Both 4G and LTE are two types of technologies in the cellular network – 4G is the fourth generation of wireless mobile technology and 4G LTE is a standard for high-speed wireless communication technology. 4G is the successor of 3G and offers a much faster speed, more stability, high download speeds, and access to a larger variety of online activities such as HD video calling, live streaming, mapping, and online gaming. 4G LTE is a half-point between 3G and 4G hence, it does not actually meet the technical requirements of a 4G wireless network.
4G networks/fourth generation and Long-Term Evolution/LTE were introduced around the same time and often marketed together, but they are not the same. There are many differences between 4G and LTE, So, now let us see difference between 4G and 4G LTE along with Accurate 5g tester, 5G test equipment, 5g network tester tools and Accurate 4G Testing RF drive test software, Cellular LTE RF drive test tools & equipment.
What is 4G?
4G refers to the 4th generation of cellular network technology, which is optimized based on 3G, performing reliably, more excellently, and delivering much higher speeds. 4G is incorporated with greater speed, which means users can stream media (such as videos or MP3s), browse the Internet, and download data with less buffering. For mobile users who use smartphones and tablets, in that context, the connection speeds with 4G need to have a peak of at least 100 megabits per second. For users who use more stationary applications such as mobile hotspots, connection speeds with 4G need to have a peak at least 1 gigabit per second.
However, to use 4G in 4G-enabled devices, the users must be in 4G network-covered areas, for example, when users with 4G devices are in areas that offer only 3G, smartphones and other devices will switch over to 3G, so for this reason, 4G users can utilize 4G properly when they are in 4G network-covered areas. Moreover, 4G is combined WLAN with 3G thereby making the image transmit faster and look clearer. Although 5G has been rolled out in the global market, 4G is still adopted by most people and occupies the dominant position.
What is 4G LTE?
4G LTE is a type of 4G technology but not the same, it is upgraded from 3G and a transition between 3G and 4G – 4G LTE is 10 times faster than 3G technology and a little slower than 4G. LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a technical standard for wireless data communication called 3.9G – created for constantly optimizing cellular network technology to meet the higher requirements of clients. 4G LTE improves the air access technology of 3G, reduces the system latency, adopts OFDM and MIMO and provides the maximum downstream speed of 100Mbit/t and upstream speed of 50Mbit/s at 20MHz.
4G LTE is providing a massive range of potential speeds that covers the entire range between 3G’s average 3 Mbps to 4G’s 100 Mbps. However, download speeds on 4G LTE range from 12-30 Mbps, with faster speeds available in major cities.
Major differences between 4G and 4G LTE
- 4G uses packet switching for data transfers, while LTE uses circuit switching.
- Compared to 4G LTE, 4G’s coverage area is higher but depends on where you are.
- 4G is faster and more reliable than LTE.
- The signal strength of LTE is slightly better than 4G.
- 4G has better latency than LTE and is better suited for sharing hotspots than LTE.
- Users on 4G consume more data compared to LTE.
Conclusion
There are sometimes or some areas where 4G or 4G LTE may not be available. Are you struggling with poor network coverage, dropped calls, and so on? If these are the cases, it’s important to conduct network measurements. For this, you can choose RantCell which will be beneficial for checking the performance of your network deployment 4G/4G LTE. RantCell is a SaaS-based RF testing tool or mobile phone-based non-traditional app that can monitor your network regularly to improve the performance of your network or help you maintain a stable network 5G/4G coverage.
When 4G is networthexposed available in most areas, 4G LTE is not, for this reason, it’s important to check your carrier’s coverage map. When 4G LTE is something crucial for you, you will want to find a carrier that offers the most 4G LTE coverage. If you are willing to test the different network speeds yourself then it’s also a good idea to visit a wireless retail location. However, if you need the fastest speeds available, you will buy a smartphone that will support 4G LTE and get a carrier that offers LTE services.
