Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
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 US wireless carriers offer some sort of 4G wireless broadband, cov-
erage as of 2011 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 USB modems than can switch
between 3G and 4G networks (some automatically, some manually).
Note
TheInternationalTelecommunicationUnionhasblessedthemarketingofso-called“4G”ser-
vicesbyreversingitspreviousdetermination thatonlyLTE-AdvancedandWiMax2(neither
of which is available yet) 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-Ad-
vanced to refer to LTE-Advanced and WiMax 2 (formally WirelessMAN-Advanced).
In general, you must purchase a modem 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 inform-
ation 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 worth-
while for those who travel with a laptop and require access away from hotel rooms or Wi-
Fi hotspots.
Satellite Broadband
Ifyou're inan area where cable, DSL, orfixed wireless services don'texist, youmight be
able to use a satellite connection as a last resort.
Satellite service requires a small satellite dish as part of the necessary hardware, which is
similartothedishesusedforsatellite TVservices,exceptthatitfunctionsbothforreceiv-
ing and sending data. The dish is connected to a satellite modem, which is functionally
identical toacableorDSLmodemasfarassetupandoperationisconcerned.Somesatel-
lite modems contain a router, making them suitable for a direct connection to a single PC
or a network switch supporting multiple PCs. Those that don't include a built-in router
should be connected to the wireless area network (WAN) port on a router, which would
then be connected to one or more PCs.
Most satellite services require a clear view of the sky towards the equator because the
satellites are located above the equator.
