If you’ve landed on this article, you’ve probably seen the term LTE before. However, if someone were to ask you, what LTE means, what would you say? This blog seeks to answer the question of what is LTE. It also tells you why LTE matters for your business.
So, what is LTE? The acronym stands for Long Term Evolution. The simplified LTE definition is that it is the pathway and technology behind the 4G cellular connection. Some LTE definitions indicate that LTE and 4G are synonymous, but that’s not the case.
The development of the fourth generation (4G) wireless standard began in 2010. There were two competing systems, Wimax and LTE. LTE proved to be the superior technology and became the default system for LTE hence the 4G LTE.
After knowing what LTE is, understanding how it functions is also essential for implementation. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU-R) upgrades requirements for cellular transmission to meet market demands. LTE technology responded to the effort to upgrade from 3G to a 4G network.
It uses the OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) schematics to break data transmission bits and reassemble them at the receiving point. Picture transporting disassembled furniture efficiently and then assembling it at its destination. In a nutshell, that explains what is LTE and how it works.
LTE delivers numerous packets of data to an IPS (Internet protocol system). It includes MIMO (multiple input, multiple outputs) antenna technologies making it versatile.
The evolution of LTE and the evolution of cellular networks are interlinked. What is LTE in relation to 4G? Here, we’ll answer this question by diving into the history of cellular networks.
The second generation (2G), an GSM (Global Systems for Mobile), developed in the early 1990s.
The third generation (3G) was developed in the 2000s based on Code Division Multiple Access technologies and is currently in use.
The 4G was developed in 2010 based on LTE technology and is currently in use.
The 5G was developed in 2020 based on SBA (Service-based Architecture) and is currently rolling out.
The evolution of LTE technology has undergone various processes to get to where it is now. The image below gives a brief of this evolution. The growth of LTE technology has undergone multiple procedures to get to where it is now. The image below shows a brief of this evolution.
Having explored what is LTE and how it came to exist, you might be wondering what does LTE mean for my business? Below are some of the ways that LTE is beneficial for your business:
High Data Transmission speeds
LTE download speed is up to 12 to 30 Megabits per second. This high data rate means faster download and upload of online content for web and mobile applications supporting your business which, in turn, means increased productivity.
Low Latency
The ODFMA supporting LTE technology ensures low latency translating to fewer delays in transmitting large data loads. This latency means that the process is fast and efficient even when you send large packets of data. The LTE allows you to back up your data, download files, and access data remotely.
Reliability on Video and Live-Streaming
The post-COVID world has us relying more on video conferencing and live streaming than we did before. LTE allows us to work remotely and connect with colleagues and partners in different cities and countries.
Long-Life Devices
Faster data transfer saves battery life since devices perform large tasks in shorter periods. The long-life batteries translate to cost-saving for businesses.
Widespread Coverage
LTE-M has an extensive global widespread presence. It is present in over 100 countries. For businesses with an international presence or aspiring ones, LTE technology is highly beneficial. This, coupled with high video quality, allows business operations to run virtually.
No Overload on the Network
Despite allowing multiple users and large data transmission, LTE-supported networks do not overload. LTE is highly reliable and has a high capacity to support your business needs. The high speed and low latency mean there is no point in system overloading or crashes.
IoT (Internet of Things) refers to physical objects connected to sensors to collect and exchange data with other devices over the internet. The LTE and IoT combination offers many business opportunities by linking devices that were otherwise not connected. IoT LTE solutions provide opportunities to build sturdy, long-lasting LTE devices for various applications at an affordable cost.
LTE-M (LTE Mobile) is compatible with the existing 5G network, which makes it adaptable to future technology. LTE-M is functional in several sectors, such as health, education, agriculture, and industrial or manufacturing.
Some of the benefits of IoT LTE include:
The technology can be used for both fixed and mobile devices, making it versatile in application.
LTE-M use cases include:
At KORE, we know what is LTE and how beneficial it is to your business. KORE offers customized LTE-based IoT solutions to make your company competitive in the 21st Century. The solutions are flexible and customized to fit various business sectors regardless of the size of your business. We have partnered with over 250 roaming partners in over 200 countries. The best part is that with one SIM, you can manage all your devices in one place without having to move from one network provider to another.
Here’s how we can help your business adapt to the IoT technology:
LTE-enabled IoT offers businesses a whole range of opportunities to collect and share data within their operations. At KORE, we can help your business to the next level. Get started today and get connected to the best that IoT has to offer.