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Difference between 3G and 4G Technology
Both 3G (third generation) and 4G (fourth generation) mobile telecommunications technologies enable wireless data transfer between mobile devices and the Internet.
3G technology came in the early 2000s, offering data transfer speeds of up to 2 Mbps, which was more than its predecessor, 2G technology. The use of 3G technology enabled speedier internet browsing, video streaming, and video calling.
In the late 2000s, 4G technology was developed, offering data transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which was much faster than 3G. 4G technology enabled speedier internet browsing, video streaming, and video calling, as well as the capacity to quickly download huge files.
Besides greater data transmission speeds, 4G technology provides increased network dependability and call quality. 4G technology delivers higher data transfer speeds as well as greater network dependability, better call quality, and more.
3G technology and its usage
Although it has been completely overtaken by 4G technology in more industrialized nations, third-generation technology, or 3G, is still in use in many regions of the world.
In underdeveloped nations with sparse 4G coverage and in places where it is not economically feasible to build out 4G networks, 3G technology is nevertheless commonly employed. The major mobile communication and internet access technology in these regions continues to be 3G.
Nonetheless, 3G technology is still utilized in some niche markets where its features and speed are enough. As an illustration, certain older smartphones and mobile devices continue to access the internet using 3G technology, and some mobile operators continue to provide 3G services to users who do not need greater data transfer speeds.
4G technology and its usage
A mobile communication technology known as 4G, or fourth generation, enables higher data transfer rates, increased network dependability, and decreased latency. It is utilized all across the world but is most popular in cities and suburbs where high-speed internet access is needed.
Mobile phones, smartphones, and other mobile devices with 4G hardware, including tablets and laptops, are frequently used with 4G technology. Also, it is utilized for wireless internet services like mobile broadband, which uses 4G networks to deliver high-speed internet access to households and businesses.
Furthermore, 4G technology has a variety of uses in sectors like healthcare, education, transportation, and entertainment. For instance, it is utilized in online education to assist e-learning, telemedicine apps to permit doctor-patient interactions over the internet, and streaming video and music services to give users access to high-quality content.
Globally, 4G technology is widely utilized and has established itself as a vital component of the infrastructure supporting contemporary communication and technology.
Difference between 3G and 4G technology
Basis of difference |
3G technology |
4G technology |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
3G can be defined as technology for wireless data transfer between mobile devices and the internet, offering faster data transfer speeds and more advanced features compared to its predecessor, 2G technology. |
4G can be defined as technology for wireless data transfer between mobile devices and the internet, offering faster data transfer speeds and more advanced features compared to its predecessor, 3G technology. |
Data transfer speed |
3G technology gives data transfer speed up to 2 Mbps. |
4G technology’s data transfer speed is up to 100 Mbps or more. It is faster than 3G. |
Network reliability |
3G’s network reliability is less because of unstable connections. |
Network reliability is more as it is built with a more advanced infrastructure that can handle more data traffic and provide a more stable connection. |
Latency |
Latency is high which means 3G technology takes more time for data to travel from one device to another. |
4G technology is low latency which means that there is less delay when using online applications or services. |
Features |
3G technology has limited and outdated features. |
4G technology offers new features like VoLTE (Voice over LTE). |
Network coverage |
The range of 3G is 2100 MHz and a bandwidth of 15-20 MHz |
The range of the 4G cell tower is 2 3km to 6.5km at low and mid-band spectrum. |
Bandwidth |
Its data bandwidth ranges from 2Mbps – 21Mbps. |
Its data bandwidth ranges from 2Mbps – 1Gbps. |
Application |
3G technology is used for remote monitoring, mobile workforce, and backup Internet connection. |
4G technology is used in mobiles, smartphones, tablets, education, etc. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, 3G and 4G are two independent cellular network generations, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Compared to 4G, 3G is an older technology that offers somewhat slower internet speeds. While 4G can theoretically deliver download speeds of up to 100 Mbps or more, depending on the carrier and area, it has a theoretical maximum download speed of 21 Mbps.
High-speed data applications like video streaming, gaming, and video conferencing require 4G. That said, it is heavier on the pocket when compared to 3G and it requires advanced technology and software for its infrastructure. Hence, there has been a snail-speed kind of adoption of 4G in some places.
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