What is 4G?

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Mar 7, 2023, 14:39

4G [Fourth Generation] broadband refers to a cellular network technology of the fourth generation. It is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology, the successor of 2G and 3G.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defined the 4G wireless cellular standard. Key characteristics of the standard, including transmission technology and data speeds, are also specified by the Union.

In this article, we will learn more about What is 4g network.

How is 4G different from 1G, 2G, and 3G?

4G stands for a fourth-generation communications system. The previous versions are as follows:

  • 1G - This was the first version of the mobile phone. It was developed in the early 1980s and was analogue technology. Its maximum speed was around 2.4 Kbps.
  • 2G - This was the second version of mobile phones. It was launched in the 1990s, allowing people to make calls and send texts, and included other data services like MMS, SMS, and picture-based messages.
  • 3G - This was the third generation, introduced in the late 1990s, and it enabled people to use their phones for more tasks like surfing and video calling.

Features of 4G Network

4G had more users than 3G, and it was the most used and advanced communication system until 5G was released. 4G also allowed people to do most things easily in their homes using wifi connection. It was possible to use more services, including social networking, video streaming, music, calls, and mapping, more quickly.

This feature makes 4G a more advanced network than 3G.

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How does 4G work?

4G uses high-speed upload and download packets to provide customers with broadband style speeds from their mobiles, laptops and phones. We can say that it is a radio system broadcasting 4G signals across the country.

4G enables device communications that relay data from the internet to your devices.

Advantages of 4G

  • It provides high speed, and with high speed, and allows you to do all work easily.
  • Has uninterrupted connectivity, especially for video conferencing, callings etc.
  • Users can stream music and search for anything anywhere.
  • Share any information online with anyone quickly and easily.
  • Thirty miles and more coverage are provided.
  • Provides full privacy, safety, and security of data.

Disadvantages of 4G

  • Sometimes, especially in the initial stages of release, people faced glitches.
  • Though 4G is available at cheaper rates, the fact is that it would have to be installed to supply the services.
  • Since 4G uses multiple transmitters, users have to face much poorer battery life on their mobile devices.
  • Sometimes users also face coverage problems; no network is found in certain areas.

4G was defined in the year 2008 by the ITU. But at that time, the speed and specifications were not specific. 5G is now the next generation network of mobile technology. It aims to offer an enhanced bandwidth and speed of more than 4G.

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FAQs on 4G Network

Q1. What does 4G stand for?

4G stands for a fourth-generation communications system. It is the current standard mobile network technology used in our mobiles.

Q2. Which is the latest mobile network after 4G?

5G is now the next generation network of mobile technology after 4G.

Q3. What is the major advantage of 4G?

The major advantage of the 4G Network is that it provides high speed, and with high speed, we can do all the work easily.

Q4. What is the major disadvantage of 4G?

Though 4G is available at cheaper rates, the fact that it would have to be installed to supply the services is a major disadvantage.