Constant access to the Internet at high speed in the modern world is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. We always need to be in touch with loved ones and colleagues, we are surrounded by streams of information and we want to have access to the Internet at all times, including from portable devices. But even today, to view websites or download content, sometimes you need to look for the best place where mobile communication works.
To understand the quality of the Internet, we can pay attention to the letters next to the signal strength icon on the device. Usually, these are G, E, 3G, H+, 4G, or LTE. Unfortunately, not everyone understands their meaning, and some communication standards cause confusion. LTE vs 4G is the topic of this article. You will learn about the features and differences of these communication standards.
What Is LTE?
LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a mobile data transfer standard that first appeared in 2009. This name symbolises a step forward because LTE is a logical continuation of the 3G standards and the 2G and 1G that preceded it.
If you have previously seen the G (GPRS) or E (EDGE) icon on your phone screen, you probably noticed the low page loading speed and long file downloads. The average speed of these networks rarely exceeded 120 Kbps. Later, the 3G standard with an average speed of 3-4 Mbps was actively developed. It expanded the capabilities of mobile web surfing, but difficulties with downloading still arose. The more advanced LTE format was based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA protocols, which belong to the third generation.
Its main features are high performance and communication channel capacity. The advent of LTE means that the user’s phone or tablet has full high-speed Internet. LTE capabilities allow users to watch high-quality videos on their smartphones, play online games, use music streaming services, etc.
Technology specifications:
- The maximum declared reception speed is 100-150 Mbit/s. In practice, these figures are lower – 25-40 Mbit/s. Everything depends on the operator, the presence of amplifying antennas, the proximity of base stations, etc.
- The delay in traffic transmission is no more than 5 ms, which is convenient when downloading large content.
- It operates at any frequency, so the mobile Internet is more stable, slows down, and crashes less often.
- The LTE wireless communication module is equipped not only with smartphones but also with other portable devices: laptops, tablets, game consoles, smart watches, etc.
Users do not need to configure and connect the Mobile Networks in the UK on the Android OS themselves. The connection occurs automatically as soon as a mobile signal is caught. On iPhone, data transfer sometimes has to be activated manually (Settings → Mobile → Data Options → Turn on LTE).
What Is 4G?
This is the fourth generation of wireless communication. This communication standard was approved in 2008, and the next few years were spent working on its widespread implementation. The main difference from the third generation is that data transmission is entirely based on IP addresses, that is, packet protocols are used. During delivery, such data is less susceptible to encryption, which explains the high speed of the Internet.
Technology characteristics:
- Peak speed for stationary devices is 1 Gbit/s, for those in motion (for example, in a car or train) – 100 Mbit/s.
- High speed of information transfer – 50-60 Mbit/s.
- Fewer network interruptions. For 4G towers, terrain, dense buildings, and multi-story buildings are not serious obstacles.
The declared speed allows users to download HD-quality video in a matter of seconds, play multiplayer games, instantly download or send large amounts of information, make video calls, and join video conferences. The closer the 4G tower, the more impressive the speed will be. If you are far from the nearest base station (outside the city, or in a country house), you can use 4G signal amplifiers.
LTE or 4G: What’s The Difference?
LTE is usually bundled with 4G – mobile operators and gadget manufacturers combine them under a single label. Therefore, the average user does not know the difference between the two concepts and thinks that they are the same thing.
LTE is rather a modified 3G format, an intermediate link between the third and fourth generations of networks. It does not meet the requirements of 4G and was only the beginning of the development of wireless high-speed Internet. The operating principles of the standards are similar, but there is a difference in speed between them. So, unlike LTE, 4G has the following advantages:
- connection speed is tens of times higher;
- simultaneous work on the Internet and transmission of voice data is possible;
- more stable connection;
- the standard easily supports networks of previous generations – leaving the coverage area, you will not find yourself without a connection, but will automatically connect to 3G or lower (in an LTE device, the signal will simply disappear).
What Is VoLTE?
The development of 4G and the new LTE-Advanced standard made it possible to transmit not only traffic but also voice over the network. Technically, voice transmission over 3G and even 2G is also possible, but the quality leaves much to be desired: interference, delays, and call breaks occur. With the help of VoLTE technology, voice communication over the mobile Internet has become much better. The term stands for Voice-over-LTE. Calls are made within the network using IP protocols. The technology evolved from a similar VoIP, which allowed voice calls over a broadband connection in programs like Skype, video chats, etc. But VoLTE is a more modern and faster technology that guarantees high quality.
Advantages of VoLTE support:
- rich and clear voice sound thanks to the HD speech codec;
- instant connection with the subscriber;
- continuous access to the 4G network during a conversation;
- no separate charges for calls – the user pays only for traffic according to his operator’s tariff plan;
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between 4G or LTE allows you to effectively use modern mobile technologies and ensure a high level of communication even in difficult conditions. In the event that the area does not allow you to receive a high-quality LTE signal, we recommend using mobile signal boosters. Pay attention to UCtel, a company that provides services to improve the mobile signal of popular British operators outside the city, in warehouses, in educational and medical institutions, etc.
