| It's possible that you're largely unaware that wireless | | | | actually. The third generation was actually born in |
| communication technology is about to undergo a | | | | the late 1990's, so we've spent ten years getting |
| huge transformation. There's no need for panic; we'll | | | | comfortable with everything that a 3G network can |
| still get our wireless Internet connections and our cell | | | | offer. 4G won't take so long to become the |
| phone reception. We've just been promised that it | | | | norm. In fact, there are already cities around the |
| will all be better, faster, and stronger. The general | | | | globe that are taking WiMAX for a test drive, and |
| idea behind WiMAX, or Worldwide Interoperability for | | | | the results are very, very good. |
| Microwave Access, is that we'll soon be able to | | | | If 4G is already available in your area, then you |
| access wireless communication technology just about | | | | should know a few things before you try to access |
| anywhere. | | | | it. First of all, you'll need a subscriber unit of some |
| Of course, with our current 3G wireless networks, | | | | sort. There are two types for the home- indoor |
| we feel that we already do connect from | | | | and outdoor. The indoor units are about the size of |
| anywhere. After all, aren't we able to surf the | | | | your current Internet router, and will work best |
| Internet from our smartphones? Can we not take | | | | when placed next to a window. If you live a bit |
| our laptop with us to the local coffee shop and get | | | | further from the cell tower, you'll probably want to |
| online in a matter of moments? What if we could | | | | consider the outdoor unit. These are about the size |
| be assured that our future involves being able to | | | | of a laptop computer and should be professionally |
| carry that laptop to the park so that we could surf | | | | installed. If you like to take your laptop everywhere |
| while watching the kids play, or on the bus where we | | | | with you, there are a few options here, as well. |
| could get a head start on work during the morning | | | | There is a subscriber unit that can be embedded in |
| commute? | | | | the laptop, or you can purchase a USB dongle. |
| This fourth generation in wireless communication, or | | | | Once you've tried the 4G network, you'll probably |
| 4G, works by transmitting the signal from cell | | | | wonder how we all survived with our 3G network. |
| towers. This signal has a range of up to four miles | | | | Preliminary tests show that it's faster and more |
| in an urban setting, which means that buildings won't | | | | stable than anything we've used before, and |
| interrupt the service. With a few cell towers in any | | | | everyone's a fan of faster and stronger! The |
| city, suddenly everywhere is an Internet hotspot, | | | | security of the network is not an issue, but |
| and we're no longer tied to the router at home or | | | | companies are working on stronger encryptions to |
| the WiFi at the coffee shop. | | | | reassure the public. The future of wireless |
| Our 3G networks were a long time in the making, | | | | communication isn't coming- it's already here. |