4G stands for 'fourth generation wireless' technology and is a successor of 3G (third generation wireless) technology. 4G is the latest technology which will soon take over the 3G market. As today’s generation believes in using fastest way of communication, in the same way, people today are looking forward to find out different ways to get data transfer in a very quick fashion. This need of people lead to the birth of a new technology which is 4G technology.

As per the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) specifications, the 4G network requires a mobile device to be able to exchange data at 100 Mbit/sec in contrast with 3G networks which offer speeds up to 3.84 Mbit/sec only. The network is supposed to provide a comprehensive and secure Internet Protocol solution with much faster data speeds than previous generations. The higher speed means that surfing on the internet, the downloading and transferring from it will be smooth without any interruptions. Companies involved in mobile application development and telecommunication related processes are eagerly waiting for 4G technology to be launched in the market.

Every custom application development firm will be making use of this 4G technology in their projects for getting the data transfer with high speed rate. The faster data transmission rates of 4G protocols will support more varied and interesting applications including those that require the transmission of video; multi-user conferencing; and simultaneous transmissions. 4G technology is based on packet switching which requires low-latency data transmission as compared to 3G which is based on two parallel infrastructures consisting of circuit switched and packet switched network nodes.

Apart from all the above advantages, 4G technology promises better reception and less dropped data and better information exchanges. It is also supposed to facilitate streamed multimedia, HD TV, IP telephony and ultra-broadband Internet access.

As of now, LTE and WiMAX implementations are considered for pre-4G. This is because these two technologies do not fully comply with the planned requirements of 1 Gbit/s for stationary reception and 100 Mbit/s for mobile. WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability of Microwave Access. WiMax is one of the telecommunication technologies based on IEEE 802.16 standard and it makes use of number of wireless transmission methods for data transmission purpose. One of the main features of WiMAX technology is its high speed data transfer rate. To achieve the goal of 4G systems such as high rate, high reliability, and long range communications multiple antenna technologies are emerging in the market. Multiple antenna technologies make use of multiple antennas at both transmitter as well as receiver end.

In order to develop 4G technology network, a large number of working groups are established. These organizations along with ITU have given various proposals which include implementation of WiMax which is an enhanced faster version of wireless data transmission than WiFi networks.

As per the latest news on 4G, it is said that China may soon launch a ‘Fourth Generation’ mobile phone system in its commercial market. This will be China’s own domestically developed mobile phone system with 4G technology usage. As of now, 4G technology is in testing stage.