4G vs LTE: Understanding the Key Differences

This article clarifies the differences between 4G and LTE. It also provides links to understand the evolution from 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and even 6G wireless technologies.

4G stands for “fourth generation” of wireless technology. LTE, a specific standard-based technology, falls under the 4G umbrella.

Therefore, while the term “4G” can be used to describe LTE, the reverse isn’t always accurate. Other wireless technologies, such as Mobile WiMAX, LTE-Advanced, and IMT-Advanced, also exist under the 4G banner.

4G: A Step Up From 3G

Before 4G, we had 3G technologies like WCDMA and CDMA2000. The development of 4G technologies relied on key concepts:

• OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access): A technique for transmitting data using multiple carrier frequencies.
• SDR (Software Defined Radio): Radios where the communication protocols are defined in software.
• MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Using multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to improve data throughput.

These concepts were crucial to the success of 4G.

LTE: The Long Term Evolution

LTE stands for “Long Term Evolution”. The LTE standard was initially published in 3GPP Release 8.

(Refer to a dedicated LTE article for a deeper dive into LTE features).

4G vs LTE: A Comparison

The following table compares 4G and LTE, helping to understand their meanings and differences: