4G: An Ultimate Mobile Solution

(Mobile communications)

By

V.Rajendar V.Arjun rao

rajendarlook@gmail.com

arjun_231@yahoo.com

III B.TECH

Electronics & Communication Engineering

BALAJI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY &

SCIENCE

NARSAMPET ,

WARANGAL DIST.
 Outline

 Abstract.
 Introduction.
 What is 4G?
 4G: Edge over 3G.
 Opportunities for implementation.
 Threats for implementation.
 4G Vision.
 Advantages of 4G.
 Limitations.
 Applications.
 Comparison of 4G with other mobile technologies.
 Basic Idea of Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing (OFDM).
 OFDM Characteristics.
 OFDM Benefits.
 Conclusion.
 References.
Abstract

This paper aims to identify and explore the different issues and challenges
related to fourth generation networks. It starts with a brief Introduction, and then
explains the edge of 4G technology over 3G, and defines 4G. It also focuses on the
opportunities for implementation of 4G, and also explains the threats for
implementation of 4G. It also provides a detailed insight on the vision of 4G, and also
discusses about the advantages and limitations of 4G technology. It also compares the
4G technology with all other technologies and also explains the Applications of 4G
technology. This paper also focuses on key technologies to implement 4G technology
as it provides a basic idea on OFDM since with its natural resistance to multipath
fading and its ability to support extremely high data rates, orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing (OFDM) is a major candidate for fourth-generation air
interfaces.

Introduction

We are seeing a massive demand for data, audio, image and video services on
mobile phones. These require a faster rate of data transfer.

Though the projected data rate of 3G is around 2 Mbps, the actual data rate is much
slower, especially in crowded areas or when the network is congested. Further, data
rates also depend on the user’s activity (moving or steady state) and location
(indoor/outdoor).

As expected data services like multimedia are going to play an increasing role and
will dominate the cellular traffic instead of voice in future.

In such a scenario, the present 2G and 3G systems will saturate and have no room to
survive. Also, the demand for increasing data rates leads to higher bandwidth
requirements. These factors force the cellular industry to develop a common standard
or system that over comes almost all limitations imposed by previous cellular
technologies.
4G services hold out the promise of end-to-end, totally IP (Internet protocol), packet-
switched networks that will be able to handle growing loads of wireless voice, data,
video and audio transmissions more efficiently, at lower cost and at higher
performance levels i.e., 4G systems are expected to allow much higher data rates of
around 100 Mbps, higher bandwidth of the order of hundreds of megahertz, plenty of
services like data, audio and video(as shown in fig1),seamless connectivity and
improved quality of service keeping in mind that all existing networks can be merged
or interconnected to form an all-in-one.

What is 4G?

Fig 2 shows the concept of 4G cellular network. The future 4G infrastructure

will consist of various networks using Internet Protocol (IP) as a common protocol. So
the users will be in control as they can choose every application and environment.
Accessing information any where, in time with seamless connections to a wide range
of information, data, pictures, video and so on will be the benefits of 4G
infrastructure.
 One of the terms popularly used to describe 4G is ‘MAGIC’, which stands for
‘Mobile multimedia, anytime any where, Global mobility support, Integrated Wireless
solutions and customized personal services.’

4G services will be dynamic and adaptable to the application. Faster response and
quality are the prerequisites for full-motion video, home entertainment and advance
location-based services. The expected data rate is 2 Mbps for vehicular applications.
Such high data rates obviously require a high bandwidth of the order of several
hundreds of megahertz.

The ultra WCDMA access technology and orthogonal frequency-division

multiplexing (OFDM)-being spectral-efficient-are the two major options that can help
to realize the expected features of 4G cellular networks.

OFDM/COFDM allows many users to transmit the allocated band, by subdividing the
available bandwidth into many narrow bandwidth carries. Each user is allocated
several carries to transmit his data. The transmission is generated such that the carries
to transmit his data. The transmission is generated such that the carries are orthogonal
to each other, thus allowing them to be packed together much closer than standard
frequency-division multiplexing in OFDM/COFDMA technology.

Seamless connectivity requires fast handoff between different networks as the user
moves from one network to another. This is possible as the core network is IP- based.
While maintaining the connectivity, the emphasis is also on the quality of services at
the cheapest rate.
Although most service providers are still expanding and improving their existing 2G+
networks, research towards 4G systems is making significant progress in major
companies like Motorola ,Qualcomm ,AT&T , Nokia ,Erickson and NTT(Nippon
Telephone and Telegraph) DoCoMo.

4G: Edge over 3G

It is commonly said that 4G is the super- enhanced version of 3G.4G systems

will be deployed with software –defined radios, allowing equipment upgrades for new
protocols and services via software upgrades. In addition, 4G holds the promise of
worldwide roaming using a single handheld device. To summarise,4G means fully
converged services, ubiquitous cellular access, diverse user devices, autonomous
networks and software dependency.

The main aim of 3G was to provide multimedia, multirate, cellular communications

any time and any where. It’s uneconomical to meet this requirement with only
cellular radio.4G systems will extend the scenario to an IP network that integrates
broadcast, cellular radio.4G systems will extend the scenario to an IP network that
integrates broadcast ,cellular , cordless ,WLAN/PAN and fixed wire.

“4G is a network of networks” with which users will be in control. They will be able
to decide the right system and even right terminal for each application and each
environment (mobility, coverage). So personalized services can be provided
irrespective of underlying network. This makes the most efficient use of the available
spectrum by directing users to the most appropriate network.

Opportunities for implementation

It is now clear that to meet the requirements of high data rates, seamless
connectivity and cost effective service, the core network for 4G must be IP-based.
Merging all the networks in one core network requires an intermediate layer that
provides an interface between the existing network protocol and the required protocol.
Hence the opportunities are open for all the networks to update their present
architecture and allow the desired change.

In India, GSM is dominating the market, with CDMA competing with it. EDGE and
GPRS are working, while complete 3G services have not been introduced yet. It may
happen that the cellular networks waiting for 3G and upgrading themselves with 2G+
may switch directly to 4G by completely by passing 3G as it seems a better option
cost effectiveness in network upgradation and replacement.
Since the expected technology for 4G is ultra WCDMA and/or OFDM, the present
GSM networks must upgrade or be replaced with the whole network of CDMA or
OFDM. The migration of all networks like LAN, MAN, WLAN, HIPERLAN, DVB
and DAB also requires a transparent protocol and smart handoffs which should be
able to work for maintaining the quality of service and offering such services at the
low cost.

The path to final 4G may be plotted in four steps:

1. Internet working of 2G+ and 3G and internet.(circuit-switched voice/data)

2. Integration of all networks (circuit-switched voice/data)

3. IP-based harmonization (packet -based voice / data)

4. Full convergence of the networks (all IP-based voice, data and multimedia for end-
to-end quality of service, better security, seamless connectivity, entertainment and so
on)

Fig. 3 shows the advantage of all the networks is possible according to the projected
path. It indicates integration of media, information technology and communication,
which is the major growing, fields in user applications. Merging all the services (like
voice, non-voice, Internet, e-commerce, multimedia, entertainment like news, sports,
video on demand, audio and so on) in one hand set is an attractive proposition if
implanted with reliable end-to-end quality of service and faster data transfer.
Threats for implementation

Major issues that need to be resolved before implementing the 4G network are:

Connecting all networks on one common platform. It will be

really be a tough task to merge all the network services on one common platform with
the same quality of service, same tariffs, etc. Take

the example of the existing GSM and CDMA. For merging those on a common
platform to provide of them has to change its standard or both have to compromise on
new interfacing standards. Since 4G has CDMA or OFDM as the only option to use,
definitely all the networks must update themselves to the desired level.

Seamless connectivity and smart handoffs. Providing seamless

connectivity while moving between different networks using smart handoffs is a big
challenge before the designers if all the networks are using different standards.
Therefore it becomes essential to design very complex air interfaces that will decide
the quality of smart hand-offs and the quality of service.
Acquiring the required data rate and bandwidth. 4G is expected
to have a much higher data rate even when the user is in motion (vehicular).To
support the high data rate, the devices to be designed must be very sensitive and smart
enough to work with vehicular speeds at the both ends (user and the cellular base
station terminal ends) as shown in fig.4.

4G Vision

A 4G mobile communications system offering high-speed transmission of large

volume of data with the wide coverage requires a bandwidth of approximately
100MHz. It is anticipated that 4G speeds could be as high as 100Mbps. Thus, 4G will
represent another quantum leap in mobile Internet speeds of up to 50 times more than
3G networks and offer three-dimensional visual experiences for the first time.

A picture (fig.5) that is “worth a thousand words” towards understanding the

vision of 4G (IMT-Advanced) is shown below. ITU (International telecommunication
union) named 4G as IMT-Advanced
 Fig.5: Vision of 4G

As can be seen in the picture above, the main requirements for 4G are as
follows:

• Peak data rate of 100Mbps for high mobility applications such as

mobile access
• Approx. 1Gbps for low mobility applications such as nomadic/local
wireless access
Though 1XEV-DV and W-CDMA are yet to be deployed, research on 4G has
commenced on a global scale. As the wireless market continues to grow at a frenetic
pace, service providers that rely on circuit-switched technology are facing mounting
pressure due to its disadvantages: the systems cannot sustain increasing bandwidth
requirements for new services and applications. The network lacks the capacity to
support a rise in traffic. Cannot provide services fast enough to keep enough to keep
up with the demand. Due to these reasons, 4G is intended to be an entirely packet-
switched network.

Among the newer wireless technologies under consideration for the use in 4G systems
are OFDM, smart antenna systems and millimeter wireless.

It is believed that 4G will be operational by 2010(see fig.7). It will be built on the

second phase of 3G, when all networks are expected to offer 99.99 percent reliability.

Fig.7: Key elements of 4G vision.

Advantages of 4G

 Support for interactive multimedia services like teleconferencing and wireless

Internet.
 Wider bandwidths and higher bitrates.
 Global mobility and service portability.
 Scalability of mobile network.
 Entirely Packet-Switched networks.
 Digital network elements.
 Higher band widths to provide multimedia services at lower cost (up to 100
Mbps).
  Tight network security.
Limitations

Although the concept of 4G communications shows much promise, there are still
limitations that must be addressed. A major concern is interoperability between the
signaling techniques that are planned for use in 4G (3XRTT and WCDMA).

Cost is another factor that could hamper the progress of 4G technology. The
equipment required to implement the next-generation network are still very expensive.

A Key challenge facing deployment of 4G technologies is how to make the network

architectures compatible with each other. This was one of the unmet goals of 3G.

AS regards the operating area, rural areas and many buildings in metropolitan areas
are not being served well by existing wireless networks.

Applications

Location application. 4G location applications will be based on visualized,

virtual navigation schemes that will support a remote database containing graphical
representations of streets, buildings and another physical characteristic of a large
metropolitan area. This data base could be accessed by subscribers in vehicles.

Virtual navigation and telegeoprocessing. You will be able to see the

internal layout of a building during an emergency rescue. This type of application is
some time referred to as ‘telegeoprocessing’.

A remote database will contain the graphical representation of streets, buildings and
physical characteristics of a large metropolis. Blocks of this database will be
transmitted in rapid sequence to a vehicle, where a rendering program will permit the
occupants to visualize the environment ahead. They may also ‘virtually’ see the
internal layout of buildings to plan an emergency rescue or engage hostile elements
hidden in the building.

Telemedicine. A paramedic assisting a victim of a traffic accident in a remote

location could access medical records (X-rays) and establish a video conference so
that a remotely based surgeon could provide ‘on-scene’ assistance.

Crisis management application. In the event of natural disasters where

the entire communications infrastructure is in disarray, restoring communications
quickly is essential. With wideband wireless mobile communications, limited and
even total communication capability (including Internet and video services) could be
set up within hours instead of days or even weeks required at present for restoration of
wire line communications.

Comparison of 4G with other mobile technologies

Technolo 1G 2G 2.5G 3G 4G
gy
Design 1970 1980 1985 1990 2000
began
Implemen 1984 1991 1999 2002 2010
tation
Service Analogue Digital voice, Higher- Higher- Higher-
voice, short messages capacity capacity capacity,com
Synchronous packetized broad- peletely IP-
data data band up to oriented,
Up to 9.6 2 Mbps Multimedia
kbps data up to
hundreds of
mega bits
Standards AMPS, TDMA,CDM GPRS,EDG WCDMA, Single
TACS, NMT, A,GSM,PDC E,1XRTT CDMA Standard
etc 2000
Data 1.9 kbps 14.4 kbps 384 Kbps 2 Mbps 200 Mbps
Bandwidt
h
Multiplex FDMA TDMA,CDM TDMA,CD CDMA CDMA/ultra
ing A MA WCDMA/OF
DM?
Core PTSN PTSN
PTSN, Packet Internet
network Packet network
network
Basic Idea of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
(OFDM):

If you take a signal and send it over multiple low-rate carriers instead of a
single high-rate carrier, the longer symbol periods lessen or eliminate inter-symbol-
interference (ISI) problems. The added benefit of the high data rate is then made
possible when the multiple carriers (numbering in the hundreds or even thousands) are
modulated with higher-order symbol mapping, such as 8PSK or 16QAM. More bits
are then forced through the air in each symbol period.

Here is a little more detailed description of OFDM

Modulation: A mapping of the information on changes in the carrier phase, frequency

or amplitude or combination.

Multiplexing: Method of sharing a bandwidth with other independent data channels.

OFDM is a combination of both modulation and multiplexing. Multiplexing generally

refers to independent signals, those produced by different sources. So it is a question
of how to share the spectrum with these users. In OFDM the question of multiplexing
is applied to independent signals but these independent signals are the subset of the
main signal. In OFDM first the signal itself is split into independent channels,
modulated by data and then re-multiplexed to create the OFDM carrier.

OFDM is a special case of Frequency Division multiplex (FDM).As an analogy, a

FDM channel is a flow out of a faucet, in contrast the OFDM signal is like a shower.
In a faucet all water comes in a big stream and cannot be subdivided. OFDM is made
up of a lot of little streams.

Fig.8-(a) A Regular-FDM single carrier-A Whole bunch of Water coming all in one
stream.(b) Orthogonal-FDM-same amount of water coming from a lot of small
streams

Think about what the advantage might be of one over the other? One obvious one is
that if my put my thumb over the faucet hole, I can stop the water but I cannot do the
same for the shower. So although both do the same thing, they respond differently to
interference. Thus more bits are then forced through the air in each symbol period.
Thus this is main consideration OFDM not only provides clear advantages for
physical layer performance, but also a frame work for improving layer to layer
performance by proposing an additional degree of freedom. It is possible to exploit the
time domain the space domain and the frequency domain and even the code domain to
optimize radio channel usage. It ensures very robust transmission in multi-path
environments with reduced receiver complexity
 Fig.9: OFDM Principles

As shown in the fig.5 the signal is split into orthogonal sub carriers, on each of which
the signal is “narrowband” (a few KHz) and therefore immune to multipath effects,
Provided a guard interval is guarded between each OFDM symbol. OFDM also
provides a frequency diversity gain increasing the physical layer performance. It is
also compatible with other enhancement technologies, such as smart antenna and
MIMO.

OFDM can also be as a multiple access technology (Orthogonal Frequency

Division Multiple Access; OFDMA). In this case, each OFDM symbol can transmit
information to/from several users using a different set of subcarriers (sub channels).
This not only provides additional flexibility for resource allocation (increasing the
capacity), but also enables cross-layer optimization of radio link usage.

OFDM Characteristics:

 High peak-to-average power levels.

 Preservation of orthogonality in severe multi-path.
 Efficient FFT based receiver structures.
 Enables efficient TX and RX diversity.
 Adaptive antenna arrays without joint Equalization.
 Support for adaptive modulation by sub carrier.
 Frequency Diversity.
 Robust against narrow-band interference.
 Efficient for simulcasting.
 Variable/Dynamic Bandwidth.
 Used for highest speed Applications.
 Supports dynamic packet Access.
OFDM Benefits:

 High-spectral efficiency.
 Resistance to frequency selective fading.
 Robust to multi-path.
 OFDMA allows flexible resource scheduling.
 Well-suited to multiple antennae, MIMO systems (diversity).

Conclusion:

4G- it’s revolution-not evolution.

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