Let's talk... 3G technology

Wondering what 3G technology is? Well, me too. At least until a short while ago. 3G stands for third generation voice protocol technology and in a nutshell, 3G allows for conventional telephones or fax machines to connect to IP based networks. Taking a step back, IP stands for Internet Protocol and is a connectionless protocol for the transfer of data using packet-switching between computers that may never have communicated before. For additional explanation, click here.

Why use 3G technology? For one thing, some software groups provide cheaper access than the typical phone system. Downloadable programs such as Skype allow you to place phone calls/video calls from your computer to another computer (free) or phones/cell phones around the world (inexpensive). Unlike the typical modern home phone set up, 3G technology allows you to videoconference with someone near or far if you have a webcam on your computer. In using Skype, you also have access to chat, voice mail, call forwarding and a host of other services, including distance learning. Check it out at http://www.skype.com/.

To be clear here, 3G technology is not limited to computer-to-computer usage. Most of the major phone carriers are now using 3G technology, especially with their mobile phone services.

For further explanation of what 3G is, click here. The world is no longer a wide, wide, place...