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3G Network vs. 4G Network
The third generation networks and fourth generation networks are different in terms of different parameters depending on the functionality and application. In terms of services and applications, the 4G network has faster speed compared to the 3G. Through the 3G network, several services like the Global roaming can be accessed, which is the same as the 4G networks (Chen et al, 2012). While the 3G network allows internet browsing over wireless networks, the 4G is designed to be faster and efficient as it optimizes data over wireless networks.
Based on the network architecture, the 3G is based on the wide area cell. On the other hand, the 4G network allows the integration of the wireless area and the LAN. This makes the 4G to have clarity compared to the 3G networks. While 3G allows the use of the Wide Band Voice Channel, the 4G networks provides all internet protocols and supports mobility (Chen et al, 2012). Unlike the 4G, the 3G network has a bandwidth of the range of 15-20MHZ and operates at 2100MHz.
In terms of data throughput, the 3G uses 3.1Mbps but has an average range of about 0.5 to 1.15Mbps in terms of speed. On the other hand, the average speed of the 4G is between 2Mbps to 12Mbps (Kumar & Suman, 2013). However, the high speeds of the 3G can go up to 21Mbps while that of the 4G networks can go up to the speed of 100Mbps. The peak upload rate of the 3G is 5Mbps while the 4G network is about 500Mbps (Chen et al, 2012). Similarly, the download rate of the 3G is 100Mbps maximum but the 4G can go up to 1GBps.
Considering user perceptions, the 4G is highly rated and preferred to the 3G networks. This is because many users appreciate the high speeds of the 4G and the increased application compared to the 3G (Kumar & Suman, 2013). In addition, users embrace the convenience of faster internet browsing as provided by the 4G, even if their needs are satisfied by the 3G (3GPP Specification Detail, n.d.). Even though its speed is not as high as 4G, 3G network provides good internet connectivity with video chatting.
4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 4G WiBro
As per the exchange rate speeds, the 4G Long Term Evolution, 4LTE supports the upload speed of 50Mbps and 100Mbps download speed. However, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access or the 4G WiMax allows up to 70Mbps in both exchange rate speeds (WiMax Forum, 2012). On the other hand, the 4G Wireless Broadband, WiBro upload and download exchange speed are between 30-50Mbps.
User’s perceptions for the three network choices is based on the efficiency that each of the choices provides. Users prefer the 4G LTE because of its advancement in connection and speed (Kumar & Suman, 2013). However, those who prefer the 4G, WiMax and the WiBro complain of poor connectivity when using the 4G LTE (WiMax Forum, 2012). However, users also prefer 4G LTE due to perception that it is more secure compared to the 4G WiMax and the 4G WiBro.
In regard to backward compatibility the three choices have similarities, but with slight differences. The 4GLTE has efficient backward compatibility between the LTE-Advanced and the LTE. This is because it was designed to be backward compatible HSPA and the GSM. Similarly, the 4G 4G WiMax is also backward compatible with the 3G networks (WiMax Forum, 2012). However, the 4G WiBro does not have complete backward compatibility with the previous versions of the network.
Considering the service availability, the 4G LTE has a larger coverage compared to the other two. For instance, the network covers over 60% of the U.S population. While the 4G WiMax is not widespread, it can offer both the voice and data services with no much cable expenses or limitations of distance through the Metropolitan Area Network.
Reasons for the Fierce Competition
One of the reasons for the increased competition is the availability of diverse choices of the networks to the customers. This means that the customer has the upper hand in the selection of the service that he or she wants to satisfy his or her data and connectivity needs. As a result, the providers of the networks have to increase their competition in the market so as to gain the preference of the customers (Kumar & Suman, 2013). Another reason is the emergence of businesses with remote branches, thereby creating a need for them to use cellular-enabled gateways. This is because they need the cellular gateways as the primary connectivity or as a back up to the WAN connections.
This fierce competition however, presents benefits to the users. One of the benefits is wide connectivity and coverage of larger areas. This benefit is more significant in underdeveloped countries where the governments do not provide connectivity infrastructure. To gain more markets, the network providers spread their services to these remote areas, which benefit the users there. Another benefit is reduced, prices for the services offered by the network providers. To gain a competitive edge over competitors, the providers use friendly pricing for their services to get customers and to retain them (Kumar & Suman, 2013). Consequently, this has reduced the cost of connectivity for the users. Moreover, the competition has promoted efficiency of the connectivity provided by the network providers. This is because they need to retain the customers they gain from the highly competitive market.
Verizon Covering More Markets than AT&T
The announcement in January 2012 indicated its market coverage was more than the AT&T. This is because of its long presence in the market since the company was the first to venture into the American 4G LTE network market (Verizon Wireless, 2011). The company had a full year of gaining a competitive advantage since it started the business a year earlier than AT&T. In the competition, AT&T is playing a catch-up market competition while Verizon is playing a market leadership role. In addition, Verizon achieved this level of coverage by offering popular data-equipped handsets and unlimited service plans (Verizon Wireless, 2011). This gave it a competitive advantage that AT&T could not have as a market entrant. Moreover, Verizon delivered wholesale access by using third party resellers, which enabled the firm to increase its customer base by 17 million people.
Conclusion
The use of wireless networks has increased over time and the players in the industry have increased. With the technological advancement from the 3G to the 4G networks, the services provided have become even more varied and advanced, leading to more competition among the providers. Among the differences and similarities between these two networks is based on Services and application, the network architecture, the data throughput and the user perceptions. While there are similarities and differences between the 3G and the 4G, the efficiency of the services provided is also determined by the providers. Therefore, the competition between them has improved the efficiency and speed of the services provided.
References
Chen, Y.C. et al, (2012). Characterizing 4G and 3G Networks: Supporting Mobility with Multi-Path TCP. Retrieved From, <http://people.cs.umass.edu/~yungchih/publication/12_mtcp_4g_tech_report.pdf> November 1, 2014
Kumar, A., & Suman, R. (2013). Comparision of 3G Wireless Networks and 4G Wireless Networks. International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Volume 6, No 1(2013), pp.1-8
Verizon Wireless (2011). News Center LTE Information Center. Retrieved From, <http://news.verizonwireless.com/LTE/Overview.html> November 1, 2014
WiMax Forum. (2012). WiMax Forum. Retrieved From, <http://www.wimaxforum.org> November 1, 2014
3GPP Specification Detail. (n.d.). 3GPP Specification. Retrieved From, <http://www.3gpp.org/DynaReport/23002.htm> November 1, 2014