Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 4th Generation (4G) represent milestone developments in mobile broadband capabilities. As a telecommunications engineer, I’m always keen to dig into the technical guts of how new wireless infrastructure standards evolve.
In this guide, I’ll explore key technical differences between LTE and 4G networks. You’ll gain insight on performance metrics like speeds, latency, reliability testing and more. My goal is to provide insider knowledge so you can better understand your options as a consumer in choosing between LTE vs 4G service. Let’s get started!
Defining the Technologies
First, a quick primer on what LTE and 4G networks refer to:
LTE – Short for Long Term Evolution, LTE represents an advancement from 3G/HSPA mobile communication standards. Leveraging different core network architecture, LTE boosts theoretical download speeds to 300Mbps (with many carriers now averaging 12-30Mbps).
4G – The 4th generation of mobile networks. Defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) based on technical capabilities, with required speeds of 100Mbps for high mobility connections (like cars) and 1Gbps for low mobility users.
So while bothdeliver big speed improvements, 4G extends capabilities much further – up to 10-30x faster than LTE!
Now let’s unpack some key technical differences.
Network Architecture & Infrastructure
LTE and 4G utilize fundamentally different architectures:
LTE Architecture:
LTE upgrades 3G/HSPA standards significantly but still utilizes the existing core circuit-switched network. This maintains a singular dedicated communication pathway during connections. But it introduces an all-Internet Protocol (IP) flat architecture for enhanced packet routing.
4G Architecture:
Alternatively, 4G provides a brand new packet-switched network design optimized for mobile broadband. It’s built on an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) framework designed for versatile high-speed routing without quality degradation as demand scales.
Let’s explore how these architectural differences manifest in user experience:
Data Transfer Speeds
We’ve established 4G’s clear maximum throughput advantage as per ITU definitions – 100+ Mbps vs LTE’s ~30Mbps. Real-world carrier speeds showcase 4G’s edge too:
Average 4G Download Speeds
Verizon – 99 Mbps
AT&T – 83 Mbps
Average LTE Download Speeds
Verizon – 29 Mbps
AT&T – 26 Mbps
You’ll enjoy up to 4x quicker downloads streaming media or transferring files on 4G networks. For heavy usage needs, 4G is the winner.
Latency & Reliability
Latency refers to any delays in data transfer between network endpoints. Lower latency enables smoother, near real-time interactivity crucial for gaming, HD video conferencing, and voice calls.
Here 4G shines again, with sub-10 millisecond latency across top providers:
Average 4G Latency
Verizon – 37ms
AT&T – 44ms
Average LTE Latency
Verizon – 51ms
AT&T – 58ms
4G also demonstrates higher reliability in network impairment testing: shorter failures and quicker recovery times ensure minimal streaming interruptions or choppy calls.
Spectral Efficiency
This measure defines how much data can be transmitted over a given spectrum bandwidth. Due to advanced antenna and encoding techniques, 4G networks achieve up to 5x boosts in efficiency versus LTE. More bits per second per Hz!
This gives carriers greater flexibility in allocating spectrum assets to deliver higher quality experiences.
Apple iOS & Android OS Support
Mobile operating systems evolve in lockstep to tap into next-gen cellular network advancements. Let’s see how LTE and 4G support came to iOS and Android devices:
iOS LTE & 4G Support
- iOS 6 (2012) – 1st LTE support
- iOS 12 (2018) – 1st 4G compatibility
Android LTE & 4G Support
- Android 2.3 (2010) – 1st LTE support
- Android 9 (2018) – Refined 4G support
So while LTE saw earlier adoption, mature 4G integration arrived concurrently in 2018. All modern smartphones support both networks.
But 4G offers an edge in unlocking the full multi-gigabit capacities coming in next-gen 5G networks, which piggyback on enhanced 4G infrastructure. More on that next!
The Road Ahead – LTE vs 5G Comparisons
We’re currently in an interstitial period with new 5G networks launching worldwide, but still requiring the backbone of mature LTE and 4G infrastructure in place. How do we get to standalone, nation-spanning 5G?
LTE Advancements
LTE-Advanced and more recently LTE-Advanced Pro aim to bridge the gap, nearly doubling theoretical speeds over early LTE releases. Technologies like carrier aggregation combine multiple data streams simultaneously across licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands.
But lacking native 5G infrastructure, max speeds remain below 500Mbps – a fraction of the 10Gbps+ promises of 5G. The 3G core also handicaps ultra low latency capabilities.
4G Path to 5G Standalone
Alternatively, 5G NSA (non-standalone) options utilize enhanced 4G LTE foundations as anchors, while adding 5G radios and core network elements to boost speeds exponentially where deployed and balance loads.
The advanced cloud architecture supports seamless forward migration to 5G SA standalone operation over coming years with speeds exceeding 10Gbps!
So 4G again provides the most future-proofed infrastructure for meeting tomorrow’s mobile technology needs.
Which Network Is Right For You?
For moderate usage, both networks should satisfy. But hungry data appetites will benefit most from 4G and expanding 5G capacity. Consider your typical usage patterns:
- Light needs like web, email, messaging – LTE fits the bill
- Streaming media, mobile gaming – 4G delivers lower latency
- Frequent large file transfers – 4G offers 3-5x faster speeds
And remember network availability varies locally, so check carrier coverage reach in areas you live and work prior to choosing.
With this comprehensive look underneath the hood at LTE and 4G’s technical foundations, you now have the knowledge to select what’s best aligned for you. Please share any other questions in the comments!
