As of March 2023, there are 92 countries with active 5G, the 5th generation mobile network. Here is a breakdown by country. The 5G network is accessible to approximately:
- 25.2% of India's population
- 40% of the US population
- 55% of the 40% of the UK population
- 60% of Canada's population
- 70% of Japan's population
- 97% of South Korea's population
As 5G gradually replaces 4G cellular networks in most countries, embedded devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being upgraded to 4G modems.
A few years ago, 2G modems were preferred for use in embedded devices due to their low cost. But with the 5G revolution, this is changing. As a result, the costs of 3G and 4G modems are decreasing, with 4G quickly becoming a favorite among designers.
If you're looking for a 4G modem for your next project, you'll come across a variety of terms related to this cellular technology. Some modems are labeled LTE, LTE450, VoLTE, or optional VoLTE, which describes their network coverage. LTE, VoLTE, and LTE450 are different cellular technologies, which can cause confusion.
In this article, we will cover these cellular technologies, including how they work with a GSM modem, which is the standard for digital cellular communication.
LTE vs. VoLTE
LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) are two important innovations in mobile technology. Although these acronyms may seem similar, they represent distinct technologies with specific functionalities.
What is LTE?
LTE is the result of an incessant search for mobile data networks that are faster and more efficient. After 3G (Third Generation) networks, LTE is the fourth generation (4G) of wireless cellular technology. Its main purpose is to provide high-speed data transfer for various mobile services. It was created to solve the inadequacies of its predecessors.
LTE is primarily data-centric, prioritizing the efficient transmission of data over the network. The technology makes web browsing, video streaming, app downloads, etc. easier. It offers a seamless mobile broadband experience.
It's extremely efficient at everything from sending emails and messages to streaming high-definition videos. LTE offers significantly higher data speeds than 3G networks and is optimized to handle many users simultaneously, providing greater data transmission capacity in densely populated areas.
What is VoLTE?
Voice over LTE, or VoLTE, represents an evolutionary step in mobile communication. It enhances the capabilities of LTE networks and includes voice services – allowing voice calls to be made over the LTE network. This is in contrast to older technologies like 2G and 3G, which were mainly used for voice calls only.
VoLTE was created specifically for voice communications. It replaces outdated voice technologies by using LTE network capabilities to deliver high-quality voice conversations. Typically, VoLTE is linked to better call quality and is sometimes called “HD Voice.”
With less noise and interference, it allows for clear voice calls. Additionally, it offers better energy efficiency and longer battery life than non-VoLTE voice calls on LTE networks.
VoLTE also offers faster call setup times, allowing users to make voice connections faster. One of its standout features is the ability to simultaneously use voice and data services. This means you can browse the internet or use apps during a voice call without interruption.
What is the difference between LTE and VoLTE?
Despite similar acronyms, these technologies are different. LTE is designed for high-speed data transfer and mobile Internet services, while VoLTE is designed for high-quality voice conversations over LTE networks.
While LTE handles data traffic such as internet browsing and app usage, VoLTE covers voice traffic, allowing voice calls to be made over LTE.
While LTE offers high-speed data transmission, VoLTE requires improvements to the LTE network to support voice calls, including quality of service (QoS) management for voice traffic. The same applies to user devices. LTE is compatible with many devices, including older ones, while VoLTE requires VoLTE-enabled devices and network support. Older devices may not support VoLTE.
If we compare voice calls, LTE does not guarantee the same high-quality voice calls as VoLTE, which by default offers “HD voice”. LTE typically has longer call setup times and may not prioritize emergency calls.
Generally, VoLTE networks provide better QoS for voice calls, ensuring consistent call quality even in congested network conditions. LTE prioritizes data traffic over voice, leading to potential degradation of voice call quality during network congestion. Compared to voice conversations via LTE, those using VoLTE are generally more effective at managing power during voice calls.
However, LTE is a clear winner when it comes to coverage and interoperability. For voice conversations, LTE works with several generations of cellular technology (2G, 3G and 4G). VoLTE is based on LTE networks and does not rely on antiquated voice technology. LTE is commonly used for Internet services. VoLTE roaming is less common and typically uses 3G or 2G networks for voice calls.
It can be challenging to use LTE when making calls and this often requires switching to 3G for audio calls. This is not a problem with VoLTE. Allows simultaneous use of voice and data, enabling tasks such as browsing the web during a call.
What is LTE450?
Many 4G modems are labeled LTE450. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and LTE450 (LTE Band 31) are part of the same wireless communication standard, but they operate in different frequency bands and are often used for different purposes.
LTE450 or LTE Band 31 is a specific frequency band within the LTE standard. LTE450 operates between 410 and 470 MHz in the 450 MHz frequency band. Usage and accessibility of LTE450 may vary by region and country.
Devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and data modems) designed to work with LTE450 networks are required to access LTE services in their specific frequency band. These devices must support the precise frequency bands designated for LTE450 in each of these locations.
What is the difference between LTE and LTE450?
LTE450 specifically operates in the 450 MHz frequency band at the bottom of the spectrum. This band is between 410 and 470 MHz.
LTE operates in a variety of frequency bands, including but not limited to 700 MHz, 1.8 GHz, and 2.6 GHz. The specific band used by LTE may vary depending on the region and network provider. It also has shorter ranges and is optimized to deliver high-speed data in small, densely populated areas.
However, LTE bands are sometimes limited by buildings or infrastructure, making them more suitable for use outdoors or in areas with line-of-sight to mobile communications towers.
LTE450 offers extended range with a network optimized to provide data services in rural and remote areas. It can more easily pass through buildings and other obstacles, providing better coverage in challenging environments, including indoor environments.
LTE450 networks also require infrastructure, such as cell towers and base stations, that operate in the 450 MHz frequency band to provide Internet services within the coverage area. Additionally, devices that support the 450 MHz band are required for use.
LTE450 is often used to extend LTE coverage, providing basic cellular coverage in rural and less densely populated areas. LTE is commonly used for high-speed data services including mobile internet, video streaming and app downloads in urban and densely populated areas.
Which technology works best with IoT?
The cellular technologies that most IoT devices rely on include NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT), LTE-M (LTE for Machines), 5G, and LPWAN technologies like LoRaWAN and Sigfox.
There are only a few niche applications where embedded electronics require communication over cellular networks specific to mobile devices, such as LTE, LTE450 or VoLTE. For example, VoLTE is only used in smart devices that require high-quality voice communication.
You may be designing a device that receives audio from a remote location. If you opt for a 4G modem on your device, it will also be LTE enabled. You will likely only need LTE450 if the device is used in a remote or rural environment, as long as there is infrastructure in the area that supports it.