Modern infocommunication technologies and electronics are developing at such a speed that it is already difficult and unthinkable for an ordinary layman to imagine himself not only without a smartphone or tablet, but also without access to the Internet. Thus, Internet-connected gadgets have surpassed desktops and laptops mainly due to the advent of 3G.
Turning to history, you can see that almost every ten years, since the 1970s, when the 1G standard was developed, more and more new types of communication appear. By 1990, 2G was adopted, and in the early 2000s, the 3G standard was introduced. It wasn't until 2010 that the IP-based network began to spread around the world under the name 4G. Each new standard communication differs from the previous frequency range, the size of the bandwidth and bit rate, as well as the maintenance of the network itself.
4G is a new generation of technology for receiving and transmitting data, which can work with a bandwidth of more than 100 Mbps for mobile subscribers and more than 1 Gbps for fixed network subscribers, respectively.
Back in 2012, such wireless technologies of this generation as WiMAX 2 (WMAN-Advanced, IEEE 802.16m) and LTE Advanced (LTE-A) were presented.
Technological features
Requirements for the data exchange rate of 100 Mbit / s for mobile and 1 Gbit / s for fixed 4G communication receivers were presented back in 2008 by the International Telecommunication Union. However, initially the LTE and WiMAX standards did not meet the above requirements, although they were considered the fourth generation. Only with the launch of LTE-Advanced did the network speed reach the required value.
As for the difference from the previous 3G standard, in the fourth, the principle of data transmission is based on the packet protocols IPv4 and IPv6. VoLTE technology is provided for voice transmission.
Radio planning and network maintenance specialists regularly monitor and implement innovations to increase the maximum speed and quality of information reception / transmission, since 4G must meet the following conditions:
Mandatory use of IP protocols.
Bandwidth for subscribers moving at speeds up to 33.3 m / s.
Dynamic partitioning to optimize network processes.
40 MHz bandwidth.
Excellent quality of mobile systems.
As for the hardware part, such corporations as Siemens, Huawei, Nokia are engaged in the production of equipment. Qualcomm manufactures modem microprocessors that can work in several standards at once.
The difference between 4G and 3G
The first thing that is immediately noticeable when using the new generation is a tenfold increase in traffic speed, that is, in 3G it ranges from 348 kbps for mobile subscribers and from 2 Mbps for fixed subscribers.
It is worth noting that gadgets that have a built-in 4G module can also work in 3G. Methods of transmitting and receiving information are also significantly different. 3G is characterized by both voice and packet methods, while 4G is only packet-based.
Since the third generation appeared much earlier than the fourth, the coverage area is also many times larger.
Also, the triple has code division of signals, which ensures a reliable and uninterrupted connection when switching from one base station to another.
Advantages and disadvantages
By far, the biggest advantage over other sources of network access is mobility and portability, without being tied to a cable, cord, or range.
The other side of the coin is the not quite perfect 4G coverage. Therefore, you can count on stable work only within large cities or megalopolises. But the main condition for connectivity is a built-in or external modem.
If we compare mobile communication and wi-fi, then here the latter has a clear advantage in terms of speed. This also applies to power consumption, since wifi modules consume battery power several times less than 4G modems.
Another weighty argument when choosing a 4G modem is the relatively high price of such devices, as well as the cost of the Internet, which depends on the operator's tariff.
After analyzing the above text, we can come to the conclusion that at this stage of development, which is now 4G, such a standard is best suited for fast Internet access, web surfing, viewing mail, news, video, audio and personal accounts, but not for full download of large files.
5G perspective
At the moment, the world's leading manufacturers and operators of telecommunications equipment and services are already developing the latest 5G standard. The announcement is predicted by 2020. The concept assumes a multitasking network, multi-switching functionality, and permanent job gadgets and devices online. The main focus is on high energy efficiency, which means very low energy consumption of the equipment.
Video about what 4G LTE communication means, what is the difference between 4G and 3G?
LTE is a wireless mobile communication standard that became widespread in 2010. Replacing 3G, the new fourth generation standard marked the beginning of an era of really fast and reliable mobile internet... 4G allowed users, using smartphones, not only to easily open almost any sites, even loaded with a variety of content, but also to fully use Skype, view videos of any quality through them. The availability of a high-quality Internet connection of the fourth generation wireless mobile communication standard is based on the fact that 4G LTE uses orthogonal frequency control (in a radio channel), and at the network level is based on IP technologies.
4G LTE Specifications and Features
The carrier frequency of the bandwidth of 4G networks is in the region from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz. Compared to the previous 3G standard, 4G LTE has lower latency in data transmission, which is an extremely important factor when exchanging significant volumes of media content.
Bandwidth
A distinctive feature of 4G LTE is the provision of a peak throughput of the return channel in excess of 100 Mbps. In theory, the fourth generation standard can provide internet speeds of up to 300 Mbps.
Work speed
The presence of an Internet speed of at least 100 Mbit / s, as well as the speed of more than 300 Mbit / s provided for by the standard, largely depends on the congestion of the networks and on the location of the subscriber. At the same time, the possible incoming Internet speed (LTE Advanced) can be up to 3 Gbps, and outgoing up to 1.5 Gbps. 
Moving from LTE to LTE Advanced is easy. To do this, you just need to update the software and change the base stations of the operator.
Advantages
Support for 4G LTE networks by a smartphone will provide the user with low-cost traffic and reliability of the communication channel, provide high bandwidth and reduce delays.
Best 4G LTE smartphones
1. One of best smartphones supporting 4G standard is Samsung Galaxy S4, which is the best-selling Android device. In addition, its smaller version (Mini) also retained LTE support, without reducing functionality and speed characteristics. 
2. Another great 4G LTE smartphone is Htc one... The presence of a presentable look and powerful functionality is perfectly complemented by a fast and reliable LTE Internet. 
3. Of the representatives of Nokia, an excellent model that supports the use of 4G networks is Nokia Lumia 925... This is one of the best smartphones running on operating system Windows. 
4. One of best representatives in the smartphone market is certainly IPhone 6... The availability of 4G LTE networks, including for residents of Russia, along with powerful functionality, put it on a par with the most popular phones in the world. 
5. It is worth noting such a business smartphone as BlackBerry Q10... Having slightly lost its position, it still remains a very popular phone with support for 4G LTE network and having a QWERTY keyboard. 
Let's figure out what LTE is in a smartphone, and how it differs from the usual 3G. What data transmission technologies are offered by the fourth generation networks, and what will it give to users?
What is LTE
Many smartphones support LTE, but not all users know yet what that means.
LTE (literally from English. Long-Term Evolution- long-term development, often referred to as 4G LTE) Is a communication standard for fast wireless transmission of information in any volume. Designed for smartphones and others mobile devices who require a high-speed internet connection.
The standard is an intermediate stage in the transition from 3G to 4G... Connecting to such a network significantly increases the data transfer rate of both download and upload. But despite this, it falls short of the technical characteristics adopted for the next fourth generation of communication.
Data transmission technology
The next generation network provides connectivity at speeds up to 100 Mbps (theoretically maximum speed). In reality, it is an order of magnitude lower, the technology is still significantly ahead of the previous standard. It is based on MIMO packet data transmission and OFDM coding system. Due to the distribution of the transmitting antennas, correlation dependence is completely eliminated. V different countries communication works on different bands. Even different telecom operators within a country often use different frequency bands.
Comparison with 3G
If we compare the last two generations of the network, operating and only developing, the following conclusions will be obtained:
All these are undoubted superiorities new network... But there are also disadvantages, 3G during its existence boasts an extensive coverage area. LTE is present today only in a number of large cities in the country.
LTE and 4G
Both standards belong to the same generation, they have a number of differences. These technologies are not the same.
What is the difference between LTE and 4G:
- lower data upload speed;
- low bandwidth (LTE - 150 Mb / s, 4G - up to 1 Gb.);
- lower reception speed.
Pros of using in phones and tablets
What are the benefits for users of the introduction of new communication standards?
LTE in the phone:
- watching videos in high quality without delays;
- use of video communication for calls and for video conferencing;
- effective use as a router for distributing WiFi.
The increase in data transfer speed helps to expand services and reduce their cost.
What operators provide in Russia
All leading companies provide subscribers with this opportunity. Also, operators provide users with modems and pocket routers to access the network.
- Megafon has a wide coverage area, but a higher cost of services, in contrast to competitors. Offers up to 40 GB monthly, a separate option is connected to access the Internet via LTE.
- MTS has a smaller coverage area. The subscription fee for communication services is lower than that of the previous competitor, and the volumes are limited to 25 GB.
- Beeline provides a special SIM card with LTE support. It should be noted that the coverage area of this operator is wider than that of MTS.
- Tele2 is also introducing LTE. But so far, access is available only in large cities.
How to connect to LTE
If the smartphone supports LTE, then it is enough to have a correctly configured access point to connect. As soon as the gadget is in the 4G coverage area, it will automatically switch to a high-speed network.
4G is a fourth generation mobile communication that allows data transfer at speeds exceeding 100 Mbps for mobile devices. It is not surprising that more and more users want to know how to enable 4G LTE on Android: before, this speed was only on computers.
Before trying to connect 4G, you need to make sure that your mobile device supports this standard. If you have a modern smartphone, then no problems should arise, but it is advisable to check its specification on the manufacturer's website or in any major online equipment store.
The next step is to check the operator and the coverage area. On the website of each mobile operator there is a network coverage map with the ability to switch between different standards. This map clearly shows that if 2G and 3G are almost everywhere, then the 4G network is just beginning to spread across the country. 
4G must be supported not only by the phone, but also by the SIM card. You can usually find out if a SIM card will work on the fourth generation network using the USSD command. For example, TELE2 subscribers need to dial * 156 # on their phone and press the call button. In response, you will receive an SMS with the result. If the SIM-card does not support the LTE standard, you can replace it with another one in the communication salon. After inserting a new SIM card into your phone, you will receive a message with settings for working on a 4G network.
If the device has a "clean" Android without shells from third-party developers, then to enable 4G, you must perform the following steps:
Changes are saved automatically, so you can exit the settings and take advantage of all the advantages of modern communication. To connect to the mobile Internet, lower the top menu on the work screen and activate data transfer. 
Another option - in the same section where you chose the type of network, check the box next to the item "Data transmission". In response to a warning that an open connection may result in data transfer and associated costs, click OK. The costs in the situation under consideration are mobile traffic set by the operator in the tariff.
On Samsung phones, the process for enabling 4G is slightly different due to the nature of the shell stretched over Android. To use the fourth generation network:
As a result, a smartphone from Samsung will start working in the 4G network, provided that other requirements are met: the device supports the standard and is in the coverage area.
If the phone does not work in the 4G network, then the reasons for the problem may be different:
- The mobile device does not support the 4G-LTE standard.
- The operator does not provide services for access to the 4G network.
- The phone is out of range.
- Mobile internet is not configured.
If it is difficult to cope with the first three reasons, then each user can check the state of the mobile Internet and, if necessary, configure it. The first step is to make sure that mobile data is turned on. 
The terms LTE and 4G have been around for a long time and are gradually becoming part of vocabulary modern man, and with the advent of a new generation of Android smartphones and the release of the iPhone 5, we just need to know more about this technology, just so that there is no confusion, and for general development.
In this article, we will try to give the simplest answers to the most popular questions about LTE.
What is LTE?
Developed by the consortium 3GPP Long Term Evolution (literally translated, "long-term development"), in the generally accepted abbreviated form - LTE - is a new standard for mobile networks with increased bandwidth and data transfer rate. LTE uses different frequencies, but operates on the basis of the used GSM / HSPA networks, in fact, being their improved version. The term 4G, or "fourth generation wireless communication" is used synonymously with LTE, emphasizing the differences between this standard and 3G. According to preliminary forecasts, by 2016 the total number of mobile broadband subscribers could reach 5 billion people.
How LTE (4G) differs from 3G
First of all, you need to understand that 4G LTE is an evolutionary, not a revolutionary way of development, involving the use of the capabilities of the existing infrastructure. 3G networks will continue to fulfill the task of delivering broadband services to billions of mobile device users with equal efficiency for a long time to come. But 4G, nevertheless, confidently predict the role of the generally accepted mobile communication standard in view of a number of obvious advantages of 4G LTE technology, the main of which are:
- higher productivity and bandwidth;
- Simplicity - LTE supports flexible bandwidth options from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz, as well as frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division (TDD) data duplex.
- latency - in LTE, a significantly lower delay in data transmission for user plane protocols in comparison with existing third generation technologies (an extremely important advantage, for example, for servicing multiplayer online games).
- a wide range of end devices - it is planned to equip not only smartphones and tablets with LTE modules, but also laptops, game consoles, video cameras and other portable and household devices.
LTE speed
The capabilities of LTE technology provide for a data transfer rate of up to 299.6 Mbit / s for download and up to 75.4 Mbit / s for upload. However, in LTE, the speed in each specific case largely depends on both the location of the user and the current load on the network. But LTE is evolving: two years ago, at the MWC-2010, a possible peak bandwidth of up to 1.2 Gbps was demonstrated. Nevertheless, for example, in Singapore, where the national LTE coverage is provided by the operator M1, the average download speed in LTE does not exceed 75 Mbps. In the near future, the company is going to increase the speed to 150 Mbit / s by using the frequencies that are currently used to support the outdated 2G standard.
Why are LTE frequencies different in different countries?
Despite the fact that LTE is very actively developing all over the world, there is no single frequency band on which 4G operators work in different countries of the world. This is due to the fact that the radio frequency spectrum in many states is under the control of government agencies, and the activities of operators are licensed. In different countries, certain frequencies are already used by other services (like digital TV), so telecommunications companies have to use those that are currently available and wait for the opportunity to access the new band, as is the case with the Singapore M1.
Most commonly used LTE frequencies
In Asian countries, this is 1800 MHz or 2600 MHz. It is on these frequencies that operators in Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea... In Japan and the USA - 700 MHz or 2100 MHz. In Europe - 1800 MHz or 2600 MHz.
In Russia, LTE licenses were obtained by Rostelecom (791-798.5 / 832-839.5 MHz, Band 20), MTS (798.5-806 / 839.5-847 MHz, Band 20), Megafon (806-813.5 / 847 -854.5 MHz, Band 20) and VimpelCom (“) (813.5-821 / 854.5-862 MHz, Band 20), which will start providing 4G LTE services from July next year.
In Ukraine, LTE networks are just beginning to develop, and, according to experts, at least one and a half years will pass before the start of its full-fledged commercial operation. The reasons for this lag are problems with regulation and licensing, as well as insufficient capacity of the transport network.
A universal LTE smartphone?
There is no such device yet, since manufacturers have not yet developed such a compact antenna that could provide reception and transmission of a signal at least at the most popular LTE frequencies at the same time. Therefore, they say that an iPhone 5 purchased in the States may not work in Asian and European LTE networks. But you shouldn't get upset too much, there is always a universal one, available in all countries of the world. However, if we take into account the global trend towards the shift of telecom operators towards the LTE standard and the rate of release of previously occupied frequency ranges, then in the future we can expect the emergence of a common frequency range in different countries and regions of the world. This means that the problem of developing a universal LTE smartphone can be somewhat simplified and its creation is only a matter of time. Let's hope this happens very soon.
4G LTE is expensive
Like the 3G standard in its time, the new 4G is also not yet democratic in terms of tariff setting. Cheap 4G LTE is not yet offered, so users have to pay more for speed and performance. However, LTE really gets expensive if you ignore the amount of data downloaded or transferred.
LTE smartphones on sale
In addition to the aforementioned iPhone 5, which Apple will begin selling on September 21 this year, several more smartphones can work with LTE networks: HTC One XL, Samsung Galaxy S II LTE, LG Optimus True HD LTE and the Galaxy Note LTE. Also, the LG Optimus G and Galaxy S3 LTE should be on sale soon.
LTE technology news
In our country, the 4G LTE standard is still only a prospect, and not the closest one. However, for those who often travel abroad, there are plenty of opportunities to experience all the benefits of LTE. The growing popularity of this communication standard is also evidenced by the fact that the new iPhone 5 from Apple is released in three different options, each of which is designed for a specific LTE frequency band. So the model A1428 (GSM) iPhone 5 supports LTE only in the US and Canada and operates at 700MHz. The A1429 (CDMA) model is aimed at the networks of the US operators Sprint and Verizon, as well as the Japanese KDDI.
And finally, the A1429 (GSM) iPhone 5 operates at 850 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz and is the most versatile, since these frequencies are used for LTE communications in many countries of the world (except for the USA and Canada). Apple support states that the A1429 (GSM) model is LTE compatible in Australia, Hong Kong, Germany, Korea, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. In other words, this means that if you live in Ukraine and often visit Europe, then when ordering iPhone 5 from other countries, choose A1429 (GSM). Accordingly, those who visit the US more often should buy the A1428 (GSM) iPhone 5. Also, do not forget that this regional distinction concerns only LTE-specific devices, in 3G networks each of them will work in any region of the planet.
Samsung may acquire Nokia Siemens Networks(Aug 3, 2012)
South Korean corporation Samsung is exploring the possibility of acquiring NSN, one of the largest manufacturers of universal equipment for communication networks. According to independent analysts and experts, the deal could be worth fifty-five billion dollars. An NSN spokesperson said that Samsung's management is interested in mass shipments and global production of equipment for unique wireless networks mobile communication.
It should be recalled that today there are not so many mobile companies in the world capable of making this purchase, but on international market of operator equipment, such an asset would only be affordable for Ericsson or Huawei. However, such a financial deal does not fit into the strategic policy of Ericsson, and the second corporation already has a similar infrastructure. It should be mentioned that as potential buyer NSN is considering a Chinese corporation. As for the South Korean manufacturer of mobile equipment, Samsung previously produced branded stations for the WiMAX model, but this service lost its leading position. innovative technology LTE.
