What is the Difference Between LTE and WiMAX?

LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) are two competing 4G wireless communication standards. They have some similarities, such as being all-IP with flat architecture and similar enabling technologies. However, they also have several key differences:

1. Intercarrier Spacing: LTE uses a standard 15 KHz intercarrier spacing, while WiMAX 2.0 uses 10.94 KHz. The larger the intercarrier spacing, the higher the immunity against Doppler spread.
2. Mobility Speed: LTE can handle mobility speeds up to 350 Km/hr, while WiMAX can support speeds of the order of 120 Km/hr. WiMAX 2.0 can support speeds up to 350 Km/hr.
3. Spectrum Allocation: LTE operates on different frequencies, such as 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, and 2.5 GHz. WiMAX operates on 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz, and can also work on 2.1 GHz and 2.5 GHz.
4. Network Architecture: WiMAX has a flat and IP-based network architecture. LTE also has a flat and IP-based network architecture.
5. Backward Compatibility: WiMAX does not provide backward compatibility, while LTE provides full backward compatibility with full 3GPP interoperability.
6. Deployment: WiMAX is more suitable for new deployments, while LTE is designed to work with existing mobile and broadband deployments. However, both LTE and WiMAX can work with new and existing broadband and mobile deployments.
7. User Capacity: While both LTE and WiMAX are adversely affected by the number of users, LTE tends to be slightly more affected. At the same time, LTE is faster, which tends to balance out the two.

Comparative Table: LTE vs WiMAX

Here is a table comparing the differences between LTE and WiMAX:

Both LTE and WiMAX are wireless communication standards, but they differ in their evolution, industry support, and deployment models. WiMAX has earlier development, while LTE has the advantage of being developed by telecommunications companies. WiMAX supports both fixed and mobile wireless networking, whereas LTE is primarily used for mobile devices.