Generational Leaps in Mobile Networks: From 4G to 6G Performance, Budgets, and Future Implications

The 21st century is the century of information explosion. People around the globe were gradually shifting from bulky desktop computers to using portable smartphones to demand faster and more accurate information transmission. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the definition and development of networks, from 4G to 6G, exploring the applications supported by networks in different eras and how they gradually change netizens lives. It reveals that while 4G only supports smooth video, 6G is expected to be gradually implemented by 2030, which will lead to the normalization of big data analysis and XR usage, thereby achieving a fully connected society among ocean, land and space. This article further analyzed the implementation of 4G, 5G, and 5.5G in global cities and rural areas, revealing that the theoretical values and actual performance of 4G to 5G, 5.5G are indeed disappointing. It is worth considering that while there is still significant room for improvement from 4G and 5G to 5.5G, the performance of 6G in people's lives should also be just as unsatisfactory under such urgent time and financial budgets.