4G vs LTE- Are they the same thing?

If you are interested in learning about different cellular technologies then you have come to the right place. Take a look as we review the 4G, one the most widely available wireless phone technologies: and compare it to the LTE.

Anyone familiar with the evolution timeline of cellular networks already has an idea of how we have been able to transition from 1G to 4G; the now most dominant network in America. If you are completely new to this: 4G is designed to provide users within this integrated global network an IP solution to fuel your multimedia access needs. LTE is the successor to the 3G network and contrary to what you may believe, features slower speeds compared to 4G.

Below, we take a critical look at 4G and LTE, and provide you a comprehensive report on everything you need to know about either of these, without going through the entire list of acronyms for cellular network technologies. Read on for more insight.

What are the differences between 4G and 4G LTE?

	4G	LTE (Winner)
Full	Fourth Generation 4G cellular network	Long Term Evolution
Channel bandwidth	5-20Mhz	1.4-20Mhz
Data type	All packet	All packet
Maximum Theoretical Downloading speeds	1000Mbps	100Mbps
Maximum Theoretical Upload speeds	500Mbps	50Mbps
	Check price	Check price

 

4G vs LTE- How they compare

Speeds

Typically, upgrades from older generations of mobile network technologies mean improvements across the network in terms of performance, frequency bands, channel bandwidths, capacity: you get the point. This is still the case between the 4G and LTE networks. True 4G compared to LTE offers speeds almost 10 times faster than those available via LTE. On paper, 4G delivers 1000Mbps for downloading and 500Mbps peak upload speeds. Of course these are completely theoretical and require many controlled factors in play before users can actually access these speeds. However, even in real environment performance, 4G is faster than LTE, making it a more dependable network option.

Battery life

Both 4G and LTE are implicated in draining the life out of batteries across devices. In fact, this is one of the main disadvantages associated with migration to 4G cellular networks. The same is experienced when connected over LTE access; intensive battery use.

Latency

Latency can be described as the time it takes a data packet to be delivered form point to point. Usually, latency is measured in milliseconds and is often termed as the ping rate in other documents. Over a 4G connection, users experienced reduced latency and enjoy faster responses compared to the LTE. Similar to speed, many factors will affect the nature of latency experienced on your network, but the fact still stands: 4G networks experience reduced latency compared to LTE. With double the latency experienced on 4G connections, there is a notable difference in performance when operating especially high demand devices, or applications on LTE, compared to 4G. In fact, 4G networks are specifically designed for minimized latency across connections.

Coverage

Both of these networks have various technologies dedicated for their access and use. However, it is useless to have a 4G or LTE enabled device if this coverage is not available in your area. Luckily, a lot of work has been put into setting up infrastructure for both technologies to reach as many users as possible. However, we will say, LTE technologies and infrastructure we’re made available faster because this standard was put in place as a stand off until carriers had enough infrastructure to support 4G laid.

4G vs. LTE- A comparison review

4G

Before we get into why 4G is important and the different ways users can benefit from it, let’s get a little technical. Unlike its predecessors that feature circuit switching techniques to relay data, the 4G tech migrated to the packet switching techniques. These offer a far more reliable and efficient transfer method compared to the CS technique.

Unfortunately, many users misnomer 4G LTE as the actual 4G network. This is not the case. To clarify, true  4G adheres the requirements et in place by the IMT-A and ITU-R for what ‘4G’ networks really are. As per the requirements of the bodies above, all 4G technologies must include, are the following:

Ideally, 4G networks offer faster upload and download speeds, which far exceed those available on the previous Generation networks.

The primary services of this network include The IP based core networks on 4G tech and feature low latency. With this, kind of technology, users can run bandwidth hungry applications like HD video streaming, Live streaming, Online gaming and much more. It is designed specifically for data, and offers true mobile broadband. Businesses incorporate 4G network set ups for many reasons. For instance, 4G enterprise networks access fast connection speeds with very quick and easy set up requirements. Always remember, 4G is MAGIC: a Mobile multimedia accessible Anytime anywhere with Global mobility support and Integrated wireless solution for Customized personal service.

T mobile

T mobile is a well known vendor for wireless connection that offers among the most expansive 4G network coverage in America, coming in second after Verizon. The carrier features great data speeds for convenient upload and download speeds. This is great news for users who wish to access 4G and enjoy the unimaginably fast speeds without issue, especially from the carrier.

Pros

• Popular carrier
• Offers among the fastest download and upload speeds available
• Greta mobility features with unlimited texts and data plans
• Features many promotions to remain affordable

Cons

• Doesn’t offer the most 4G coverage, T mobile is second in coverage after Verizon

LTE

 

Shifting the conversation from 4G to LTE is often difficult especially if the other party does not understand the foundation of 4G tech. Now, LTE which is short for Long Term Evolution is similarly a high speed communication standard for data transfer from your mobile to the data terminal at incredible speeds. LTE is associated with 3GPP and was founded on the 3^rd Generation (3G) partnership project.

The history of LTE tech is quite interesting albeit also confusing. LTE technology like the 4G is wireless network technology designed to replace the 3G cellular network. However, LTE offers better technical capabilities compared to the provisions on 3GPP and could not be classified as a 3G cellular network upgrade. This is the reason LTE is classified as a 4G technology. LTE technology was developed as a stop gap to meet access needs while carries and service providers set up the technology and infrastructure to deliver 4G access on a large scale.

Since its deployment in 2009, the LTE standard has become very wide spread, with most countries around the globe accessing strong connections over this standard. Among the more unique features on LTE is the IP only architecture mandated to carry voice and data over a unified network. Known as the Evolved Packet Core network, the design allows strong performance requirements on the network, with reduced cost of operation for carriers.

This technology offers peak download speeds of 100Mbps with 50Mbpts peak upload speeds. However, since this technology has several upgrades and many changes made to the technology, these reported speeds will differ depending on where you check your information. Ideally, LTE tech should offer the full range or at least most of it from 3G’s 20Mbps to the 100Mbps speeds featured on 4G networks.

Verizon

Verizon is among the more popular 4G vendors in the USA. This vendor provides a wide variety of wireless connectivity services including provisions for wireless 4G LTE networks. Verizon prides themselves in leading in the LTE deployment domain.

Some of the serve numbers from this vendor include: over 300 million people covered, with 5-12Mbps download speeds and 2-5Mbps upload speeds offered. Verizon assure high performance over this connection with elevated HD watching and gaming experience s in addition to quick and easy surfing.

For interested users living in parts of rural America, the Rural America project form this vendor is specifically mandated to kick start the development and operation of 4G LTE networks in these LTE untouched areas.

Pros

• Available for users across the nation
• Offers reasonable data speeds
• Leading in LTE deployment in the country

Cons

• Nothing so far

Now, let’s compare T-mobile to Verizon

	T-mobile	Verizon
Speeds and Affordability	Great	Great
Coverage	Could be better for rural America	Great
Mobility	Great	Okay
	Check price	Check price

Conclusion

Overall, 4G and LTE are the current foundational cellular networks which are most available globally.  Both these concepts are difficult to differentiate apart at first: but the content above should be more than enough for newbies to telecommunications experts to review and understand.

Verdict, So which is better: 4G or LTE?

All things considered, LTE is better than 4G, but that’s only for now. Until vendors can lay out as extensive infrastructure to provide users TRUE 4G, as they have LTE: the clear winner remains 4G LTE.

Frequently asked questions

How fast is LTE compared to 4g?

LTE is somewhat slow compared to 4G which is designed to offer peak download and upload speeds of 1000Mbps/500Mbps respectively. This is way faster than the peak 100Mbps download speeds and 50Mbps upload speeds available on LTE.

How do I switch from LTE to 4g?

By changing the mobile network settings on 4G and LTE enabled devices; users can easily and effectively switch from one cellular network to the other.