LTE meaning | How does it work and why it matters?

LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, which is a wireless communication technology that transmits high-speed data across mobile networks. Your phone’s 4G LTE network lets you stream videos, make crystal-clear calls, and browse the internet. 

It is like the bridge between the old network generations, like 3G, and the modern 5G connection. In this article, I will discuss what LTE really is, how it works, and is different from 4G LTE and 5G.

The Evolution of Cellular Network Technology

Here is a look at how mobile networks have evolved. 

• 1G: It was started in the 1980s with analogue voice calls. It had no digital features; only the basic calling was included. 
• 2G: Second generation came in the 1990s. It was the initial shift to digital signals, which include SMS and basic data services. 
• 3G: Third generation was introduced in 2000. It brought the early internet and offered multimedia services and video calls.
• 4G: It came into view in 2010. 4G LTE provides significantly high-speed data transmission and improved network architecture. It allows seamless video streaming and advanced mobile gaming. 
• 5G: It is the latest network generation. 5G offers ultra-fast gigabit speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect with several devices. It is effective to use in the IoT ecosystem and the advanced AI applications. 

LTE technology is the backbone for moving toward advanced connectivity options. Compared to the past generations, it offers reliable performance and a step to modern 5G connectivity.

What Makes LTE Technology Different?

The older 3G networks relied on circuit-switched voice connections and offered the internet. LTE uses the packet-switched networks means it transmits your data in packets with fast processing. It uses the Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas to manage the data streams. 

Moreover, it offers effective upload and download speeds. These features make it a high-speed internet, which further ensures the foundation of the true 4G performance. 

How LTE Works in Mobile Communications?

Long Term Evolution uses advanced technologies to transmit the data effectively. The technologies used in LTE working include.

• Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
• Single-Carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA)
• Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)
• Carrier Aggregation
• Quadrature Amplitude/Phase Shift Keying (QAM/QPSK)

When you use your mobile phone, it connects to the LTE cell tower. The tower communicates with the digital brain of the LTE system, called Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which routes your data. 

With this function, you can get smooth video calls, fast downloads, and no buffering. LTE technology ensures providing high-speed data transmission to upload your photos and attend virtual meetings. 

LTE vs 4G: Is LTE True 4G?

4G and LTE are different but are closely related. 4G is a comprehensive standard for the fourth-generation network. In contrast, LTE is the technology that is a step toward true 4 G. It has evolved to meet the official International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 4G performance criteria. 

Peak Download Speed

• LTE (Original/Cat 4): 100 Mbps
• LTE-Advanced (LTE-A/4G+): Up to 1 Gbps
• LTE Advanced Pro (4.5G): Beyond 3 Gbps
• True 4G (IMT-Advanced Standard): 1 Gbps (stationary), 100 Mbps (mobile)

Peak Upload Speed

• LTE (Original/Cat 4): 30 Mbps
• LTE-Advanced (LTE-A/4G+): Up to 500 Mbps
• LTE Advanced Pro (4.5G): Not specified, but higher
• True 4G (IMT-Advanced Standard): 50 Mbps

Latency

• LTE (Original/Cat 4): 20-30 ms
• LTE-Advanced (LTE-A/4G+): Lower than LTE
• LTE Advanced Pro (4.5G): Even lower
• True 4G (IMT-Advanced Standard): 10 ms

ITU Classification

• LTE (Original/Cat 4): Enhanced 3G/3.95G
• LTE-Advanced (LTE-A/4G+): Meets or exceeds the true 4G standard
• LTE Advanced Pro (4.5G): Pre-5G/4.5G
• True 4G (IMT-Advanced Standard): 4G (IMT-Advanced)

5G Vs LTE: What’s Changing? 

5G is the latest network that offers fast and effective connections for mobile communication and the IoT industries. Compared to LTE, the 5G network offers more download speed and lower latency. 

Well, 5G provides the ideal connectivity, but we still can’t ignore the 4G LTE. LTE is used as the fallback coverage when 5G is weak. Moreover, the advanced Pro LTE is the backbone of today's seamless connectivity. 

LTE and eSIM: The Future of Mobile Connectivity

An eSIM card is a built-in technology that offers a fast and smooth connection. Compared to the physical SIM card, eSIM users can activate their LTE or 5G plans with a QR code scan. An eSIM card with LTE is ideal for international travellers.

Both technologies work together and offer a smooth connection. Users can switch the carrier with just a few clicks. If you are a traveller with an eSIM-compatible device, you can enjoy your trip without any roaming charges. 

Did you choose the best eSIM for your travel?

The question matters more when you are looking for a hassle-free connection. What you need is Phonico eSIM. The carrier offers a variety of eSIM data plans for travel to the USA. You can enjoy the unlimited talk and text services with each plan without a contract. 

Phonico is the real-time connectivity solution for you with no hidden or additional cost. With an eSIM plan, you can get the 4G LTE and the 5G network. So, if you are still relying on the pocket WiFi, local SIM card, or data roaming plans, it's the perfect time to switch to the eSIM and enjoy the hassle-free connection. 

Conclusion

LTE or Long Term Evolution is the fourth-generation wireless communication system that allows many devices to connect. LTE technology offers high speed and stable data transmission. It is the backbone of the latest 5G network. 

In this article, I have discussed each aspect of the LTE technology, how it works, and its differences from the latest 5G technology. Moreover, the eSIM card with LTE lets you enjoy a faster and flexible connection. 

FAQs

What does LTE mean on my phone?

LTE refers to the long-term evolution. On your phone, it means that you are connected to the network for high-speed mobile data.

Is LTE faster than 4G?

LTE is the path toward achieving the promises of 4 G. The advanced LTE offers a network speed similar to 4 G. 

What is LTE-Advanced Pro?

LTE Advanced Pro is the updated version of LTE, which offers peak data rates up to several gigabits.