Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
generally much lower in performance (depending on the phone) than via dedicated cards.
”4G” Mobile Broadband Service
There are three competing technologies marketed as “4G” in the US: WiMAX, long term evolution
(LTE), and evolved high speed packet access (HSPA+). WiMAX and LTE are also widely used in
international markets.
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) can be used for both mobile and fixed-
base wireless broadband. However, WiMAX is being positioned primarily as a mobile solution.
WiMAX is based on the 802.16 standard, with support for maximum data rates of up to 365Mbps.
WiMAX uses orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signaling, which uses
simultaneous broadcast of radio waves across different frequencies to avoid interference. In the
United States, WiMAX is the basis for Sprint's 4G network.
LTE is based on GSM and UTMS cellular systems, hence its name. LTE uses the 700MHz radio
frequency and is designed to reach a theoretical peak speed of around 100Mbps. In the United States,
Verizon is the major user of LTE, and in real-world tests performed by ComputerWorld in February
2011, LTE averaged around 13.1Mbps download—or about 3 times faster than WiMAX and about
5.5Mbps upload speed (over 100 times faster than WiMAX).
HSPA+ is the technology T-Mobile and AT&T used to upgrade its 3G network in 2010. Although
HSPA+ is technically a 3G service, it reaches real-world speeds of around 5-6Mbps, hence the
marketing of HSPA+ as “4G.”
Although all major U.S. wireless carriers offer some sort of 4G wireless broadband, coverage is
limited to major cities. Until networks are completely converted to 4G by mid-decade, wireless
broadband service outside of major cities will continue to be made at 3G speeds. Most “4G”
connections are made with wireless hub, hotspot, or USB stick modems that can switch between 3G
and 4G networks (some automatically, some manually).
Note
The International Telecommunication Union has blessed the marketing of so-called “4G”
services by reversing its previous determination that only LTE-Advanced and WiMAX 2
(released in 2012) qualify as true 4G service. In December 2010, ITU announced that faster
than 3G services can also be identified as 4G, and will use the blanket term IMT-Advanced to
refer to LTE-Advanced and WiMAX 2 (formally WirelessMAN-Advanced).
In general, you must purchase a wireless hub, hotspot, USB stick, or WWAN card along with a
service package from your cell phone provider. Because the service packages and networks vary and
the technologies are constantly changing, you should contact your local cell phone providers for more
information on their current offerings. Although cellular broadband is typically a good bit more
expensive than normal cable or DSL connection prices, cellular broadband can be worthwhile for
those who travel with a laptop and require access away from hotel rooms or Wi-Fi hotspots.
Satellite Broadband
If you're in a rural area where cable, DSL, or cellular wireless services don't exist, you might be
able to use a satellite connection as an alternative.
Satellite service requires a small satellite dish as part of the necessary hardware, which is similar to
