The telephone has long ceased to be a means of exclusively voice communication. Modern smartphones are portable computers that allow you to access the Internet on demand. In many ways, this approach to communication has become possible thanks to the development of 3G and 4G mobile technologies. What is the difference between these standards and the devices that work with them?
3G and 4G technologies
Once upon a time, the introduction of 3G technology was a real breakthrough, allowing users to no longer depend on wires and desktop computers. Packet data transmission, which is used by 3G networks, provides connection speed up to 2 Mbit / s, operating frequency range - 2100 MHz. These characteristics are sufficient for watching movies, video communication, quick access to sites. Thanks to the code division of signals, when each transmission channel is assigned its own code, it became possible to get rid of communication breaks when moving.
The further development of wireless communication has led to the creation of 4G technology. Its main difference from 3G is the use of packet data protocols, while 3G uses both circuit and packet switching. In packet transmission, the entire amount of data is divided into small parts that contain information about the recipient and the sender. Packets can be transmitted independently or sequentially. Then, the transmitted message is formed from separate parts in the receiving node. In case of traffic load, a buffer memory is provided for storing packets. The advantage of packet-switched networks is that the load is evenly distributed among all users, and if the subscriber is idle, his channel can be used by others.
The data transfer speed in 4G networks starts from 100 Mbps when the user moves and can reach 1 Gbps for stationary objects. At the same time, the operating frequency range is 2500-2700 MHz.
Feasibility of modem firmware
Modem firmware is used, as a rule, to unlock a device operating on a network of a certain mobile operator. After flashing the modem can be used with any SIM cards. This will not affect the situation with differences in 3G and 4G standards. In this case, we can give an example of a TV with an analog TV tuner through which it is technically impossible to watch digital TV.
Modems, smartphones, tablets operating in the 4G network support the LTE or WiMAX standards. That is, the operating frequencies of the devices must cover the range up to 2700 MHz. Protocols in 3G modems work with other frequencies, their antennas simply will not pick up 4G network signals or transmit them weakly. Therefore, it is impossible to flash a 3G modem for 4G. This means that operation in a particular frequency range depends on the technical characteristics of the equipment, and not on the software.
