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LTE

By Bradley Mitchell, About.com

Definition: LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a wireless broadband technology designed to support roaming Internet access via cell phones and handheld devices. Because LTE offers significant improvements over older cellular communication standards, some refer to it as a 4G (fourth generation) technology along with WiMax.

With its architecture centered on Internet Protocol (IP), Long Term Evolution promises to have excellent support for browsing Web sites, VoIP and other IP-based services. LTE can theoretically support downloads at 300 Megabits per second (Mbps) or more based on experimental trials. However, the actual bandwidth available to an individual LTE subscriber will likely be significantly less.

Long Term Evolution technology remains in a research and development mode, and industry specifications are not fully ratified. Expect networking products and services based on LTE to be globally available only in a few more years.

Also Known As: Long Term Evolution, Super 3G
Bradley Mitchell
Guide since 1999

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