On the twelfth day of A2Z Challenge 2019, I shall talk about A2Z of LTE (Long-Term Evolution). LTE is a 4G (Fourth Generation) standard for wireless communication. It supports data transfer rates of upto 100mbps. While most of us use 4G and LTE synonymously, but LTE is a standard of 4G. It is the most common 4G standard.

LTE is an all-IP network – supports only data transfer. Voice calls were routed through the 2G/3G network using CSFB (Circuit-switched Fall-Back) technology. Other 4G standards include – LTE-A (also LTE+), WiMax and WirelessMAN-Advanced. LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced) is an upgraded version of the LTE network. It supports speeds of upto 1Gbps (10 times of LTE).

A2Z of LTE – Features of LTE

In this section, I shall discuss some of the unique features of LTE. They are:

• faster download speeds (both upload and download).
• Reduced Latency. It means a lower response time.
• Beneficial for multimedia services like Live TV, video streaming etc.
• Higher quality video streaming and for a longer duration because of lack of buffer time due to lower latency.

A2Z of LTE – VoLTE

Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) is a new technology that allows users to make phone calls over the LTE network.  In the pre-VoLTE era, voice calls were routed through the 2G/3G network using CFSB technology. VoLTE treats phone calls as packets of data instead of a traditional phone call. These packets of data are then transmitted through the LTE network. This improves the quality of voice calls – making HD voice and video calls possible.