Dr. Dobb's | Samsung Demos 4G Technology, Plans Late 2008 Launch

Samsung Demos 4G Technology, Plans Late 2008 Launch

Samsung Electronics demonstrated its 4G mobile technology, claiming it can deliver multicell data handovers at speeds of 100 Mbps.

August 31, 2006
URL:http://drdobbs.com/mobile/samsung-demos-4g-technology-plans-late-2/192500905

JEJU ISLAND, South Korea — Samsung Electronics demonstrated its 4G mobile technology on Thursday (Aug. 31), claiming it can deliver multicell data handovers at speeds of 100 Mbps.

Samsung said

In a demonstration aboard a bus traveling at about 37 miles per hour, the technology achieved intercell data transmission handovers, including the broadcast of high-definition TV and high-speed Internet access. Samsung claimed the handover is possible while moving at a speed of up to 70 miles per hour.

The demonstration was part of the two-day 4G forum here.

Also demonstrated was roving 1-Gbps data transmission while delivering a 32-channel HD broadcast download, Internet access and video telephony services.

Samsung claimed the roving data transmission speed is 50 times faster than current mobile WiMAX technology.

"We hope to drive development and standardization of 4G mobile technology," said Lee Ki-Tae, president of Samsung's Telecommunications Network Business. Lee added that Samsung's 4G technology will be deployed in handsets by the end of 2008.

Samsung has invested more than $100 million in its 4G technology, which it bills as a next-generation wireless service that will replace mobile WiMAX technology. Both Samsung's 4G technology and mobile WiMAX are based on orthogonal frequency-division multiple access. Samsung said other core technologies used in its version of 4G include MIMO and Smart Antenna.

Samsung has deals to commercialize mobile WiMAX services with nine wireless operators in seven countries, including the U.S., Italy and Brazil. "Successful commercial launch of mobile WiMAX will lead to another success story of 4G communications," Lee claimed.

Spectrum for 4G mobile wireless will be allocated during the World Radiocommunications Conference scheduled for October 2007. The 4G mobile communications format is expected to become commercially available in 2010.

About 175 industry representatives from 20 countries are participating in the Samsung forum, which is focusing on 4G service requirements and spectrum, the company said.