Consulting Opportunities
in
Deployment of 4G Networks & Services
Features of 4G
4G promises to deliver those services that 3G could not deliver primarily due to the haphazard deployment and lack of interoperability among the standards. The present infrastructure does not allow data transmission fast enough to efficiently deliver next-generation services, such as GIS and Mobile Commerce (M Commerce). The telecommunication industry expects 4G to support a vast range of data transfer rates. 4G will offer services as demanded. A few key features envisioned for 4G are:
· Application-related technologies: Include next-generation coding and compression technologies, dynamic variable-rate codecs, mobile agent technologies, man-machine interfaces including intelligent mobile terminals, streaming data communication technology, content description language, and application development environment technology.
· New age services: 4G will deliver new value added services, such as Voice over IP (VoIP), all IP wireless connectivity, mobile e-commerce, and software-defined radio.
· Better wireless connectivity: Due to the increased bandwidth, 4G will deliver faster wireless connections. The time spent in searching for the cell will be negligible. The quality of service will be much better than those of the existing technologies.
· Better frequency utilization: 4G will use three-dimensional cell architecture. This will result in better frequency utilization. OFDM has ultra low latency rates. This will also ensure that frequencies are fully utilized.
· Better end-user devices: 4G will use advanced mobile devices. These devices will have a much longer battery life, low power usage, and features such as superior voice recognition. These devices will be made using the latest chips and memories.
Our Opportunities
From the view point of providing consultancy services we must analyze the challenges faced while developing 4G networks. The following envisioned challenges will be our opportunities for providing services :
1. Cooperation among various service providers
2. Cooperation among various device manufacturers
3. Allocation of spectrum
4. Availability of spectrum
5. Innovation in technology
6. Application development
7. Enhancements in switching mechanisms
8. Signal processing
Our Resources
The organizations involved in the research, development, and regulatory activities of 4G will form our valuable resource for us to provide our consultancy services. These organizations include Mobile Wireless Internet Forum (MWIF), Broadband Radio Access Network (BRAN), and Fourth Generation Wireless Infrastructure (4GWI).
· MWIF
MWIF is a nonprofit, international association of telecommunication companies. The mission of MWIF is to develop an open architecture of a mobile, wires Internet. This open standard will enable seamless integration of mobile telephony with Internet-based services, such as voice, data, and video. This standard will meet the requirements of telecom network operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
· OFDM Forum
OFDM Forum is an association of prominent wireless companies including software companies, hardware manufacturers, and telecommunication companies. The main objective of OFDM Forum is to ensure a global OFDM platform to deliver cost-effective devices on all wireless networks around the world. OFDM Forum has three working groups:
i. Fixed Wireless access
ii. WLAN and home multimedia
iii. Broadband mobile wireless
OFDM Forum also assists organizations involved in OFDM to develop markets. The main members of OFDM Forum are Sony, Philips, and Ericsson.
· BRAN
BRAN is a project that aims to develop and consolidate the wireless access systems that offer a minimum data transfer rate of 25 Mbps. These wireless systems may or may not operate in a licensed spectrum. BRAN addresses business and residential access applications.
· 4GWI
The 4GWI project proposes a comprehensive architecture for a 4G wireless access system. This architecture incorporates technical, economical, and regulatory issues. The issues that 4GWI covers are:
i. Analysis of services
ii. Cost structure
iii. Marketing
