call”. It was like a telephone modem - you were either connected to the network or not. Given that tariff plans at that time were measured in tens of minutes, and CSD was akin to an ordinary call, there was almost no practical use of the technology.

2.5G

The introduction of the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) in 1997 was a turning point in the history of cellular communications because it offered continuous data transmission technology to existing GSM networks. With new technology, you can use data only when needed - no more stupid CSD like a phone modem. In addition, GPRS can operate at a higher speed than CSD - theoretically up to 100 kBit/s, and operators have the opportunity to charge traffic rather than time on the line.

GPRS appeared at a very opportune moment - when people began to continuously check their email accounts.

This innovation did not allow one to be added to the mobile generation. While GPRS technology was already on the market, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) created a new standard - IMT-2000 - establishing the specifications for "real" 3G. The key point was to provide data transfer rates of 2 Mbit/s for fixed terminals and 384 kBit/s for mobile terminals, which was not possible with GPRS.

Thus, GPRS was stuck between generations of 2G, which it was superior to, and 3G, which it was not. This was the beginning of a generational split.

3G, 3.5G, 3.75G... and 2.75G too

In addition to the aforementioned data speed requirements, the 3G specifications called for easy migration from second-generation networks. To this end, a standard called UMTS became the top choice for GSM operators, and the CDMA2000 standard provided backward compatibility. Following the precedent of GPRS, the CDMA2000 standard offers its own continuous data transmission technology called 1xRTT. The confusing thing is that although CDMA2000 is officially a 3G standard, it provides data transfer speeds only slightly faster than GPRS - around 100 kBit/s.

The EDGE standard - Enhanced Data-rates for GSM Evolution - was conceived as easy way GSM network operators can squeeze extra juice out of 2.5G installations without investing heavily in hardware upgrades. With a phone that supported EDGE, you could get twice the speed of GPRS, which was pretty good for the time. Many European operators did not bother with EDGE and were committed to introducing UMTS.

So, where does EDGE belong? It's not as fast as UMTS or EV-DO, so you can tell it's not 3G. But it's clearly faster than GPRS, which means it must be better than 2.5G, right? Indeed, many people would call EDGE a 2.75G technology.

A decade later, CDMA2000 networks received an upgrade to EV-DO Revision A, which offers slightly higher downstream speeds and much faster upstream speeds. In the original specification, called EV-DO Revision 0, the outgoing speed is limited to 150 kBit/s, a new version allows you to do it ten times faster. Thus, we got 3.5G! The same for UMTS: HSDPA and HSUPA technologies made it possible to add speed for incoming and outgoing traffic.

Further enhancements to UMTS will use HSPA+, dual-carrier HSPA+, and HSPA+ Evolution, which will theoretically provide throughput from 14 Mbps to a staggering 600 Mbps. So, can we say that we have entered a new generation, or can it be called 3.75G by analogy with EDGE and 2.75G?

4G is a deception all around

Just as it did with the 3G standard, the ITU has taken control of 4G by tying it to a specification known as IMT-Advanced. The document calls for incoming data speeds of 1 Gbit/s for fixed terminals and 100 Mbit/s for mobile ones. This is 500 and 250 times faster compared to IMT-2000. These are truly enormous speeds that can outpace an ordinary DSL modem or even a direct connection to a broadband channel.

Wireless technologies play a key role in providing broadband access to rural areas. It is more cost-effective to build one 4G station that will provide communication over a distance of tens of kilometers than to cover farmland with a blanket of fiber optic lines.

Unfortunately, these specifications are so aggressive that no commercial standard in the world meets them. Historically, WiMAX and Long-Term Evolution (LTE), which are destined to achieve the same success as CDMA2000 and GSM, have been considered fourth generation technologies, but this is only partly true: they both use new, extremely efficient multiplexing schemes (OFDMA, in unlike the old CDMA or TDMA that we have been using for the last twenty years) and they both lack a voice channel. 100 percent of their capacity is used for data services. This means that voice transmission will be treated as VoIP. Considering how data-centric modern mobile society is, this can be considered a good solution.

Where WiMAX and LTE fail is in data transfer speeds, their theoretical values ​​are at the level of 40 Mbit/s and 100 Mbit/s, and in practice, real-life speeds of commercial networks do not exceed 4 Mbit/s and 30 Mbit/s accordingly, which in itself is very good, but does not meet the high goals of IMT-Advanced. Updating these standards - WiMAX 2 and LTE-Advanced promise to do this job, but it is still not complete and there are still no real networks that use them.

However, it can be argued that the original WiMAX and LTE standards are sufficiently different from the classic 3G standards to warrant a generational shift. Indeed, most operators around the world that have deployed such networks call them 4G. Obviously this is being used as marketing and the ITU has no power to counter it. Both technologies (LTE in particular) will soon be deployed by many telecom operators around the world within a few next years, and the use of the name "4G" will only increase.

And that's not the end of the story. US operator T-Mobile, which has not announced its intention to upgrade its HSPA network to LTE any time soon, has decided to start branding the upgrade to HSPA+ as 4G. In principle, this move makes sense: 3G technology could eventually reach speeds faster than just LTE, approaching IMT-Advanced requirements. There are many markets where T-Mobile's HSPA+ network is faster than Sprint's WiMAX. And neither Sprint, Verizon, nor MetroPCS - the three US carriers with live WiMAX/LTE networks - offer VoIP services. They continue to use their 3G frequencies for voice and will continue to do so for some time. Plus, T-Mobile is going to upgrade to 42Mbps speeds this year without even touching LTE!

It may be this move by T-Mobile that has sparked a global rethink of what "4G" actually means among cell phone buyers. AT&T, which is in the process of transitioning to HSPA+ and will begin offering LTE in some markets later this year, calls both of these networks 4G. So all four US national carriers stole the "4G" name from the ITU - they took it, ran with it, and changed it.

conclusions

So, what does all this give us? Operators appear to have won this battle: the ITU recently backtracked, saying the term 4G "can be applied to the technology's predecessors, LTE and WiMAX, as well as other evolved 3G technologies that provide significant improvements in performance and capabilities over the initial third-generation system." . And in some ways we think that's fair - no one would argue that the so-called "4G" networks of today resemble the 3G networks of 2001. We can stream very high quality video, download large files in the blink of an eye, and even, under certain conditions, use some of these networks as a replacement for DSL. Sounds like a generational leap!

It is not known whether WiMAX 2 and LTE-Advanced will be called "4G" by the time they become available, but I think not - the capabilities of these networks will be very different from the 4G networks that exist today. And let's be honest: Marketing departments have no shortage of generational names.

Most customers, when purchasing smartphones and mobile modems, want to get a fast and high-quality Internet connection. Today, absolutely all smartphones and modems on the market are equipped with so-called 3g communication, and modern models have 4g connection. However, what is the difference between 3g and 4g? How to understand what is better and what to pay attention to?

3g and 4g - what is the difference

3g is the third generation of mobile communications, which combines high-speed access to the Internet, as well as a certain set of functions related to radio communications and communication. The basis of this type of communication is packet data transmission. 3ji operates on the border of two existing bands - decimeter and centimeter, therefore it allows data transmission speeds of up to 3.6 Mbit/s. this allows absolutely any user to view available information on the Internet, read mail, and view pictures. In addition, it is possible to listen to music and watch your favorite films and videos online. 3ji is represented on the market in five families of standards: UWC-136, DECT, TD-CDMA/TD-SCDMA, CDMA2000/IMT-MC and UMTS/WCDMA. The most common and widely available technologies are CDMA2000 and UMTS.

4g is the fourth generation technology of current mobile communications. Its main difference from 3G is considered to be increased requirements, which make it possible to provide users with the highest speed Internet without interruptions.

The difference between 3g and 4g Internet is that in the first mode there will be significant speed restrictions, there is no way to view videos and videos in high resolution. In addition, not all Google maps will load and be displayed evenly and colorfully. While 4G Internet is distinguished by providing not only fast access, but also the ability to watch your favorite movie at maximum settings.

Lte and 4 G - what's the difference?

When looking for differences between LTE and 4G, you must first say what kind of LTE technology it is.

Living in the age of consumerism, every person must be selective. Every day we are faced with another choice, there are alternatives and new solutions everywhere. And you've probably asked yourself more than once: Which product is better? Which one is more technologically advanced? What is the fundamental difference between them?

And everything related to electronics is generally a separate topic. Technologies are developing so quickly that it is very difficult for an ordinary user to keep track of all the innovations. For this purpose, specialized news feeds, mobile digests and reviews have been created, which are designed to explain and tell which gadget is better and why.

The evolution of Internet surfing

A mobile phone has become as essential a daily attribute as a toothbrush or handkerchief. Smartphones have managed to almost completely replace desktop computers, and in some cases even surpass them in functionality. What allowed them to do this was high-quality mobile Internet, without which any sophisticated gadget is just a player combined with a phone. A sharp leap in mobile technology would be due to the advent of 3G Internet.

New generations of mobile communications have been developed almost every decade since the transition from the development of the first generation of analogue cellular networks in the 1970s (1G) to digital transmission networks (2G) in the 1980s. A sufficient amount of time passed from the start of development to actual implementation (for example, 1G networks were introduced in 1984, 2G networks in 1991). In the 1990s, the 3G standard began to be developed, based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA); it was introduced only in the 2000s (in Russia - in 2002). IP-based 4G networks began to be developed in 2000 and have been deployed in many countries since 2010. In March 2008, the radio sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) defined a set of requirements for the 4G international mobile wireless broadband standard , called the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-Advanced) specifications, in particular establishing the requirements for data transfer speeds to serve subscribers: a speed of 100 Mbit/s should be provided to highly mobile subscribers (for example, trains and cars), and for subscribers with low mobility (for example pedestrians and fixed subscribers) should be provided with a speed of 1 Gbit/s.

The appearance of the 4G modem was another milestone in the development of Internet technology.

Thanks to the 4G connection, the long-standing dream of all online users - to completely “get rid of” the wires has become more real than ever. To do this, it is now enough to have an LTE tower nearby, a gadget with a built-in 4G module, or a modem working with LTE.

Third Generation (third generation) of mobile communications, based on LTE and WiMax technologies, has made listening to music, video, and conference calls available on smartphones. And all this online. 3G was a huge step towards mobile independence and freedom from wires.

However, the advent of 4G forced people to talk about it as a “connection of the previous generation.” Is 4G so good and is Voltaire’s “the best is the enemy of the good” still relevant?

4G LTE

What will 4G LTE networks provide - or, more precisely, already provide - to us? Probably, if you had answered this question ten years ago, you would have been called a dreamer. Judge for yourself: the speed is up to 150 Mbit/s - websites at this speed open almost instantly, and a movie in HD quality can be downloaded in just 5–10 minutes! The first cellular networks are already operating at this speed, including in Russia.

In total, the LTE standard involves five categories of equipment - and the maximum possible speed is determined by belonging to a specific category. Nowadays, most LTE networks and smartphones correspond to category 2 or 3 - with speeds of up to 50 or 100 Mbit/s, respectively. This is a lot, but it is not the limit: the first LTE Category 4 networks with speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s have already begun to be built. Since the beginning of 2014, the LTE Cat. 4 began work in the Central District of Moscow. However, even if you are not a Muscovite, there is no doubt that in the next couple of years such networks will come to other cities.

What you need to know about LTE?

The first and most important thing is, of course, the fact that if you want the most modern and most fast smartphone, then you have no choice but LTE-enabled smartphones. The future belongs to them, and there is no doubt about it now.

Secondly, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the 4G LTE network coverage map from your cellular operator - such maps are always available on the operators’ websites, and they often also show the planned network coverage that will be implemented in the near future. If there is already a 4G network in your area, then this is a reason to cast aside any last doubts, and if not yet, then an LTE smartphone will be able to work in 3G and even 2G networks without the slightest problem, and, when LTE finally comes to your home, with LTE- smartphone you will meet him in full readiness.

Thirdly, check with your operator which devices it supports on its LTE network. Sometimes - on early stages network deployment - these can only be tablets and modems, but not smartphones (in such a network you can surf the Internet, but you cannot make calls). However, even in this case, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of LTE on your smartphone, but the network will have to manually switch to 3G in order to make a call until your operator launches it in full.

If these points are met, you can safely go to the store to buy your new LTE smartphone. When choosing a specific model, pay attention to the standards it supports - it is best to purchase a smartphone that supports LTE category 4 and LTE-Advanced.

After choosing a device, all you have to do is look into the nearest office of your cellular operator and ask to change the SIM card to the same one, but with support for 4G LTE (your phone number, of course, will remain the same), insert it into the new device - and welcome to the Internet of the 21st century!

What is 5G?

But 4G is already becoming an “outdated” standard: the world is in full swing with the development of 5G. It is believed that the fifth generation of mobile communications will appear by 2020. The explanation is quite simple: there is the so-called ten-year rule. If you look a little into the past, you will notice that each new generation of mobile communications appeared approximately 10 years after the appearance of the previous one: the first generation appeared in the early 80s, the second in the early 90s, the third in the early 00s, the fourth in 2009 year. The conclusion is that the first 5G networks will appear around 2020.
Programs are currently underway to develop the basic outlines of the fifth generation standard. That is why an exact definition of 5G cannot yet be given; we can only predict what networks will become after 2020.
It is obvious that in the future there will be many more devices connected to the network, most of which will operate according to the “always online” principle. In this case, low power consumption will be a very important parameter. Of course, in fifth generation networks average speeds should be at least an order of magnitude higher than in fourth generation networks. The exact numbers will be known by the end of 2015, when the standard developers will present the requirements for fifth-generation networks.

Let's sum it up

3G and 4G data transfer speeds are fundamentally different. 4G is about ten times faster. At the same time, devices with a 4G module (or using a modem) are able to work in 3G in those places where LTE does not yet reach. Moreover, the Internet transition on the device occurs “seamlessly”: download processes are not interrupted.

4G differs from 3G directly in the way it transmits data. The difference is that LTE networks exclusively use packet data, while 3G carries voice along with data.
Obviously, technologies differ in terms of use and, accordingly, in the degree of mastery. Since 3G technology appeared 10 years ago, today it has a more developed infrastructure (coverage area and intensity are greater). But the Big Three mobile operators are doing everything to make the fastest Internet more accessible and better. Currently, MegaFon’s coverage area already includes 38 regions, MTS has 9, and Beeline has 5.

But to say that these technologies compete with each other would also be wrong. Of course, 4G is better, as befits more advanced technology. But it is broadband LTE that unloads 3G networks, taking over the most active users. The development of 4G simultaneously makes 3G connections better. So statements like: “what kind of 4G is it, at least the speed of the 3G modem would be decent, and then they would take it from LTE” are not entirely correct. You could even say that 4G and 3G work as a team, raising modern standards for the quality of Internet services.