LTE: the global standard for wireless communication
From 1G to 3G, each generation of mobile networks had its specific standards. This is also true for 4G: for a network to be recognized as ‘4G,’ it must meet several performance requirements imposed by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). At the launch of 4G, the WiMax, HSPA+, and LTE network standards emerged.
To better understand, let’s break down these two terms:
- 4G
4G is the term used to describe the fourth generation of mobile network technology. Compared to 3G, it offers better performance both in terms of data speeds and network capacity. With 4G networks, connection speeds are significantly higher, coverage is improved, and latency is lower than in previous generations. 4G has thus paved the way for the advent of smartphones, opening up new possibilities, especially for watching high-definition videos and online gaming.
- LTE
LTE, which stands for Long-Term Evolution, refers to a wireless standard that provides high-speed data connectivity. Developed by the 3GPP and used by mobile operators worldwide, it is one of the most commonly utilized standards in 4G networks. Its strength? It offers a fast mobile browsing experience, enabling browsing speeds of up to 150 Mbps, especially in large cities. On average, it operates around 15 Mbps depending on the location. To transmit data, LTE networks use radio wave frequencies.
Currently, 4G LTE is the most widely used mobile phone technology. According to a report from the GSMA (Global Mobile Suppliers’ Association), 60% of mobile users worldwide were using 4G LTE as of December 2023.
Good to know:
While LTE strives to meet as closely as possible the criteria set by the ITU, the standard that truly corresponds to 4G is LTE-Advanced, an optimized version of LTE.”
LTE-M: the cellular network Dddicated to IoT
Today, LTE networks are used by IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. Due to their high speed and data throughput, they enable devices to connect with each other and send and receive data in real-time.
While LTE is 4G, LTE-M is the 4G network optimized for connected devices. The ‘M’ stands for ‘Machine-to-Machine‘ or M2M. This technology, standardized by the 3GPP, offers several advantages in terms of:”
- mobility: a connected device can be mobile and change coverage areas without loss of signal;
- coverage: allows for use both outdoors and indoors within buildings;
- battery management: energy-saving functions such as PSM and eDRX help extend the battery life of devices and reduce maintenance costs.
LTE-M is part of the LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) networks, which combine low energy consumption with long-range capabilities.
Also read: LTE-M or NB-IoT: which protocol to choose?
5G: the future network for connecting any device
Since 2020, 4G has a successor: 5G. The world is gradually moving towards this latest generation of mobile network, which represents a significant leap forward in terms of latency, speed, network capacity, and reliability. For consumers and businesses, the overall experience is vastly improved: they can download and browse the internet faster, with fewer interruptions.
Following LTE for 4G, the 3GPP has developed a new global standard for 5G: 5G New Radio (NR). Designed to support a wide range of applications for both consumers and industries, it offers extremely fast and responsive mobile experiences. 5G NR is the radio standard for 5G network deployments.
What’s its main advantage? Ultra-high speeds reaching up to 20 Gbps. The response time is reduced to nearly 1ms. Lastly, it can handle a massive number of device connections.”
5G heralds a promising future for connectivity and the growth of IoT. Its numerous advantages pave the way for new possibilities, such as autonomous cars, smart cities, and automated factories.
In the market, two networks are ‘5G-ready’ and perfectly compatible with 5G technology: LTE-M and NB-IoT. Each with their own strengths, they stand out as the essential protocols for IoT (Internet of Things) projects.”
For Our Technical Experts
The 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) is a global organization that brings together seven telecommunications standards-development organizations. Their goal? To develop technical specifications (the 3GPP standards) to ensure uniformity and interoperability among the various mobile networks.
Summary table of different cellular technology standards:
| Common Name | 2G | 3G | 4G | 5G |
| Standards | GSM – GPRS -EDGE | UMTS/HSxPA | LTEA – LTE+ – LTE-A … | NR |
Objenious, your Partner in Realizing Your IoT Projects
Are you a manufacturer of connected devices? At Objenious, a Bouygues Telecom brand dedicated to IoT, we offer tailored support. We provide both LTE-M and NB-IoT and have been covering more than 99% of the French population since the end of 2022. We are also present in over 126 countries! The result: guaranteed performance for your connected devices, even in rural areas. Contact our experts to be guided in your technological choices and discover our digital offers.