Any smartphone owner has probably heard about LTE more than once. What kind of technology is this, what is it for, and so on – read about all this in our material.
What is LTE
LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a mobile communications technology, often referred to as 4G LTE. It provides high-speed data transfer for smartphones and other mobile devices. LTE is a significant improvement over previous network generations, such as 3G, offering higher speeds, greater capacity, and lower latency.
Key Features of LTE
LTE provides higher download and upload speeds than previous standards (3G). The maximum theoretical download speed can reach 300 Mbps and upload speed can reach 75 Mbps.
At the same time, LTE offers significantly lower latency in data transmission, which improves the quality of service for applications that require fast response, such as online games and video conferencing. Other benefits include:
- LTE uses frequency and time duplexing (FDD and TDD) techniques to make more efficient use of the available radio spectrum.
- LTE provides backward compatibility with existing 2G and 3G networks, making it easier for operators and users to transition to new technologies.
- LTE supports multiple frequency bands, making it flexible for use in different countries and regions.
Pros and cons of LTE
Source: Bradbandcoach / 4G Proxicast Antenna
Like almost any technology, LTE has its pros and cons. Let’s start with the positives.
Pros of LTE
- High data transfer speeds.LTE provides significantly higher download and upload speeds compared to previous generations of mobile communications (2G and 3G). This improves the user experience when streaming video, online gaming and other applications that require high bandwidth.
- Low latency. LTE has low latency, which is especially important for applications that require fast response times, such as video conferencing and online gaming.
- Efficient spectrum use.LTE technology uses frequency and time duplexing (FDD and TDD), which allows more efficient use of the available radio spectrum and improves service quality.
- Backward compatibility. LTE provides backward compatibility with 2G and 3G networks, making it easier for operators and users to transition to new technologies without having to completely replace equipment.
- Wide coverage: LTE can be deployed on multiple frequencies, allowing for better coverage and signal penetration in buildings and remote areas.
Cons of LTE
- Costs of infrastructure deployment and upgrades. LTE deployment requires significant investment in upgrading base stations and network equipment. This can be costly for carriers, especially in developing countries.
- Power consumption: Devices operating on an LTE network tend to consume more power, which can reduce the battery life of mobile devices.
- Network load: When the LTE network is under heavy load, data transfer speeds may decrease and latency may increase, which may negatively affect the quality of service.
- Spectrum limitations: Available radio spectrum may be limited, which limits network capacity and coverage, especially in dense urban areas.
- Device compatibility: Not all devices support LTE, especially older phones. This may limit users’ access to the benefits of this technology.
LTE or 5G?
Source: equinix / 5G
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5G, or the fifth generation of mobile communications, is the next step in the evolution of wireless technology. The main difference between 5G and LTE is significantly higher data rates and low latency. The theoretical maximum download speed on 5G networks can reach 10 Gbps and higher, opening up new opportunities for users and businesses.
Latency in 5G networks can be reduced to 1 millisecond, which is especially important for real-time applications such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgery. By using new frequency bands, including millimeter waves (mmWave), 5G provides significantly greater bandwidth and supports up to 1 million devices per square kilometer. This makes 5G ideal for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities.
5G also offers more efficient spectrum usage thanks to new technologies such as Massive MIMO and Beamforming. These technologies improve connection quality and increase its resilience. In addition, 5G provides more efficient power consumption, which is especially important for battery-powered IoT devices.
However, 5G deployment requires significant investment in new infrastructure, including installing many new base stations and upgrading network equipment. Device compatibility with 5G may also be an issue in the early stages of deployment, especially for older phone models.
So at the moment, if you live in an area where there is no 5G or your phone does not support this technology, then LTE is the best choice.
LTE and 4G, 3G and 2G
As with 5G vs. LTE, LTE will be better than 4G, 3G, and of course 2G. Think of it as an evolution of connectivity. 2G improved to 3G, 3G to 4G, and so on.
The evolution of mobile communications from 2G to LTE has seen significant improvements in data speed, call quality, and application capabilities. 2G laid the foundation for digital communications, 3G ushered in the era of mobile internet, and 4G and LTE provided high-speed internet access and low latency, making many new technologies and services possible. These advances not only improved the user experience, but also laid the foundation for further advances in mobile technology, including the advent of 5G.
Settings for other devices.
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode → LTE.
- Apple:Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Voice & Data → LTE.
- HUAWEI: Settings → Mobile network/Wireless & networks → Mobile data or Mobile network → Network type → 4G.
- HONOR: Settings → Wireless & networks → Mobile network → Network type → 4G.
- Xiaomi: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → SIM card settings or Your SIM card → Preferred network type → 4G (LTE).
- Poco: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → SIM card settings or Your SIM card → Preferred network type → 4G (LTE).
- Vertex: Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Network type → 4G.
- ZTE: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile network → Preferred network type → 4G.
- realme: Settings → SIM cards & mobile data → SIM1 or SIM2 → Preferred network type → 4G.