All-IP Networks:

• 4G starts with the assumption that future networks will be entirely packet-switched using protocols evolved from those in use in today’s Internet. Lower Cost and Higher Efficiency:

• 4G IP-based systems are expected to be cheaper and more efficient. First, equipment costs are four to ten times lower than equivalent circuitswitched equipment for 2G and 3G wireless infrastructures.

Ultrahigh Speed and Multimedia Applications:

• 4G systems aim to provide ultrahigh transmission speeds of up to 100 Mbps, 50 times faster than those in 3G networks.

• This leap in transmission speed will enable high-bandwidth wireless services, allowing users to watch TV, listen to music, browse the Internet, access business programs, perform real-time video streaming, and other multimedia-oriented applications, such as ECommerce.

Ubiquitous Computing:

• A major goal toward the 4G Wireless evolution is the provision of pervasive computing environments that can seamlessly and ubiquitously support users in accomplishing their tasks, in accessing information or communicating with other users at anytime, anywhere, and from any device.

Support of Ad Hoc Networking:

• Non infrastructure-based mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are expected to become an important part of the 4G architecture.

• An ad hoc mobile network is a transient network formed dynamically by a collection of arbitrarily located wireless mobile nodes without the use of existing network infrastructure or centralized administration.

• Mobile ad hoc networks are gaining momentum because they help realize network services for mobile users in areas with no preexisting communications infrastructure.

Location Intelligence:

• To support ubiquitous computing requirements, 4G terminals need to be more intelligent in terms of user’s locations and service needs, including recognizing and being adaptive to user’s changing geographical positions, as well as offering location-based services.

• Possible location-based services include finding nearest service providers, e.g., restaurants and cinemas; searching for special offers within an area; warning of traffic or weather situations; sending advertisements to a specific area; searching for other collocated users; active badge systems, and so on