Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband is the name used to describe various types of wireless high-speed internet access through a portable modem, telephone or other device. Various network standards may be used, such as GPRS, 3G, WiMAX, UMTS/HSPA, EV-DO and some portable satellite-based systems.

Development

On 11 December 2002, the IEEE Standards Board approved the establishment of IEEE 802.20 [ [http://ieee802.org/20/ IEEE 802.20 Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA)] ] , the Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA) Working Group.

The mission of IEEE 802.20 is to develop the specification for an efficient packet based air interface that is optimized for the transport of IP based services. The goal is to enable worldwide deployment of affordable, ubiquitous, always-on and interoperable multi-vendor mobile broadband wireless access networks that meet the needs of business and residential end user markets.

In the UK all of the major mobile phone networks are now aggressively promoting their Mobile Broadband services and the service is starting to become more main-stream. These mobile phone networks have initially focused on marketing the service to laptop users, who have a choice of USB hardware to enable their laptops to use the Mobile Broadband service.

The main barrier to the take up of mobile broadband will be the coverage the mobile phone networks can provide, in many areas customers will not be able to achieve the speeds advertised due to mobile data coverage limitations.

Devices to provided mobile broadband include: mobile data cards, USB modems, USB sticks, phones with data modems and laptops with the ability to use Mobile Broadband built-into them (Built-In 3G Broadband laptops).

Built-in 3G Broadband laptops are offered by all leading laptop manufacturers in Europe and Asia including: Dell, Lenovo (previously IBM), HP, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Acer. It has been reported that Mobile phone companies, chip makers and laptop manufacturers are joining forces to push built-in support for mobile broadband technology on laptop computers [ [http://www.broadband-finder.co.uk/blog/2008/09/30/industry-giants-unite-to-push-mobile-broadband-in-laptops/ Industry giants unite to push mobile broadband in laptops] ] .

Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Broadband

In today’s world, it seems almost impossible to get through the day without accessing the Internet. If you travel often, however, finding access points can be difficult. For this reason, you might be interested in obtaining a mobile broadband system. Before doing so, however, it is important to explore the advantages and disadvantages of mobile broadband before you decide if it is right for you.

Advantage #1: Convenience and Portability

The most obvious advantage to mobile broadband is the fact that it is quite convenient to use. With mobile broadband, you can connect to the Internet from any location – and you only need to have a portable modem with you. This means you don’t have to carry a laptop around with you, either, if you don’t want to. So long as you have the modem and a USB port, you can access the Internet from anywhere you like.

Advantage #2: No Need for a Land Line

Whether you are using your mobile broadband at home or while traveling, you will be happy that you don’t need to have an additional fixed land line to obtain broadband access. Therefore, mobile broadband is extremely portable – it can even be taken overseas with you if you like.

Advantage #3: Flexibility

With mobile broadband, you can choose between using a data card, bluetooth external dongle, or a USB device depending upon your preference. This added flexibility can help you utilize the type of equipment you have access to at the time.

Disadvantage #1: Lack of Reception

Although mobile broadband can be used at virtually any location, there is always the possibility that you will not be able to get reception from where you are located. If you can’t get reception, you won’t be able to have broadband access. In addition, if several people are connected at the same time, it is possible for the speed of Internet access to be slowed down.

Disadvantage #2: Limited bandwidth

A mobile broadband connection generally has a smaller bandwidth than a land line broadband connection of the same price, both in terms of speed and monthly data allowance. On the other hand, mobile broadband is often available as a pay-per-MB pricing model with no monthly fee. This may be cheaper than renting a land line for internet access, for light internet users who do not transfer a lot of data.

Disadvantage #3: Making Calls

Depending upon the company you use for your mobile broadband access, you may not be able to make calls with the sim. Therefore, if making calls through your system is important, be certain to check into your options.

Most major carriers offer broadband speeds for internet connections. These broadband connections use either EV-DO or EDGE technology. When this service is not available, most networks will revert to a slower speed.

ee also

* Mobile VoIP
* Broadband Internet access
* Broadband
* Mobile Enterprise

References

External links

* [http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/20/ IEEE 802.20 Mission and Project Scope]
* [http://www.mobilebroadbandgroup.com/ The Mobile Broadband Group]