Long-term evolution
(also LTE)
Long-term evolution definition
Long-term evolution (LTE) is a standard that is used to deliver data faster to mobile devices and data terminals around the world. It was developed and launched in 2008 by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), using the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA standards as the foundation for this new tech.
Additionally, long-term evolution is the technology that powers 4G, the fourth generation of mobile communications that was developed in the same period as long-term evolution. Moreover, the two are interconnected because long-term evolution is used to improve the capacity and speed at which 4G networks deliver and transfer information.
So, most users have probably seen long-term evolution in the form of LTE in the corner of their mobile phone screens, which serves to indicate that their devices are connected to the 4G LTE network that their carrier provides.
See also: dynamic IP, data transmission
Long-term evolution benefits
- Provides lower latency and significantly better performance compared to 3G networks.
- Has fast data download speeds that are 5-10 faster than 3G.
- Supports data, voice (VoLTE), instant messaging, and video communication on smartphones and tablets.
- Uses a new radio interface with MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) radios for all devices.
- Almost globally available for both customer and commercial use.
- Runs on a simplified network architecture that is IP-based.