LTE vs. 4G: Key Differences (2024)

Long Term Evolution (LTE) and fourth-generation (4G) networks were mainly introduced around the same time and are often marketed together. However, several differences exist between LTE and 4G, making 4G faster than LTE and more suitable for IoT implementation. This article explains the concepts of LTE and 4G in detail, their fundamental differences, and their unique applications.

Understanding The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Standard
Understanding the Fourth Generation (4G) Standard
The Top 8 Differences Between LTE and 4G
Applications of LTE and 4G: Which One Should You Choose?

Understanding The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Standard

LTE means Long Term Evolution, and it can be described as the fourth generation (4G) successor of 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), improving existing performance and speed. Long Term Evolution is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals based on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and UMTS standards.

After the 3G UMTS system was developed, there was a need to create even better standards for the telecommunications system. This led to the creation of LTE, a standard similar to 4G but not quite 4G. Not only did LTE mean faster data speed and better performance, but it also meant lower operating costs.

In 2008, LTE was deployed for public use. LTE was created by the 3GPP, or the Third-Generation Partnership Project. It is sometimes called 3.95G and is popularly marketed as 4G LTE. LTE provides better operating capacity than the standards it was built on because it uses a different radio interface and core network improvement. It should be noted that LTE operates using varying frequencies and bands across other countries. This means that not all phones can use LTE in all countries where LTE is supported.

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Understanding the Fourth Generation (4G) Standard

The 4G standard stands for the fourth generation of network technology. It is the stage of mobile telecommunications that provides better functionality than the 3G network while being a predecessor to the fifth-generation network. The standard for 4G wireless technology was outlined by ITU, i.e., the International Telecommunication Union. It spells out the primary characteristics of 4G, which include data speed and transmission technology.

Considering data speed, 4G came with far greater bandwidth speed when compared to 3G. 3G had a maximum speed of 14Mbps, whereas 4G users can download and stream live high-definition (HD) videos and participate in voice over internet protocol (VoIP) with a speed of up to 150Mbps.

4G offers a stationary speed of up to 1GBps and a high upload speed of up to 50mbps. These reasons and the standard’s widespread applicability have made 4G the most common network technology used by internet service providers and mobile phone companies. Initially developed as the LTE network, the true 4G standard reached the United States around 2012. It operates as an internet protocol packet-switched network rather than the traditional circuit-switched packets.

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The Top 8 Differences Between LTE and 4G

With two similar networks coexisting side by side, it can get confusing to choose which network to use or even understand why both networks are similar but not the same. One way to get it right is by knowing the differences between each network. The differences between the 4G standard and the LTE network include the following:

1. Packet-switching vs. circuit-switching

One of the differences between 4G and LTE is the data transfer method. Irrespective of transferred content, or network used, data must be packaged and sent across a connection on the internet.

Older networks like the LTE technology use a circuit switching network. Circuit switching technology refers to the system used to communicate. In this system, a connection is made directly from the sender to the receiver across the network. All forms of data transfer throughout that connection will be made across the singular direct line. This could be the entirety of a phone call, transfer of a file, download, etc. Circuit switching networks have the advantage of shorter connection times. In addition, there is less chance of dropping the connection once it is put across.

On the other hand, 4G networks use a data transfer system referred to as packet switching. This is a newer system that can leverage the increased number of connected points worldwide. When using a packet-switching network, the data being transferred across the network is broken down into smaller bits called packets, making it essential to protect against packet sniffing.

These packets are transferred to the required endpoint over any open pathway. Thus, it uses the most efficient path available then. It reduces the amount of data loss because it allows you to resend dropped packets. It is a very efficient means of data transfer.

2. Area of coverage

Area of Coverage is a crucial factor that must be carefully considered when deciding what generation or type of network to use. Area coverage can determine whether your 4G enabled phone can operate at maximal speed and efficacy. The coverage area for both LTE and 4G depends on the network user’s location.

4G has been rolled out in full force in more developed countries and is used almost everywhere while LTE is receding in use. But this might be different in less developed areas where LTE (4G LTE) is being used in place of actual 4G.

Irrespective of location, 4G has received recent societal awareness and popularity. This has given it an edge over the LTE network, gradually phasing it out. However, if you want to experience 4G LTE, you should find a carrier with the best coverage. You can also go further to visit more than one retail shop to check the various network speeds and signal strength.

3. Speed of data transfer

In this computer age, speed is irrefutably king. The best internet experiences come with newer development in terms of speed. When 3G came, it was such a relief from the slow speeds of 2G networks. It was quickly followed by LTE and finally 4G, with 5G on the horizon.

One significant difference between LTE and 3G networks lies in the speed of connectivity and data transfer. LTE wireless broadband is about 10x faster than the 3G network and has an average download speed of 12-30 Megabits per second. It can also handle uploads to the internet at 2-5 MBps. There is no set standard for LTE speed. It is worth noting that it is faster than 3G. LTE covers a range of 3Mbps and falls just short of 4G speed.

On the other hand, the international telecommunication network classified 4G as network standards operating with a download speed between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps. This is the actual speed of genuine 4G networks. This makes 4G invariably better in data transfer speed than the LTE network. Because LTE has been dubbed 4G LTE, it is essential to know that the existing 4G network can also be referred to as 4G LTE A, 4G LTE+, etc.

4. Signal strength

Signal strength is the quality of network standards that refers to the power output of a transmitter as received from a reference antenna from a distance. Signal strength is measured in dB millivolts per meter (dBmV/m). Its measurement includes parameters like RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), and SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio).

For LTE networks, an RSRP value of about -80dBm shows excellent signal strength with maximum data speeds. 4G networks also operate within a limit of about -90dBm. This has a mild difference in data transfer speed on both networks. However, the effect is not felt as intensely as data rates plateau around a signal strength of -100dBm.

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5. Latency

Latency is a term in communication technology that describes how long a packet of data needs to be moved from one designated point to another. It represents delays in data transfer to and fro across a network. The ideal latency period is equal to zero and is virtually possible. However, the closer the latency is to zero, the better that network is.

In comparing the latency of LTE and 4G technology, there is a vast difference to be noted. LTE latency is about ten milliseconds. This means a delay of 10ms in data transfer over two points on a network. This latency value may not be consequential when browsing for a recipe or looking up a concept on Google.

However, when it comes to more data-intensive and time-sensitive processes like playing video games, video conferencing, YouTube streaming, and so on, 10 ms is a long time to wait for data to be sent across a network, which can impact application performance.

4G, meanwhile, has a latency of 5 milliseconds. That is half of the delay experienced in LTE cut off in one chunk. Therefore, 4G is more advanced than LTE in latency.

6. Data consumption

Data consumption or usage is another point of comparison between these two networks. However, this time, it favors LTE as most people complain that they expend more considerable amounts of data using 4G. But is this true? The fact is, neither network consumes a large quantity or lesser volume of data than the other.

Every function you carry out on the internet, streaming a video, reading a book, watching a movie, being on a voice call, playing a game, downloading an app, or doing research, all have a fixed data footprint. A page will load, consuming 4 megabytes of data irrespective of whether you use 3G, LTE, or 4G. The difference, however, is due to speed.

However, because 4G is faster than LTE, 4G users tend to spend more data simultaneously than LTE users. This is because they can access more functions than the LTE user. They could have gone through several sites in one hour while downloading a 1GB file in the background. This will take more time on LTE, making it seem like they consumed lower data volumes at the end of the month or billing cycle.

7. Price and affordability

Price is a crucial difference for every user when choosing service providers and the type of network. However, the difference in price between LTE and 4G is not very noticeable primarily because both products were released at approximately the same time.

LTE, however, is more IP-oriented than 4G and uses a cheaper backhaul. But there is no clear-cut difference in price. The price of 4G vs. LTE is also affected by marketing, the manufacturing companies producing mobile phones, modems, routers (both regular and mesh routers), and the service providers giving the network services. Newer versions of products will invariably be more expensive than older versions, especially during the launch period. This applies to both 4G and LTE devices.

8. Hotspot support

Mobile devices with hotspots can share their internet with nearby Wi-Fi-enabled devices. This works similarly to regular Wi-Fi and routers. Both LTE and 4G can share hotspots with other phones, tabs, and laptops.

However, the speed of 4G makes it more suitable for sharing hotspots. Most public areas have free managed Wi-Fi and so may not prove much of a challenge even if you use LTE. Nevertheless, it is worth considering when assessing both networks.

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Applications of LTE and 4G: Which One Should You Choose?

LTE and 4G technologies are so close in the evolution of network systems that it can be challenging to choose one over the other. There are no apparent differences that can make it easy to denote one as the best choice for a particular application. However, there are still some preferred choices at each point in time.

LTE and 4G have been applied to so many new areas that were previously unreached using 3G technology. An example is video conferencing for multiple users.

Video conferencing has become unavoidable for almost all internet users, from remote workers to online classes, customer support, world association meetings, etc. This has only become possible due to better and faster internet connections. So, for users and companies who often have to engage in video conference calls, there is a need for the fastest internet connection, which is 4G network rather than LTE.

Another application of 4G networks over LTE is its use as a hotspot medium. 4G has a potential data transfer speed of up to 1Gb per second. This makes it an excellent substitute for local Wi-Fi when necessary.

Suppose more than one device needs access to the internet, you can use only one service provider on a 4G-enabled device or SIM to share a hotspot across those devices, at high speeds, without reducing the quality of the primary device. This is very important for creating 4G wireless networks in rural areas that lack access to cables and other facilities.

The Internet of Things (IoT) cannot be left out when considering 4G and LTE network applications. Multiple data transfer across IP addresses is unavoidable in IoT. One challenge has been to have a network to support this data load. Undeniably, 4G stands a better chance at facilitating IoT than LTE. Several other 4G and LTE network applications include location-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) services, telemedicine, HDTV, video games on demand, etc. Every network user and IT decision-maker must carefully decide which option is more suitable for their needs and enjoy the benefits that come with it.

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