LTE support is often found in the characteristics of modern smartphones, but not every user knows what it is and how it will affect the operation of the gadget. In the article we will try to understand in detail, how it differs from other types of network connection and why a modern user needs it.
Mobile Internet is firmly entrenched in the lives of most cellular users. Its speed and quality are of no small importance, therefore, engineers of cellular operators are constantly developing new standards, LTE is one of them. It provides highly efficient high-speed data transfer.
In fact, the standard is an intermediate option required for the transition from third-generation networks to fourth-generation networks. The classification of mobile data transmission standards today is as follows.
- 2G is the 2000 standard. The information transfer rate does not exceed 20 kbit. Implies the transfer of images, text files, voice messages. Today this network is available everywhere, but only used by legacy models.
- 3G is the standard of 2010 (the most active period of technology introduction). The transmission speed is not more than 3 megabits. Supports more features: video calling, movies online, free surfing the Internet.
- LTE or 4G - until now it is in the implementation stage and is not available everywhere. The high data transfer rate allows everything the same as the previous format, but at a higher quality level.
Thus, LTE is a modern and perfect standard for wireless data transmission.
What is the difference between gadgets that support LTE
Apart from the question of whetherit is worth figuring out why gadgets that support this standard are attractive. As a rule, all modern smartphones and tablets are designed for high-speed Internet connection, video communication or watching movies, as well as other projects and services that require high-speed data exchange. Unfortunately, 3G is not always able to provide and maintain the required speed, and without the possibility of LTE support, networks are not connected to the new format.
Device characteristics
Gadgets supporting the new standard have the following speed characteristics.
- The speed of information reception is up to 100 Mbps, which ensures fast downloading of video files, good quality of connection for online broadcasting. Working on the Internet at this speed proceeds without the slightest delay while waiting for the download.
- In addition to downloading, interacting with the Internet also means downloading information. The speed of this process is also at a high level and amounts to 50 Mbps.
- The speed when exchanging data with the network. Declared by the developers, but rarely actually observed in the process of work, it is 300 Mb / s reception and 170 Mb / s transmission.
Thus, devices equipped with LTE support have broad capabilities and the highest speed of data exchange with the Internet, provided that they are in the coverage area of the required standard.
It should be noted that the transition from one network to another, if all formats are supported, occurs automatically. At the same time, problems with reverse switching often arise. This can be attributed to the disadvantages of such devices, the return to the 3G standard after leaving the LTE coverage area occurs only by rebooting the device.
The capabilities of smartphones with LTE
The high quality of the mobile Internet is necessary for all its users, therefore, understandingit is worth giving preference to just such a device. What the user will get as a result:
- with the characteristics that are the highest possible under current conditions;
- not only video viewing without delays and additional downloads, but also video communication and online conferences;
- in addition, they try to make such devices as accessible as possible to users, so there are models of various price categories.
Before buying a smartphone that supports the standard of communication with the Internet, it is worth clarifying in the accompanying documents the frequency range that are available to the gadget. It often happens that the device is designed for values that do not meet Russian standards.
A smartphone with support for high-speed Internet access can be used as a router and distribute Wi Fi to other devices, phones or tablets. With a good volume of traffic, it is permissible to connect even a laptop or PC to the network if you have the necessary adapter.
Most premium gadgets are equipped with this feature, and it is one of the standard ones. For example, Apple smartphones are equipped with the ability to use a high-speed network connection starting from model 5, and 6 are already fully connected to the network in the ranges available in Russia.
What are the prospects
People did not have time to really understand the technology, and on the sidelines they are already whispering that the appearance of fifth-generation networks is not far off. In this connection, we can safely count on the fact that LTE-4G will soon become available in most regions of the country.
But what else can be read to users, it would seem, is much better, the download and upload speed allows you to use the Internet at a high level. Nevertheless, further developments imply:
- increasing the speed and increasing the quality of data transmission in the mobile network;
- the emergence of new formats of services based on the mobile Internet with high-speed connections;
- improving the quality of mobile services provided that its cost is reduced.
Thus, when buying a smartphone, you should not deny yourself the opportunity to use the Internet through a network of the highest standards. Even despite the fact that today the coverage of the 4G zone allows only residents of the central regions of the country to access it, the technology is spreading rapidly.
High-speed Internet technologies have made great strides over the past few years, and if not long ago only large cities could boast of mobile Internet at good speed, now third and fourth generation networks can be used in most of Russia. Each of the mobile operators provides high-speed Internet, constantly expanding coverage and improving the quality of services. LTE and 4G what is the difference - find out further.
What is the difference
Fourth generation networks are now used by mobile operators as an optimal combination of Internet speed and service availability. But the marketing services of operators, along with the term 4G, also mention LTE technology, meaning the same high-speed mobile Internet: the speed ranges of these technologies are approximately the same, so users almost always do not understand how 4G differs from LTE.
The manufacturers of smartphones and tablets are not lagging behind, promising support and 4-ji in their gadgets, because this definitely gives them advantages in the eyes of buyers. To understand the meaning of the terms that mean high-speed Internet standards, you need to understand what LTE and 4G mean and what is the difference between them.
What is 4G
This is the common name for the fourth generation mobile networks, which began to develop in 2008. The main requirement for cellular operators implementing this standard was the provision of Internet speed from 100 Mbps (for mobile users) to 1 Gbps (for stationary subscribers). Due to this, 4-Ji networks were supposed to surpass the previous, third generation of mobile networks tens and hundreds of times.
In addition, VoIP technology was introduced for the first time in 4th generation networks, which allows combining voice communication with data transmission. Along with the improvement in Internet speed indicators, this should have reduced the cost of voice calls by optimizing the technology.
In fact, the operators failed to achieve the declared speed, but the concept was “promoted” in the ITU (International Telecommunication Union, ITU), and the service began to be sold under the guise of a full-fledged 4G Internet.
It was possible to record speeds close to the declared values only during the development of the 4G standard. LTE technology was the initial stage of this development and remains the most widespread of them today.
What is LTE
When the question arises about LTE - what is it and how it differs from 4-Ji, it is worth starting with a literal translation. Long Term Evolution (long-term evolution) is only one of the technologies related to the standard of the fourth generation of mobile networks, the first to be allocated in a separate direction; a kind of first step towards the parameters that a full-fledged 4G network should have. It also did not provide the declared 100 Mbps, but the potential convinced the ITU to classify it as the fourth generation due to some new solutions in the field of digitalization and signal modulation.
Therefore, now these 2 concepts are considered identical and are actively promoted by both mobile operators and manufacturers of mobile devices. Despite the fact that this network does not provide the promised 100 Mbit / s, LTE technology provides a stable connection with low ping, which is enough for most tasks, including voice and video calls, as well as watching online video in HD resolution.
From a technical point of view, only LTE-Advanced can be attributed to fourth-generation networks - "improved LTE", demonstrating speeds up to 300 Mbps in tests. In addition, this technology has already "learned" to use several at the same time, which allows, in theory, to increase the quality of the Internet for users without a pronounced dependence on their number.
“Simple” LTE would be technically more correct to be considered an improved version of a 3G network, since it is closer to the parameters of this standard than to the requirements of 4G networks.
When buying a mobile gadget, a knowledgeable user pays attention to the presence of LTE in the phone, therefore at least 1 slot for a SIM card is marked with this abbreviation. In addition, the card is capable of functioning in a wireless modem, receiving mobile Internet and distributing it via Wi-Fi to other devices.
Comparison of 4G speeds vs LTE
The 4G network exhibits an impressive range of maximum values, but in working conditions it is practically unattainable. LTE in this sense loses to the "improved" version of the technology, so the difference between 4G (LTE-Advanced) and simple LTE in this regard is clear:
- the average data transfer rate of LTE is up to 29 Mbit / s, and full-fledged 4G LTE supports from 30 to 50 Mbit / s;
- channel throughput - 150 Mbit / s and up to 1 Gbit / s;
- upload speed - maximum 10 Mbps versus 50-60 Mbps.
What's better
In the context of speed modes, the answer is clear, but other factors should not be overlooked, which give a clear picture of what the difference is between 4G and LTE. LTE Advanced cannot yet please with its scale: in reality, this technology is available only in large cities of Russia. At the same time, not all operators provide this service, now only Megafon and Beeline have it.
Another important aspect in which these communication directions differ is compatibility with other standards. If a 4G network user leaves the coverage area, his device will seamlessly connect to an existing 3rd or 2nd generation network. LTE, on the other hand, is not compatible with 3G due to the peculiarities of the data digitization method, therefore, the user, leaving the coverage area, will lose connection with the Internet.
In addition, not all mobile devices support LTE technology, and not everyone will decide to purchase a new device in order to speed up the mobile Internet: for many users, the speeds of the 3G standard are sufficient.
Thus, it will be possible to give an unambiguous preference to LTE technology only when the coverage area is actively expanding, and other mobile operators begin to develop and sell a full-fledged 4G communication service.
05.03.2019
Promotion expired
In 2018, MTS began to actively promote the new VoLTE communication technology across Russia. With its help, you connect with the subscriber almost instantly and at the same time hear the person as clearly as if he was next to you. How VoLTE works, which smartphones support this technology - we will tell you in our material.
A few words about LTE
In order to understand what VoLTE is, you must first understand how LTE technology works. Long-Term Evolution is a modern standard for data transmission on the Internet, which is several times faster than a 3G connection. It is with its help that you can watch videos in HD quality without delays, download and upload large files.
Compare: download speed in LTE networks can reach up to 300 Mbit / s, and shipment - up to 170 Mbit / s. At the same time, the average speed of wired Internet hovers around only 100 Mbit / s.
But for a long time, LTE had a significant limitation. This technology is designed only for data transmission, not voice. That is, if you are on the LTE network and receive an incoming call, your gadget automatically switches to 2G / 3G. Because of this, there is a delay in the connection. In addition, the data transfer rate, which started in the LTE network, is reduced. The solution to such problems was VoLTE technology.
VoLTE in a smartphone
VoLTE (from English Voice over LTE - Voice over LTE) converts voice into a data stream, due to which you can make and receive calls over a high-speed IP channel. At the same time, the gadget does not waste time switching between communication systems, therefore, the connection takes place in 1–1.5 seconds. This technology has several significant advantages:
- High-quality sound transmission due to support for a set of HD Voice codecs. While in conventional telephony, sound is transmitted at a frequency of up to 3400 Hz, then when calling via VoLTE, the sound range rises to 7000 Hz or more. That is, you hear human speech without interference and distortion.
- Simultaneous calls and work with data. Using VoLTE, you can simultaneously talk on the phone, view Instagram, download a movie, navigate the terrain using a navigator, and so on.
- Increased mobile network capacity. One base station through VoLTE can serve 3 times more subscribers than through 3G. This means that you are not afraid of interruptions in communication due to congestion of the telephone line.
Which smartphones support VoLTE?
VoLTE technology works on many modern gadgets from Apple, Samsung, Sony, Huawei and others. You can see the full list of models.
How to set up VoLTE in a smartphone
VoLTE calls are easy to set up. As a rule, after a software update, a gadget turns on this mode automatically. If this does not happen, you can activate this option in the smartphone settings.
For smartphones with Android OS:Select the section "SIM-cards and mobile networks", find the command "Call VoLTE HD" and switch it to active mode.
This section may differ in name on different smartphone models.
For smartphones on IOS OS:Go to the "Settings" menu, select the "Cellular" section, then "Data Settings", find the "Enable LTE" command and switch it to active mode. If Voice & Data is disabled, enable it to enable VoLTE.
If you want to use VoLTE technology for calls to landline numbers, you need to dial the number in the format: + 7-city code-phone number. When dialing a number in a short format, the advantages of the technology are lost: such a call will be transferred to the 2G / 3G network at the place of your stay. Additionally, dialing the area code is not very convenient, but in this case you will definitely get through to where you need to, while traveling around Russia and the world.
How much is it?
The same amount as regular calls over 2G / 3G networks at the tariff you purchased. MTS does not provide any additional tariffication.
What if my smartphone does not support VoLTE?
This does not mean that you urgently need to run to the nearest cellular salon for a new mobile phone. It is enough to download the proprietary application "MTS Connect" and you can call from anywhere in the world saving on roaming charges. It doesn't matter if your interlocutor has a similar application installed.
We also present to your attention a selection of publications about VoLTE technology.
Modern smartphones and tablets have the ability to connect to the LTE standard, which assumes a higher wireless data transfer rate, in contrast to the same 3G format. The bandwidth of the Internet channel is increased due to the use of a new radio interface, as well as an improved network core.
LTE - what is it in a phone?
Wireless communication is gradually evolving. The old formats are being replaced by completely new data transfer standards. The transition link between 3G and 4G is LTE technology, which provides for the use of an improved radio interface and network core.
For the user, the benefits are as follows:
The LTE format is an enhancement to the GSM / UMTS standards. The use of new methods of digital signal processing and modulation has made it possible to increase the data transmission rate in the network. Simplification of the network architecture has provided an opportunity to reduce the latency in the exchange of data between devices. The standard wireless interface cannot be compatible with 2G and 3G formats, so a separate frequency is allocated for it.
Network characteristicsLTE:
- data download speed - up to 326.4 Mbps;
- data upload speed - up to 172.8 Mbit / s;
- latency can be reduced to 5 milliseconds;
- operating frequencies - from 1.4 to 20 MHz.
When connecting to an LTE network via Wi-Fi, many smartphone and tablet users have a problem that can be solved by changing the router configuration.
Differences between LTE and other standards
LTE technology is an improvement on the GSM / UMTS standards. The main purpose of this data transmission format is to increase the speed and bandwidth of the communication channel. Many refer to LTE as a fourth generation network, but in fact this standard does not meet the requirements that are provided by the International Telecommunication Union.
Unlike 3G, LTE networks operate on a different frequency and are therefore incompatible. They make it possible to provide a more comfortable service for Internet users by increasing the bandwidth of the channel and minimizing signal delays.
Mobile phones, when operating in LTE mode, consume 20 percent more power than analogs with a 3G module. The period of autonomous operation of a network device when used in such networks is significantly reduced. Unlike previous generation standards, LTE does not have such a wide coverage area.
Interesting: users can, according to their needs, through a standard application, including choosing the network through which the connection will be made.
How can you connect to LTE?
Often, if you have the ability to connect to the LTE network, your smartphone works in 3G mode. You can change the standard in the device settings. The way to choose a format will depend on the operating system of a particular mobile phone model. For quick access to the desired section, you can use the table.
Additionally: many Internet services, including the text messaging system, can be comfortably used via 3G. However, when exchanging large amounts of information, the LTE network will be the preferred solution.
Summing up
Users of many providers have the opportunity to connect their own smartphone or tablet to a high-speed connection, which can be provided through the use of the LTE network. All modern models of telephones and other communication devices have support for this standard, regardless of the operating system. To connect to such a network, you just need to select the appropriate mode in the settings.
However, the fourth generation, 4G, is spreading rapidly. The main standard in 4G at the moment is LTE. Strictly speaking, LTE was not the first fourth generation standard, the first widespread was the WiMAX standard. At first, the Yota network operated in it, and some operators still use WiMAX. The maximum speed of WiMAX is 40 Mbit / s, but the real indicators are in the range from 10 to 20 Mbit / s.
But back to LTE. It is he who is now most common in the world in general and in Russia in particular. But what is 4G LTE? LTE (from English. Long-Term Evolution) Is a wireless high-speed data transmission standard for mobile devices. It is based on all the same GSM / UMTS protocols, however, theoretical and real data transfer rates in LTE networks are much higher, sometimes even surpassing wired connections!
LTE FDD and LTE TDD: what are the differences?
The LTE standard is of two types, the differences between which are quite significant.FDD(Frequency Division Duplex) - the frequency separation of the incoming and outgoing channel.
TDD(Time Division Duplex) - time separation of the incoming and outgoing channel.
Roughly speaking, FDD is parallel LTE and TDD is serial LTE. For example, with a channel width of 20 MHz in FDD LTE, part of the range (15 MHz) is given for download, and part (5 MHz) for upload. Thus, the channels do not overlap in frequencies, which allows you to work simultaneously and stably for downloading and uploading data. In TDD LTE, the same 20 MHz channel is completely given both for downloading and for unloading, and data is transmitted to both sides alternately, while download still has priority. In general, FDD LTE is preferable because it is faster and more stable.
LTE frequencies
LTE networks (FDD and TDD) operate on different frequencies in different countries. In many countries, several frequency bands are operated at once. It should be noted that not all equipment can operate on different "bands", ie. frequency ranges. FDD bands are numbered from 1 to 31, TDD bands from 33 to 44. There are several additional standards that have not yet been assigned numbers. The specifications for frequency bands are called bands (BAND). In Russia and Europe, band 7, band 20, band 3 and band 38 are mainly used.
LTE frequencies in Russia
Here is a list of the frequency bands of 4G LTE networks in Russia of the Big Four operators (data at the end of 2019). There are also regional 4G LTE networks of local operators operating in other frequency bands, but we will not consider them in this article.
Frequency distribution of cellular communication channels in Russia
4G LTE speed
The most important criterion that subscribers are especially interested in, i.e. users of 4G LTE networks, is the data rate. And the speed primarily depends on the width (bandwidth) of the frequency range of a particular operator, as well as the type of duplex used in the network.
- 5 MHz band - 37 Mbps for receiving and 12 Mbps for transmitting
- 10 MHz band - 75 Mbps for receiving and 25 Mbps for transmitting
- 15 MHz band - 112 Mbps for receiving and 37 Mbps for transmitting
- 20 MHz band - 150 Mbps for receiving and 50 Mbps for transmitting
These indicators are typical for LTE cat.4 networks, which are currently the most common.
In LTE-Advanced networks (LTE cat.6, LTE cat.9, etc.), aggregation occurs, i.e. the summation of bands on different frequency ranges, thus achieving a significant increase in the speed of 4G LTE. For example, if you add a 10 MHz bandwidth from one band and a 20 MHz bandwidth from another, you get a bandwidth of 30 MHz and a speed of 225 Mbps. In some countries, aggregations of up to four bands are already working, which gives speeds up to 600 Mbit / s and higher. This is a tremendous data transfer rate for wireless networks. Read more about the real speed of the Internet in 4G LTE networks in our article.
4G LTE Perspectives
Despite the fact that the 4G LTE standard appeared several years ago, there are still no 3G networks in many regions of our country. So there is still room to grow. In the world, networks are already testing the 5th generation (5G), but in real conditions 4G LTE networks will dominate for a long time, since operators are actively developing them.
In many cases, 4G Internet is not only an alternative to a wired connection, but also an uncontested only option, including an economically viable one. Remote objects, the laying of a wire to which is associated with certain difficulties or risks, and sometimes even impossible, also need to be connected to the Internet. It is often possible to connect 4G internet even where there is no LTE coverage. For this, special 4G antennas that catch and amplify 4G LTE signal. To choose the right antenna, you need to know which operator's network you need to catch, at what frequency it operates, as well as in which duplex mode (FDD or TDD). Our specialists determine the type of signal, measure its parameters, select the appropriate equipment to ensure fast and stable Internet access via the 4G LTE network.