subject: 4g Internet: Transforming Wireless Communications [print this page] Over the years, the technology behind wireless communications has undergone many transformations. These transformations have happened rapidly, to say the least. Less than two decades ago, it was rare for anyone to even have a cell phone, and these days it is not uncommon to see children with their own mobile devices by the time they start school. The Internet was also somewhat of a stranger to most people twenty years ago; nowadays, people cant live without it.
Not only have these two technologies advanced quickly in and of themselves, but they have also grown together, in a way. Today, with the help of 4G Internet, wireless communications devices like smart phones and Blackberrys make it possible to get online anytime, anywhere. This article outlines the various stages and transformations that wireless communications technology has undergone over the years to reach its newest form. You will also find information on how to take advantage of everything 4G has to offer.
One area in which wireless communications devices have changed a lot over the years is in size. Just think about the earliest cell phones of a couple decades ago, those bulky contraptions that were carried around in briefcases. These phones, referred to as 1G, for first generation, were not really all that mobile or convenient. On top of their burdensome size, these older phones were around before the digital revolution, and used analog signal transmission, which was slower and less reliable than the digital transmission used by cell phones today. Still, these 1G phones served as a jumping off point that paved the way for future generations of wireless communications devices.
The transformation into 2G, or second generation, models saw devices that were smaller and more practical, which contributed to their rise in popularity and accessibility. With 2G also came the adoption of the digital format that is still in use today. This made things like roaming possible, and allowed people to keep the same phone regardless of what service provider they used.
Speed was the next thing to improve, and 3G, or third generation, phones introduced the higher-speed data transmission that allowed for mobile devices to also connect to the Internet, in addition to making traditional voice calls. The extremely popular iPhone was made possible by the advances that came with 3G devices. Now, people could use their phones to perform all sorts of online functions, like checking their email, surfing the Web, and streaming online audio and video content.
4G, or fourth generation, devices have taken all the advances of 3G and improved upon them further. With the latest in wireless communications technology, for example, coverage areas have been expanded to encompass entire cities. WiMax towers allow 4G users to get high-speed Internet connections without the hassle of finding an open Wi-Fi network or worrying about breaks in their connection.
Wireless communications technology surely has come a long, long way from where it started out. Now you can enjoy the freedom that comes with having a truly mobile Internet connection.
