The correct answer is (c) Software dependency.
Explanation:
The 4G network is designed with several key characteristics to provide faster, more efficient, and converged mobile services. Here's a breakdown of the terms in the options:
(a) Multirate management: 4G networks are designed to support varying data rates to accommodate different applications and user needs. This allows the network to manage diverse traffic types efficiently.
(b) Fully converged services: One of the major features of 4G is the convergence of services, meaning that voice, video, and data services are integrated over a single network. This supports seamless communication across different types of media and platforms.
(c) Software dependency: While 4G networks are highly flexible and use advanced software, software dependency is not considered a defining characteristic. In fact, 4G networks are more focused on hardware and efficient radio spectrum management, rather than being overly dependent on software. The term "software dependency" is more associated with newer, software-defined networks (SDN) or 5G technologies.
(d) Diverse user devices: 4G networks support a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This characteristic is crucial to the success of 4G, as it ensures compatibility with numerous user devices across different platforms.
Therefore, software dependency is not a defining characteristic of 4G networks, which is why it is the correct answer.