Both 4G and LTE are a kind of technology in the cellular network. You may see these two terms on your mobile phone. When you want to upgrade your cell carrier, you may feel confused. Here we introduce the difference between 4G and LTE and share something you need to know!
Part 1. What’s 4G and 4G LTE?
1. What is 4G?
4G refers to the 4th generation of cellular network technology. It’s optimized based on 3G and performs much excellent. 4G combines WLAN with 3G, making the image transmit faster and look clearer. The speed can reach up to 100Mbps. At present, 4G is the general standard adopted by most people. 2G and 3G are gradually eliminated. Although the emergence of 5G hit the market of 4G, 4G still occupies the dominant position.
2. What is 4G LTE?
LTE means Long Term Evolution, a technical standard for wireless data communication, which is created for constantly optimizing cellular network technology to meet the higher requirements of clients.
LTE, upgraded from 3G, is a transition between 3G and 4G. Thus, LTE is also called 3.9G. Some businesses may call it 4G LTE. 4G LTE is almost the same as 4G but there is a little bit different. It’s about 10 times faster than 3G and a little slower than 4G.
It improves the air access technology of 3G and adopts OFDM and MIMO as its unique standard in wireless network evolution. At 20MHz, it can provide the maximum downstream speed of 100Mbit/t and upstream speed of 50Mbit/s, which promotes the performance of cell-edge users and enhances cell capacity and reduces the system latency.
Part 2. Application of 4G and LTE
1. 4G CPE
4G CPE devices can transfer 4G LTE mobile networks into broadband and WiFi. Besides, 4G CPE can work as a multifunctional wireless router that provides broadband and WiFi for terminal devices. V-SOL has developed a series of 4G CPE such as 4G LTE CAT4 CPE, 4G LTE CAT6 CPE, 4G Outdoor CPE, etc. They are developed based on some worldwide proven chipset solutions and technologies like LTE CAT4, WiFi 4 Hotspot, Ethernet WAN/LAN and so on.
2. Mobile Online Games
The great performance of 4G benefits the rapid development of mobile online games. The high-speed and stable network brings users a wonderful experience when playing mobile online games.
3. Cloud Computing and Live
Before the emergence of 4G, Cloud Computing has high requirements of human resources and cost. With 4G, the efficiency has greatly improved. Live streaming is also in full swing and it demands powerful communication technology as support. Exactly, 4G helps live streaming become more convenient and fluent.
All in all, 4G has improved the development of many aspects including electronic devices, industry, quality of life and so on. The speed has been improved a lot from 3G to 4G. Although 5G is also developing and some 5G product is gradually emerging. For instance, V-SOL also launches 5G CPE that is able to transform 5G/4G signals into WiFi for the use of devices nearby and carry out secondary relay for operators’ network signals. But 5G only covers a few areas. 4G and 4G LTE is still mainstream.
