Background On Wi Fi And 3g

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Abstract:

This article compares and contrasts two technologies to provide wireless broadband:''3g vs wi-fi ''. In the past, 3G, and refers designed to enable mobile operators to provide Integrated data and voice services on mobile networks is a set of mobile technologies of the third generation. The latter, Wi-Fi, and refers to the 802.11b wireless Ethernet standard to support wireless LANs. Although the technologies are fundamentally different service, industry architectural design goals, and assets, and reflects the philosophy, has attracted a lot of attention lately all Candidates for the dominant platform for providing access to wireless broadband Internet access. The question remains about the extent to which these two complementary technologies or perhaps competition. In case you're In the competition, and the victory at the expense of one others who will certainly have a profound impact on the development of the Internet and wireless services industry structure.

Keywords: Internet; Broadband; Wireless; 3G; WLAN; Ethernet; Access; Spectrum; Economics; Industry structure

Some background on Wi-Fi and 3G:

In this section, we provide a brief indication of the two technologies to help learn about the reader.

3G:

3G is a expertise in support of cellular phone service provider. Service providers who Owning and operating their own wireless networks and sell mobile services end users, usually on a monthly subscription basis, and the provision of mobile telephony. Mobile wireless phone service providers10 to provide coverage in a relatively large contiguous geographic service area. Using unlicensed spectrum Historically, it has included an urban area. Today may include the entire country. From the perspective of the user, the main advantage of the mobile service is that it is (almost) constant, and to cover all over. That is, consumers can remain in a telephone while driving along the highway at 100 km / h. To support the mobile telephony service providers maintain a network, cutting and send to mobile phone base stations and to move between neighboring cells. These customers Each base station can support up to several kilometers. Mobile users The cell towers are connected via a backhaul system that as well as provide interconnection near the public telecommunications network and wired network (PSTN) and other services. Mobile system possesses the end-to-end network base stations backhaul network-to-point connection to the PSTN.

It was the first mobile phone services are similar. Although the mobile phone services and began to emerge in the 1940s, mobile phone services were mass-market for the first time in the United States on the basis of progress in the mobile phone service (AMPS) technology. This is what is usually referred to as the first generation (1G) wireless.11 in the 1990s, mobile services based on digital technologies mobile ushered in the second generation (2G) wireless that we have today. In the United States, and is referred to as personal communications systems (PCS), and 12 used techniques such as time division multiple access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). From 1995 to 1997, the FCC auction of PCS licenses in the 1850-1990 MHz range. Been deployed CDMA and TDMA in different parts of the United States, while the use of a cell as a common in Europe.13 will be the next generation or 3G mobile technologies to support digital communications higher bandwidth, and is expected to be based on one of several the standards set by the International Union of Telecommunications Union (ITU) IMT-2000 umbrella standards of the third generation 3G.

Auctions for licenses 3G spectrum occurred in a number of countries in 2000 and began the first commercial launch of 3G services in Japan in October 2001. Recently, Verizon Wireless offers'' from'' 3G service in parts of the territory in which they serve.

Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi is the popular name for the 802.11b wireless Ethernet standard for WLAN. Appeared local area networks (LAN) cable in the early 1980s as a way to allow computers, terminals and other computing devices distributed groups to split resources in addition to peripherals such as printer and access servers or devices shared. storage He was one of the most popular technologies Ethernet LAN. Over the years, has agreed to a set of IEEE Ethernet standards to support the largest capacity in the local network of a variety of media. Families are Ethernet 802.11x standards for wireless LANs.

Wireless LANs operate unlicensed use of band within the 2-4 GHz band. The present generation of WLAN supports up to 11 Mbps data transfer speeds less than 100 m from the base station. most common wireless local area networks have been developed in a distributed way to offer last hundred meters connectivity to a wired network backbone enterprise or campus. Typically, WLAN networks are implemented as part of a private network. Base station equipment owned and operated by the community of end-users within the corporate enterprise, campus, or government network. In most cases, the use of the network is free to end user.

Although each base station can support only connections to a range of one hundred meters, it is possible to ensure a continuous in a wide coverage area using multiple base stations. A number of business companies and universities have developed wireless local area networks, such as continuously. However, the WLAN technology is not designed to support hand-off at high speed associated with the users move between coverage areas of the base stations.

Over the past two years, we have seen the emergence of a number of service providers that offer paid Wi-Fi services in selected local areas, such as hotels, airport lounges and coffee shops also there is a growing movement of so-called'' freenets '' where individuals or organizations to provide subsidized open networks Wi-Fi.

In contrast to the mobile, wireless local area networks has mainly focused on supporting communication data. However, with the growing interest to support real-time traffic such as voice and video over networks IP, it is possible to support voice services WLAN services.

How are Wi-Fi and 3G same:

From the above discussion, it may seem that the title of 3G and Wi-Fi completely different user needs in a very different markets do not overlap. While this is certainly true for previous generations of mobile services more than wired LANs or earlier versions of WLAN is less and less the case. The end user does not care what technology is used to support services. What matters is that both technologies provide wireless access to the Internet and other communication services platforms.

This section will focus on how the two can be considered as similar technologies, while the next section will focus on the many differences between the two.

Both are wireless:

The two wireless technologies that (1) the need to install any device compared to wired alternatives and eliminates the cable drops (2) easy to navigate. Can avoid the need to install or configure the disconnection be wired LAN and significant cost savings, or within a building, home or in another factory km distribution service telecommunications provider.

Moreover, wireless infrastructure scalable as slow penetration only time (for example, when a new service is offered or in a scenario in buildings has increased) increase. Add new base stations and users in the region to join the wireless network is changing the cell size. And can be used in wireless infrastructure. Faster than wired solutions for opportunities in new markets or changing demand These aspects of wireless devices may be attractive as a competitor in buildings increased local access via cable, large solid / costs which vary with the houses spend more than the actual level of subscribers sank it. High initial cost of installation of telecommunications equipment km new post is one of the reasons why this may be, at least in many places. A natural monopoly

Wireless technologies also make it easy to navigate. This includes both (1) the ability to move without moving cables and furniture on different devices, and (2) the ability to stay in constant contact areas on a wider service. We refer to the first local mobility and this is one of the main advantages of WLAN networks via the traditional wired LAN. The second type of movement is one of the main advantages of portable devices like the iPhone 3G. Trade WLAN scope of coverage to increase the bandwidth making it easier for'' hot spot'' is local service. On the other hand, provides a 3G-bandwidth is much smaller, but over a larger area and advocacy more support for a rapid movement between the base stations. Although it is possible to have a large area with Wi-Fi decks and strewn be managed as a separate WLAN. With the most in the region with one or a small number of stations However, the 3G network and contains a large number of base stations operate over a large area as a built-in wireless network to share the pregnancy and labor occasional interruption as you move the joint between stations basic high speed.

This has an impact on the size of the initial investment required for the WLAN service or management of 3G wireless network and operations support services needed to exploit bring. However, it is unclear at this time what network cheaper than the equivalent scale deployment, both in terms of the initial investment (ignoring the cost of the spectrum, yet) or the cost of network operation in progress.

Both are access technologies:

3G and Wi-Fi technology are the edge-networks. This means that they provide alternatives to post mile wired network. To support. After the last mile, both rely on network connections and similar infrastructure for the transfer of the third generation 3G, wireless connection is a device for final base station cellular distance of several miles, then headed wire infrastructure operator backbone network connectivity and finally Cloud Internet. Infrastructure link local cellular provider can then owned facilities for the operation of mobile phone (for example, microwave links) offered or leased by the local wired telephone service (which usually holder local exchange or ILECs). Although 3G is the end-to-end service, it is possible to consider it as a service access.

Because both technologies, access technologies, we must always take into account the role of backbone that provides fixed-line communications with the rest of the Internet and transfer media in the heart of the network. This may wired providers also offer competitive wired access solutions. Thus, one can wonder if local landline try to offer free Wi-Fi as a way to compete with the provider third generation 3G, 3G or supplier for the extension (including the integration of Wi-Fi) in order to compete more directly their solid progress with the provider telecommunications. Of course, this will be reduced incentive to compete and face-to-face off when the 3G supplier and provider of wireline (or cable modem provider) share a common parent.

Finally, with a focus on the nature of the arrival of 3G and Wi-Fi allows us to ignore. The other elements of the value Wireless services are part of the chain from beginning to end, that the boundary roughness comprises at least (1) the backbone of the Internet (cloud), (2) the second network providers kilometers (fixed and mobile telephone, cable, or the next generation carrier), and (3) the last mile facilities (and beyond, and end-user devices). The spine and the second kilometer can be wired or wireless, but it is not the basis of'' wireless'' challenge. It was in the last kilometers to access the network, enabling mobility, bandwidth, and follow me everywhere / services are the most difficult.

Both offer broadband data service

3G data service and broadband Wi-Fi support, but as stated previously, the data rate offered by Wi-Fi (11Mbps) is significantly higher than the torque of 100 kbps expects 3G services. Although future generations of wireless cellular technology will support higher speeds, it will also be the case for wireless LANs, and none of them is likely to compete with the prices of wireline (except for very short distances).

The important thing is that both will provide enough bandwidth for a similar range of services, including real-time voice, data and streaming media, which are not currently supported media easily. Closer wireline (Of course, the quality of these services varies considerably discussed below.) In this sense, support broadband'''''' We define it as quickly as we do.''

Both services will also support connectivity'' always'' which is another very important aspect of broadband service. Indeed, some analysts believe that it is more important than raw throughput supported.

How are they different:

In this section, we consider several of the important ways in which the Wi-Fi and 3G approaches to offering broadband wireless access services are substantively different.

Current business models/deployment are different:

As noted above, the model is an extension of 3G mobile service provider. This is the preferred technology for the upgrade of existing mobile services to increase the capacity to expand and add additional services. The basic business model is a model of telecommunication service providers who own and manage the infrastructure (including spectrum) and sales of this infrastructure.23 End users typically have a monthly service contract provider 3G and See Operating your recurring payments, similar to a regular phone. As expected, the business model is close to the 3G wireless phone business. Thinking of capital assets and long-lasting, ubiquitous coverage and integration services. In addition, regulatory oversight of telecommunications, including common transport and interconnection standards landscape.24 part of service is conceived as a general rule, in the mass market, both residential and business customers on a subscription basis. Implementation services from top to bottom and 3G model, vertically integrated and is based on central planning and operation.25 It is expected that 3G services are provided as part of a range of services to exploit the potential of the implementation of the strategy price discrimination and consumer preferences to use'' stop'' / a bill service.

By contrast, Wi-Fi in a sector of data (LAN), a byproduct of the computer industry. The basic business model is one of the manufacturers that sell boxes to consumers. The services provided by the equipment may be free for owners of the equipment. For customers, the team is an important asset that depreciates. While Wi-Fi can be used as an access channel had not thought as end-to-end service. Only recently undergone WLAN in offering mass market for home users. Rather they are installed. In most typical business or academia users to buy the equipment and install it yourself and then connect to their facilities or access to the corporate network. Usually Wi-Fi network users do not pay directly for access. The service is offered free of charge to the gated community of users, the cost of providing wireless access to subsidized firms or university. More recently, we have seen the emergence of the FreeNet movement and various service providers to offer initiatives to (semi-) ubiquitous access to Wi-Fi services.

Besides FreeNet movements, a number of services that are now studying the use of Wi-Fi as the basis for wireless access to a wide geographic areas.26 One of the most ambitious efforts Boingo, which was founded by Sky Dayton, president and founder of EarthLink.

Spectrum policy and management:

One major difference between 3G and Wi-Fi, which we have just touched seriously, is that 3G mobile technology and other use of licensed spectrum, while the Wi-Fi uses unlicensed spectrum in common. This has important implications for (1) the cost of services, (2) quality of service (QoS) and congestion management, and (3) the structure of the sector.

Status of technology development different:

The two technologies differentiate with respect to their stage of development in a number of ways.

Deployment status:

In most OECD countries, the penetration of mobile phone services 2G is very high, consumers have a choice between multiple service providers existing facilities in most markets. In addition, most of the mobile phone service providers have plans 2G to 3G data services announced broadband. However, 3G services only slowly recovering. There are a number of reasons, including the high cost of acquiring 3G licenses, and the lack of 3G phones, and increasing expectations publishing costs, and reduce the likelihood of short-term income.

Embedded support for services:

Another important difference between 3G and Wi-Fi is integrated support for voice services. 3G is specially designed to improve the technology for wireless voice so that the voice services are an integral part of the third-generation 3G technology. On the other hand, LAN provides data communications service of the lower layer can be used as the substrate on which the layer services, such as voice telephony. For example, enter IP over Wi-Fi, it is possible to support over Internet Protocol voice. However, there are still considerable uncertainties in the market about how voice services and guaranteed quality to implement through WLAN networks.

Standardization:

It is also possible to compare the two technologies with respect to the extent that the uniform. In general, it seems that the criteria for an official picture of 3G is perhaps more pronounced than WLAN.

Service/business model:

3G is more developed than Wi-Fi as a service business model. It is an extension of the service of the existing industry to new services, and therefore not a substantial change in the underlying structure of the non sector. The main uncertainties in the market and as many remain undeveloped is the other side of the device and application / content provider and the end-use demand.

Some implications for industry structure and public policy:

In this section we consider some of the implications that emerge from the past study, as well as offer some speculation on the possible implication for industry structure, competition, and public policy.

Wi-Fi is good for competition:

One implication is clear from the above analysis is that the success of Wi-Fi wireless local access alternatives is probably good for local competition to be. First, unless he was alive 3G, it is unlikely that we are not vertically integrated, decentralized See. And high input costs associated with the acquisition of licensed spectrum and the need to build a larger network geographically to provide the service will start to reduce. The number of companies competing in the market and of course, this does not mean that wireless access services more than enough competition between mobile operators exist to prevent the exercise of market power will be able to compete, maybe. But there is also the possibility that some 3G providers will have even less through mergers, and when combined with the power of the local market for fixed-line operators, and this can be a powerful Nexus for the continuation of the monopoly in installations Visitors miles offer. Of course, companies that have a chance of potential market power, mobile operators and carriers exchange local time (that a large proportion of mobile operators have) been proven to have a strong incentive to efforts to control monopoly on hybrid wireless services group interdependent.

Secondly, if both 3G and Wi-Fi survive, then the diversity of communication strategies able to survive will not lead to more facilities-based competition.

Third, the success of the Wi-Fi model to help open a significant investment in network infrastructure that can be used as a basis to build an alternative infrastructure for wire and cable networks PSTN. As mentioned above, this requires the addition of business functions and technical support to enable the station owners account for Wi-Fi. Once it is developed, and increase the ability to create in order to take advantage of existing investments in new infrastructure in new ways.

Wi-Fi and 3G can complement each other for a mobile provider:

Another alternative could be integrated Wi-Fi 3G type networks. In fact, this seems the most likely scenario, given that there are compelling reasons why these two technologies can be used together. Each of the technology has a clear advantage over the other, which will allow each to a higher quality of service under different conditions to offer. Put the two together make more valuable to offer. Services to a wider range of services.

Spectrum policy is key:

Clearly, spectrum policy has been and will continue to play an important role in how the wireless future. One of the main distinguishing features between 3G and Wi-Fi, the use of unlicensed spectrum by unlicensed.

Continued progress towards creating secondary spectrum markets benefit both 3G and Wi-Fi models. For 3G, secondary markets allow more flexible management of the property. Secondary markets allow greater flexibility in spectrum allocated to higher value uses, and can improve the dynamic performance. For example, to balance the supply and demand of regional imbalances.

For Wi-Fi, the rise of spectrum markets makes it possible to find a suitable mechanism to deal with congestion problems.

Success of Wi-Fi is potentially good for multimedia content:

Services, the benefits of multimedia content more bandwidth, so that the ability to support the arrival of high-speed wireless help promote the development of multimedia content broadband.

On the other hand, the lack of a clear business model for the deployment of broadband services through a network of Wi-Fi, check out how they will pay content / or digital rights management (DRM) to be increased. Can the issues and problems of digital rights management can be difficult to control in a more decentralized, and focuses on the network from a central service provider end user. Can be a form of vertical integration to provide 3G greater control, increased production of content that can actually increase.

This is a complex issue that deserves more attention. It is premature to say that the two effects tend to be larger.

Technical progress favors heterogeneous future:

Technical advances in wireless services for heterogeneous wireless future. There are several reasons for this. First, with any technology, the rapid innovation, several generations of each technology coexist in the network simultaneously. Along with this heterogeneity, the constant competition between alternative wireless technologies. All these common benefits shared to some extent, all benefit from advances in basic elements, such as modulation techniques, smart antenna design, power management and battery technology and signal processing technology. However, because different technologies have asymmetric fundamental problems affecting progress. Different This means that the horse continued rise different technologies at different times.

Once the world the need to coordinate heterogeneous technologies, accepts opportunities to evolve the management of these environments. For example, the success of the IP protocol suite is set in a large part on its ability to support through heterogeneous network. Interoperable communications and physical infrastructure Similarly, the evolution of wireless technology, the coexistence of heterogeneous wireless access technologies favor.

Conclusions:

This article provides a qualitative comparison of two wireless technologies that could be considered as a substitute and / or complementary pathways for the development of wireless broadband access simultaneously. Both 3G technology, mobile operators upgrade preferred path and Wi-Fi, one of the many wireless technologies.

The purpose of the analysis is to explore two different visions of the world to the future of wireless and speculate on the chances of success and possible interactions between the two technologies in the future.

While the analysis raises more questions than answers, are some preliminary conclusions. Firstly, both technologies are likely to succeed in the market. This means that future heterogeneous wireless access technologies included, so that manufacturers, service providers, end users and policy makers should not expect to see a simple wireless future.

Secondly, it is expected that 3G mobile providers to integrate their networks. Wi-Fi Technology So expect these technologies to be the most successful complementary mass market deployments.