Long Term Evolution explained
- Wed, 3 Feb 2010
Long Term Evolution, commonly abbreviated to LTE, relates to the upgrading of mobile networks to cope better with the services they provide such as mobile broadband.
Currently most technology used for mobile services is known as 2G (second-generation) and 3G (third-generation); LTE is referred to as being a 4G technology.
While mobile broadband is catered for by 3G networks, 4G will offer much higher speeds making surfing on the move faster.
LTE can offer these faster speeds by making more efficient use of the radio spectrum available to mobile operators.
Rather than relying on 'packet switching' techniques, where data is divided into chunks of a certain size before it is relayed, LTE uses IP (Internet Protocol) technology, which simplifies the process of sending data over the network.
Currently, few LTE networks have actually been deployed, though many mobile operators are trialling them.



Comments
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February 03 16:58
Mindy
This is a good start for someone who is not familiar with LTE. All in all, it is the beginning of 4G - or I'd say the last step towards true 4G network (so it is between 3.8 and 3.9 :) - seriously. Wikipedia explains a lot what it LTE is. LTEportal casts news about LTE from around the world. Companies like Agilent and Motorola have their LTE labs set up and it is looking good as far as commercialization is concerned. Networks deployed ... Telia Sonera in Sweden introduced services over LTE in mid-December. Verizon is next but when? :)