4G LTE

Short for Long Term Evolution, 4G LTE is similar to the S series of iPhones. It is an improvement over its predecessor, but not substantial enough to qualify as a new generation.

While 4G LTE is a major improvement over 3G speeds, it is technically not 4G. However, most cellular carriers now advertise their networks as 4G LTE, because it sounds the same as 4G (or even better). In some cases, your phone may even display 4G LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced), which is even closer to proper 4G. This is the cutting edge of consumer cell phone technology.

4G Vs. LTE.

In laymans terms, the difference between 4G and LTE is that 4G is faster than LTE. The reason for this is that 4G meets the technical standards designated for it whereas LTE data transfer speed standard is merely a stopgap measure standard devised until actual 4G speed is realized.

LTE ( 4G) Network Architecture

eNodeB : The enodeb is the 4 g site that the UE connects to. It provides the radio interface to UE.

MME : MME refers to Mobility Management Entity. The MME is responsible for the authenticating the UE. It tracks the location of UE. It selects the suitable SGW and PGW that should server this UE.

SGW : Serving Gateway . In order to eleiminate any effect on user data while the UE moves between different eNodeBs , the SGW works as an anchor point for user data of the UE, while the UE is moving between different eNodeBs.The SGW forwards the user data between the eNodeB and PGW.

PGW : PGW refers to PDN gateway. The PGW is the mmode that connects between the LTE network and the PDN.

HSS: HSS refers to the Home Subscriber Server. The HSS is the database that stores the subscription information of the users in the network like which PDN they should be able to access.

PDN : PDN refers to Public Data Network and it is the network that UE would like to connect to.