3G and 4G are wireless technologies that allow you to get high-speed Internet access from mobile devices (tablets and smartphones with a built-in modem). 4G is a more advanced technology than 3G.
3G (English third generation) is a third generation mobile communication and packet data transmission technology that operates in the decimeter frequency range. 4G (fourth generation) is the next generation technology with higher speed performance. A special modem is required to connect to 3G or 4G. Mobile devices have a built-in modem.
Differences between 3G and 4G
The main difference between these two technologies is the data transfer speed. And 3G modems are still cheaper. 3G networks are capable of transmitting data at different speeds, which depend on the operating frequency of the mobile operator. The higher the frequency, the higher the speed. For example, the operators MTS, Beeline and Megafon have a working frequency of 15 MHz, while Skylink still has only 4.5 MHz. Therefore, at the moment, the above three operators have faster 3G Internet. As for the speed range, it ranges from several hundred kilobits to several tens of megabits.
4G supports data rates over 100 Mbps for mobile devices (built-in modems). USB modems for stationary devices can operate at 1 Gbps.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 3G
The main advantage of 3G is its large coverage area. This technology is supported by almost all mobile devices. And for stationary computers, netbooks and laptops, you can use USB 3G modems.
As for the disadvantages of this technology, they are associated with relatively low speed indicators. Therefore, 3G Internet is suitable only for those users who do not need to download large amounts of information at high speed.
3G Internet works well in urban areas, and outside the city, the possibility of using it depends on the coverage area served by the mobile operator. Data transfer rates outside the city may be lower.
4G advantages and disadvantages
Devices with a built-in 4G modem, due to high-speed data transmission, have higher power consumption. But for stationary computers to which an external USB modem is connected, this is not a problem. And for users of mobile devices, it creates additional difficulties, because smartphones and tablets will run out rather quickly. If you need mobile internet while traveling, it is better to use a 3G modem.
4G networks do not have a wide coverage area and are just beginning to develop actively. Therefore, it will take some time for 4G communication to become available everywhere. The disadvantages of 4G include the higher cost of mobile devices that support this technology. As for 4G modems, they can be connected to any stationary computer or laptop via a USB slot.
