Wednesday, March 11, 2009

4G - What now -- HDTV everywhere

As I continue to read more and more about the subject of 4G the less clear I know. It is amazing how broad a topic and well discussed by so many people with very few details. I know I am still in the early stages of research, but I was hoping by now that I would find a path or direction that would start to show promise. Something that I could focus on and start to put some concepts behind this massive idea.

But a last -- I started searching blogs and found information that may, yes may, point me a direction I want to go.

We all understand that the 4G technology and concepts are being developed to accommodate the QoS and bandwidth requirements to drive wireless broadband applications. These applications will transcend basic text and picture messaging, even recorded video sends. The next generation of applications will focus on real-time interaction. Applications like video chat, HDTV content, even Digital Video Broadcasting, there are so many more. For my purpose, I will start to focus on how to deliver HDTV content using 4G. This aligns with my current job of delivering IPTV to home users. How can I now deliver the same quality and application features everywhere?

I also found on Wikipedia where there is a 4G working group and they have defined the following as objectives of the 4G wireless communication standard:
- A spectrally efficient system (in bits/s/Hz and bits/s/Hz/site)
- High network capacity: more simultaneous users per cell
- A nominal data rate of 100 Mbit/s while the client physically moves at high speeds relative to the station, and 1 Gbit/s while client and station are in relatively fixed positions as defined by the ITU-R
- A data rate of at least 100 Mbit/s between any two points in the world
- Smooth handoff across heterogeneous networks
- Seamless connectivity and global roaming across multiple networks
- High quality of service for next generation multimedia support (real time audio, high speed data, HDTV video content, mobile TV, etc)
- Interoperability with existing wireless standards
- An all IP, packet switched network


I need to find out more about this 4G working group. For now I will stop.
Please provide thoughts and comments.

Thanks

-- Klyne

Sunday, January 25, 2009

4G Technology

I have decided to change my topic and study to 4G Technology.
What is 4G -- Wikipedia state
4G (also known as Beyond 3G), an abbreviation for Fourth-Generation, is a term used to describe the next complete evolution in wireless communications. A 4G system will be able to provide a comprehensive IP solution where voice, data and streamed multimedia can be given to users on an "Anytime, Anywhere" basis, and at higher data rates than previous generations.
It goes on to say:
There is no formal definition for what 4G is; however, there are certain objectives that are projected for 4G. These objectives include: that 4G will be a fully IP-based integrated system. 4G will be capable of providing between 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s speeds both indoors and outdoors, with premium quality and high security.

I think the biggest study question is around the dynamics of how it will be used. With such higher bandwidth, it's not just going to be mobile consumers with basic Internet access on their phones, it could be everyon.
What will be the driving applications?
What applications?

Thoughts, comments?