What is the difference between an LTE and 4G router?
While “LTE” is often used to refer to 4G, these two technologies are not exactly the same. However, today these terms are often used interchangeably by equipment manufacturers and carriers. We’ll outline the differences and similarities here.
What’s an LTE router?
An LTE router is a device that connects to LTE networks to provide high-speed Internet access to multiple devices in a specific location. LTE refers to “Long Term Evolution”, which is a standard for wireless broadband communication that was considered a pathway to achieve 4G speeds.
What’s a 4G router?
A 4G router is a networking device that uses 4G, meaning the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, to provide high-speed Internet access to multiple devices in a specific location.
How does LTE compare to 4G and which is faster?
The 4G standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals is defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 4G encompasses a range of technologies, including LTE, WiMAX, and HSPA+ (High-Speed Packet Access).
4G aimed to provide faster download and upload speeds, more reliable connections, and better performance than 3G. To be officially classified as 4G though, a network needs to offer peak data rates of 100 Mbps (Megabits per second) for high mobility in environments like trains and cars, and 1 Gbps (Gigabits per second) for low mobility environments like a stationary office or a pedestrian walking with a mobile phone.
LTE networks were introduced around the same time as 4G networks, though LTE is based on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) standards. Like 4G, LTE was introduced to provide faster and more efficient data rates compared to previous 3G technologies.
When carriers first started deploying LTE, it did not meet the strict requirements set for 4G, though it was noticeably faster than 3G. Over time, with advancements like LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro, LTE networks exceeded the original 4G requirements.
Why the confusion between 4G and LTE?
When people refer to a 4G router or an LTE router, they typically mean a router that uses a 4G/LTE modem to connect to the Internet via a cellular network. The router may support various 4G technologies, including LTE, LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), and more.
Many carriers refer to their LTE networks as “4G LTE”, because these networks represent a significant improvement over 3G, even if early LTE didn’t initially meet the stringent 4G requirements. LTE (4G LTE) was officially adopted to be a part of the 4G standard by the ITU in 2010.
Ultimately, 4G routers, LTE routers, and 4G LTE routers allow you to create a local Internet network in your home or office using a cellular data connection. They’re useful in areas where fixed-line broadband is unavailable or as a backup Internet connection.
Which should I choose? 4G or LTE?
Today, there’s little difference between routers labeled LTE and 4G. As both 4G and LTE provide wireless Internet access using cellular networks, your choice of router will depend in part on the specific technology supported and data speeds available in your area. You’ll also want to consider 5G [link to What Is a 5G Cellular Router page] if it’s available in your area, as it can be significantly faster than 4G or LTE. If you’re in the market for a cellular router, the most important thing is to check its compatibility with your local network frequencies and cellular carrier and ensure that it has the features you need.
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Additional topics to explore:
What is the best cellular router?