A few weeks ago I wrote about mobile data usage surpassing desktop data usage in 5 years. Now I want to break down how current changes in the mobile arena are going to help get us there. If you haven’t noticed or if you haven’t been reading the The Tech Update as if your life depended on it like everyone else has, there’s been plenty of talk about LTE, WiMax, and 4G technologies going around. Instead of just throwing these terms around I want to clearly define what they are, how they relate, and what they mean for the future of mobile browsing technology.
LTE (Long Term Evolution)
LTE is the next step forward in cellular and 4G technology. Keep in mind that I said next step as LTE technically is not 4G technology as it 3.9G and does not meed the technical standards to be classified as 4G (Although it is being marketed that way). We’ll have to wait for LTE Advanced for it to actually be classified as 4G technology. It is the next technology that Verizon is diligently working to implement into their network this year.
WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
While WiMax isn’t necessarily the next step in cellular technology, it may be the next evolution in Broadband access as it is Broadband Wireless Access and is direct competition for DSL and Cable. WiMax is part of the IEEE 802.16 standard (Wi-fi is 802.11). Simply put, WiMax is a Wide Area Network technology that combines Broadband Access and Wi-fi technology into one giving you the ability to browse the internet from anywhere without being depended on finding a hot spot.
Implications for the Future
Both of these technologies will pave the way for the future of mobile data usage and will be the catalyst for increasing data usage on mobile networks. While I don’t see these technologies as direct competition and will more than likely co-exist for years to come, I have to say that the future looks very exciting and promising. With WiMax potentially being the next big thing and competing with DSL and Cable, we could be on the verge of an incredible shift in Broadband internet access. WiMax is already being readily used in many countries and we have much to look forward to with LTE, LTE Advanced, and the future of mobile devices.
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