Mobile Broadband
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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 WiMAX, UMTS/HSPA, EV-DO and some portable satellite-based systems.
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[edit] Development
On 11 December 2002, the IEEE Standards Board approved the establishment of IEEE 802.20, 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, 3 Mobile, Vodafone & T-Mobile have taken the lead in marketing Mobile Broadband services with Orange to follow. These mobile phone networks have initially focused on marketing the service to laptop users, who have a choice of USB hardware to enable their PCs to use the Mobile Broadband service.
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.
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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.
Advantage #4: SMS Messaging
Mobile broadband is also capable of receiving and sending SMS messages. In addition, you have an on-screen inbox on the device that you can use to quickly and conveniently read the messages you receive. Unfortunately, you may receive junk text messages on occasion, but you can limit this annoyance by adding your mobile number to the Telephone Preference Service or by calling the mobile broadband company and placing a block on advertisements and junk test messages.
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: Cost
Of course, enjoying the portability and convenience of mobile broadband doesn’t come cheaply. When compared to fixed home broadband or more conventional broadband methods, mobile broadband can be pretty costly. At the same time, if you have to install and pay extra monthly fees for a fixed land line in order to use a more traditional method for broadband access, the costs may not be that different.
Disadvantage #3: Making Calls
Depending upon the company you use for your mobile broadband access, you make not be able to make calls with the sim. Therefore, making calls through your system is important, be certain to check into your options.
Most major carriers offer broadband speeds for internet connection's. These broadband connections use either EV-DO or EDGE technology. When this service is not available, most networks will revert to a slower speed.
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