16-evolution of digital cellular standards
2-evolution of mobile standard
Before going in WiMAX vs LTE duel, let’s check their similarities. Both these 4G technologies are quite similar. Check below the similarities:
They are both all IP technologies
They both support advanced MIMO – multiple input and multiple output antenna technology
They both use similar modulation technology based on OFDM – orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
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WiMAX vs LTE Differences
Beside similarities, WiMAX and LTE also have many differences:
LTE-A uses different channels bandwidth from 1.4 MHz to 100 MHz, while WiMAX uses channels bandwidths up to 40 MHz
LTE uses different modulation for uplink (SC-FDMA) and downlink (OFDMA), while WiMAX uses the same modulation for both uplink and downlink – SOFDMA
LTE frame duration is 10 ms, WiMAX is 5 ms
LTE-A can handle speeds up to 450 km/h or 280 mph, while WiMAX 120 km/h or 75 mph
WiMAX network doesn’t support legacy systems like 2G and 3G, while LTE is compatible and enables coexistence and roaming between LTE and 3G.
Cost for building WiMAX network is lower than cost for building LTE network
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LTE Advantages over WiMAX
LTE is compatible with previous mobile technologies – GSM, GPRS, UMTS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSPA, CDMA-one, CDMA2000, EV-DO, EV-DV and the synchronous SC-CDMA
Enables much greater speed for the mobile users – speed up to 450 km/h or 250 mph
Better technology for power consumption of mobile terminals – it uses SC-FDMA for uplink – modulation technology that saves battery life of mobile terminals
LTE-A is only true 4G technology
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WiMAX Advantages over LTE
Deployment of WiMAX network is much cheaper than deployment of LTE network
Great choice for private mobile broadband wireless networks
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The Conclusion of WiMAX vs LTE – Which 4G Technology is Better
The LTE is much more popular and widespread than WiMAX and I am sure that the big majority of the mobile operators will chose the LTE as its 4G technology. One of the biggest advantages of LTE over WiMAX is its compatibility with all previous mobile technologies GSM, GPRS, UMTS, WCDMA, CDMA, CDMA200, EV-DO. WiMAX is compatible with the previous version of WiMAX that were not used as mobile technologies. It is also important to mention that the latest LTE standard, LTE – Advanced or LTE-A, is the only true 4G technology.
WiMAX is a better choice for the low cost installing network in developing countries, wireless replacement for the DSL, private networks in dedicated industrial segments.
