4G versus 3G?

[Reli]

Figured since most of you are more tech-savvy than me, you might know....

I have a laptop card that is 3G only. I would like to upgrade to a 4G card. However, I have heard "rumors" that these new devices often disconnect whenever poor signal forces them to switch from 4G to 3G. Is that true?

My current 3G card shifts between 3G and 2G seamlessly......All you notice is reduced speed. Your connection remains stable. Which is nice because I don't want to get disconnected from my company's VPN.

So I'd rather not upgrade to a 4G card if it's going to disconnect whenever signal strength forces it to switch to 3G.

 

[oldskool69]

I have a Sprint 3G Mi-Fi 2200 hotspot card and an HTC EVO that I can use as a 4G hotspot (or 3G). The only problem I've ever noticed is that you will get dropped if you go into roaming. Most of the newer cards won't support 2G technology, especially since 3G is so prevalent (even as a hybrid 2.5G).

What you will find out fast however, is that 4G is spotty. It's advertised like nobody's business but the networks are in their infancy. I used to be in the wireless business building towers for carriers when I worked for American Tower Corp. The problem is that they launch all this stuff and get a lot of hype and push but leave you to deal with it while the bugs are worked out.

 

[monchito]

it looks like it does switch back and forth i have the sprint samsung epic4g and my wife has the evo4g ,, and whenever it does not have a 4g signal it will switch back to 3g so basicly more than sure it will do that ..if not it will not mantain a connection. it will not be that bad as 4g is like freddie said in diapers but you will notice it will get better with time

 

[Reli]

I have a Sprint 3G Mi-Fi 2200 hotspot card and an HTC EVO that I can use as a 4G hotspot (or 3G). The only problem I've ever noticed is that you will get dropped if you go into roaming. Most of the newer cards won't support 2G technology, especially since 3G is so prevalent (even as a hybrid 2.5G).

When you say roaming, you mean when neither 4G or 3G is available?

I could see this being a problem.........Because my 3G card often drops from "Rev A" (3G?) down to something that isn't Rev A (I don't know whether that's 2G or 2.5G)

So if you're saying that these new 4G/3G cards can't receive 2 or 2.5G at all, then that's a no-sale for me.

 

[oldskool69]

I have a Sprint 3G Mi-Fi 2200 hotspot card and an HTC EVO that I can use as a 4G hotspot (or 3G). The only problem I've ever noticed is that you will get dropped if you go into roaming. Most of the newer cards won't support 2G technology, especially since 3G is so prevalent (even as a hybrid 2.5G).

When you say roaming, you mean when neither 4G or 3G is available?

I could see this being a problem.........Because my 3G card often drops from "Rev A" (3G?) down to something that isn't Rev A (I don't know whether that's 2G or 2.5G)

So if you're saying that these new 4G/3G cards can't receive 2 or 2.5G at all, then that's a no-sale for me.

Not that 3G/4G isn't available, just not on your network due to issues.

I would get the newer card. 2G essentially doesn't exist anymore for data unless you are in way out in BFE where a 2G site may still exist. (2G is mainly for voice and sloooooooow data transmission. Think old SMS messages.) The Rev. A is recognized when you are attached to your network be it Verizon, Sprint, ATT, etc. When you drop from Rev. A, you are basically attached to a system that is running at a speed similar to 2.5 or 2G technology be it yours or another carrier. And the reality is that it cannot process data packets with any real effort. Actually, it's slower than dialup...as in 14.4 to 33.6kb type dialup or worse. The problem is at the tower itself. Could be overloaded with traffic, especially in major urban centers. Watch what happens between 6:30am -9:00am and 3:30pm to about 6:30pm. Could be system seflf maintenance, or another host of issues.

2G was really designed to support early Balckberry/Palm units and was never meant to support multi-media or content rich pages. The only reason 3G works as well is that additional wireless spectrum was auctioned off by the FCC giving the bandwith range needed (although a narrow one) to support 3G speeds. 3G is relatively reasonable and not horrible with a strong connection. 4G is a heckuva lot better though. The problem once again however becomes bandwidth and the more people begin to take advantage of these devices the less space there is thus the data cap limits. So if you want that movie from Netflix...let it come in the mail or get a land connection. UNless you got money to burn. Fortunately I have a no cap limit at a bargain basement rate.

Keep in mind though if you do end up in rural areas which have small carriers like Cricket or Corr Wireless (or insert your local small cell phone company here) you may be roaming which will result in some fantastic charges based on your plan if your carrier doesn't have the roaming agreements in place. Large major carriers do because of e911 requirments. Think digital money swap.

 

[Reli]

Cool, thanks for the reply. I just talked to a T-Mobile guy, their cards are 4G only, they can't pick up 3G........And they throttle your speed after 5 GB.......so forget that...........As for Sprint and Verizon, they have 4G/3G cards but they told me that if you get knocked down to 3G, you have to disconnect and re-connect if you want to try and get back onto 4G.

Just curious, if you can use your Evo as a hotspot, why do you have another hotspot device?

 

[oldskool69]

Cool, thanks for the reply. I just talked to a T-Mobile guy, their cards are 4G only, they can't pick up 3G........And they throttle your speed after 5 GB.......so forget that...........As for Sprint and Verizon, they have 4G/3G cards but they told me that if you get knocked down to 3G, you have to disconnect and re-connect if you want to try and get back onto 4G.

Just curious, if you can use your Evo as a hotspot, why do you have another hotspot device?

Regarding Verizon and Sprint saying you have to log on/off to shift back to 4G they are storefront/cubicle sheep who don't know the products they sell. My EVO floats back and forth at will.

The reason I have the wi-fi card is work. It's on the company dime because I travel. I don't pay for it. The EVO is my personal phone.

 

[Reli]

Regarding Verizon and Sprint saying you have to log on/off to shift back to 4G they are storefront/cubicle sheep who don't know the products they sell. My EVO floats back and forth at will.

I meant aircards, though.

The reason I have the wi-fi card is work. It's on the company dime because I travel. I don't pay for it. The EVO is my personal phone.

Can you talk on the EVO at the same time as you're tethering it or using it as a hotspot?

 

[monchito]

thats a good question it would be good to try

 

[oldskool69]

Regarding Verizon and Sprint saying you have to log on/off to shift back to 4G they are storefront/cubicle sheep who don't know the products they sell. My EVO floats back and forth at will.

I meant aircards, though.

Thanks for clarifying...

The new aircards should work the same with seamless transition.

The reason I have the wi-fi card is work. It's on the company dime because I travel. I don't pay for it. The EVO is my personal phone.

Can you talk on the EVO at the same time as you're tethering it or using it as a hotspot?

I've never tried, but as I understand it the newer Android updates are supposed to allow it.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Just got the Thunderbolt from Verizon. The 4G is BLAZING fast!

More info here: http://phandroid.com/2011/04/01/in-...on-lte-topples-sprint-wimax-for-4g-supremacy/

 

[Reli]

As of last night, all Verizon 4G devices have stopped working. They can't even connect to 3G. The tech support dude said there's no known resolution date.

 

[oldskool69]

Sprint is blazing fast as well. But I live in the sticks so it's very fast 3G out here. But when I'm in 4G coverage....YOWZA!!!

 

[walkgirl]

There is no difference at all!

Because my n8 is the best :sin: