What is 4G?
4G is the fourth generation of mobile telecommunications, built entirely on an all-IP architecture. It delivers peak download speeds of up to 1 Gbps (LTE-Advanced) and is the backbone of both current consumer broadband and early 5G NSA deployments. It is standardized by 3GPP as LTE (Long-Term Evolution).
How Does 4G Work?
4G uses OFDMA in the downlink and SC-FDMA in the uplink, with MIMO antenna techniques (up to 8×8). The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) handles all traffic as IP packets, eliminating circuit-switched voice in favour of VoLTE. LTE-Advanced (Release 10) added carrier aggregation, eICIC for HetNets, and enhanced MIMO.
Use Cases
HD video streaming, VoLTE voice calls, mobile broadband replacement of fixed internet, IoT connectivity (NB-IoT/eMTC), anchor network for 5G NSA (EN-DC) deployments.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 36.300 (E-UTRAN Overall Description), Releases 8–14
Related Terms
EPC | LTE | eNB | 5G | NSA | EN-DC
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This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
