4G NETWORKS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Rilwan Sabo Muhammad & Maryam Aminu Suleiman

Department of Management & Information Technology,

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Email: rilwanusabo111@gmail.com & maryamsuleiman@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT

The next generation of wireless communication technology known as fourth generation (4G) allows operators to  use new and wider spectrum and supplements third generation 3G and 3.5G wireless technologies with higher user data rates, lower latency and a complete internet protocol(IP) base network  architecture. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the different aspects of 4G which includes its features, its proposed architecture, key technological enabler, it benefits over existing wireless communication system, present key challenges and point out some proposed solutions. This research paper explains the concept of multimode software for maintaining different networks, along with the mechanisms of system initiated discoveries. User account management, which is a challenge, has been discussed. The paper describes the concept of security that should be given attention. The paper vividly highlight some benefits of 4G networks to wireless mobile communication as well as 4G network standards.