LTE and 5G: Differences, Applications, and the Future of Industrial Networks

Connectivity is no longer a luxury in many industrial sectors; it is an absolute necessity. Whether you're working on a smart production line, performing remote monitoring on an offshore location, or need data communication in a defense vehicle, you need a network that is reliable, fast, and flexible. And that's where the conversation often begins with terms like LTE and 5G. But what do they actually mean for your application?

At Arcobel Embedded Solutions, we don’t think in abstract network names. We think in practical solutions and are happy to explain, in clear terms, what LTE and 5G mean for your network.

What is LTE and How Does it Work?

LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, and it has been a stable factor in mobile networks for years. You often encounter it as '4G'. While this isn't technically correct, most people mean the same thing: fast mobile internet through a well-covered network. LTE was designed to leave behind the limitations of 3G. The network uses wider frequency bands and more efficient protocols, resulting in higher data speeds and less delay. In short, it's much faster and more stable than 3G, which can make a big difference in industrial environments.

An LTE network allows large data files to be sent, machines to be controlled in real-time, or security footage to be streamed without the connection stuttering. In technical terms, LTE works via OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), meaning it can handle multiple data streams simultaneously, each operating on its own frequency. But if you let all the technical details go, there’s one key takeaway: it works. And that’s what matters. 

What is 5G and What Makes it Different?

5G is more than just the successor to 4G. It’s a completely new generation of wireless technology, built for a world where thousands of devices are online simultaneously and must communicate with each other at lightning speed and without errors. 5G works through new frequency bands, including millimeter waves, which allow for higher speeds. It also uses beamforming, a technique where signals are directed rather than spread out. This is like shining a flashlight instead of using a light bulb.

5G's speed is ten times faster than LTE, and the latency is almost negligible, just one millisecond. This opens the door to applications where timing is critical: from remote surgeries to autonomous vehicles.

Why a 4G router solution with LTE still makes sense

One might think that LTE will be completely replaced by 5G. But it's not that simple! In many cases, a 4G router with LTE offers the best balance of range, stability and cost. Especially in areas with limited infrastructure, such as rail transport or at sea, LTE remains the more reliable choice.

Advantages of LTE for industrial applications:

• • Reliable connections even in remote regions
• • Proven technology with stable performance
• • Lower costs compared to 5G infrastructures
• • Compatibility with existing hardware and software

At Arcobel, we provide industrial routers and network solutions built for these conditions. They can withstand rough environments, operate day and night, and do exactly what you expect from them. We see customers using LTE for long-term projects, mobile applications, or as a fallback connection because they trust the stability of the network.

When Should You Switch to 5G?

As mentioned earlier, the advantages of 5G are impressive when it comes to data speeds and capacity. However, 5G also requires new infrastructure, different antenna technology, and suitable hardware.

That’s why at Arcobel, we guide the transition to 5G step by step. Not every system needs or can switch over immediately. We help you assess when moving to a 5G network makes sense and when it’s better to stay with LTE for a while longer. Our engineers are happy to advise you, tailored to your use case, budget, and future plans.

Comparison: LTE vs. 5G in Practice

The differences between LTE and 5G aren’t just on paper; they truly make a difference in practice. LTE is widely available, proven to be reliable, and often more cost-effective. 5G is faster, smarter, and more flexible, but requires more robust infrastructure and specialized hardware.

One technology doesn’t simply replace the other. It’s about what you need. At Arcobel, we help you make that choice.

Where is LTE Still Used?

LTE is still very much alive, and it will remain so for the foreseeable future. It’s actually used more than you might expect. The network is ideally suited for applications where reliability is more important than maximum speed.

We see it being used in:

• Mobile networks in trains
• Real-time tracking in transport and logistics
• Security systems at construction sites
• Smart meters and sensors in industry
• Temporary networks at events or projects
• Surveillance on mobile locations
• Remote monitoring of machines and installations
The strength of LTE lies in its combination of range, stability, and availability—exactly where many of our customers rely on it.

How Does LTE Network Work in Industrial Applications?

In a factory or on a vehicle, an LTE network works a bit differently than it does at home. It’s not about streaming or scrolling, but about precision and uptime. Data from sensors must be transmitted in real-time, and any interruption can cause problems.

That’s why we at Arcobel supply hardware specifically developed for these applications. Our systems can withstand dust, heat, and vibrations. They communicate via the LTE network with central systems, without interruptions. We ensure optimal configuration and thoroughly test everything before delivery.

5G Network: What Does It Bring for Your Organization?

5G is not just a faster connection. It’s an opportunity to work differently. In sectors like healthcare, industry, or transport, 5G offers new possibilities that simply aren’t achievable with LTE.

Imagine this: Your maintenance technician gets live instructions via augmented reality while working on a complex machine. Or your vehicle receives real-time route updates based on traffic data. Or a doctor performs a remote procedure, assisted by a robotic arm. All of this is possible, but only with the speed and reliability of 5G.

At Arcobel, we design and deliver embedded systems that are ready for that future. Compact, powerful, and tailored to your application.

Is 5G the Ultimate Future?

The short answer? Yes. However, we should add that this is not necessarily the case for everyone and certainly not today. 5G will become the standard in many cases, but that doesn’t mean LTE is going away. In many industrial applications, it will remain a valuable solution for years to come. It’s proven, reliable, and widely applicable.

We believe that the future isn’t about the latest technology, but the right technology. Sometimes that’s 5G. Sometimes it’s LTE. Often, it’s a smart combination of both.

The Role of Arcobel in Your Network Choice

Technology is not an end in itself; it must fit what you do. That’s why at Arcobel, we don’t just look at what’s technically possible, but more importantly at what practically works for your situation.

We deliver hardware ranging from 4G routers to embedded 5G solutions, network solutions, and also provide advice on design, configuration, and integration into your existing systems. Our knowledge goes beyond products. We build solutions that work day in and day out.

The Right Choice Starts with Insight

Whether you need to collect data at a construction site, remotely read medical equipment, or connect a machine to the cloud, it all starts with the right network technology. At Arcobel, we help you with that. With knowledge, experience, and solutions that have already proven themselves in practice.