.R. Mishra. e 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN: 0-470-86267-X 4G Network Planning 10.1 INTRODUCTION TO 4G MOBILE NETWORKS With the third-generation network deployment yet to pick up speed, fourth-generation technology is already in view. If the predictions of the mobile industry experts prove to be true, fourth-generation network deployment may start at any time in the coming decade. Trials have already being conducted by some mobile operators and vendors. But why is this 4G technology needed when 3G networks seem to be sufficient to cater for subscriber demands for high data rates and quality of service? The answer is that present 3G capability is considered to be substantially less than pre- dicted future requirements and applications. Also, future systems should be much cheaper for consumers. Thus, the concepts can be summarized as: Fourth-generation networks will provide subscribers with a higher bandwidth and a mobile data rate of 100 Mbps and more. It is expected that third-generation networks will not be able to meet the needs of services like video-conferencing, full motion video etc. in terms of QoS. There will be greater mobility and lower costs. It will be possible to integrate WLAN and WAN. Moreover, fourth-generation networks will not be by-product only of the mobile industry! The first research began around the early 1990s SO as to develop technology that could cater for very high data rates, with simultaneous guaranteed QoS. The technology may see some peculiar features, such as cell phones operating in very high speed vehicles (e.g. trains running at more than 200km/h). Present subscriber requirements include downloading videos and music etc., but the future seems to be moving towards applications like on- line games that demand immense capacity, greater QoS and very low costs! In short, a Fundamentals of Cellular Network Planning & Optimisation A.R. Mishra. © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN: 0-470-86267-X 4G NETWORK PLANNING Table 10.1 Comparison of 3G and 4G network technologies Key features 